ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS FOR THE YEAR 1939
Table of Contents
1 Geography, Climate and History
2 Government
3 Population and Births and Deaths
4 Public Health
5 Housing
6 Natural Resources
7 Commerce
8 Labour
9 Wages and Cost of Living
10 Education and Welfare institutions
11 Communication and Transport
12 Public Works
13 Justice and Police
14 Legislation
15 Banking, Currency, Weights and Measures
16 Public Finance and Taxation
17 Miscellaneous
A Financial Report
A(2) Audit office
C Secretariat for Chinese affairs
D Harbour office
E Imports and Exports office
F Royal Observatory
G Supreme Court
G(1) Registrar of Trade Marks
H Police Magistrates' Courts
I Land office
J New Territories
K Police and Fire Brigade
L Prisons
M Medical and Sanitary
M(1) Urban Council
N Botanical and forestry
O Education
P(1) A.R.P.
Q Public Works
R Post office
S Railway
REPORT ON THE SOCIAL & ECONOMIC PROGRESS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE COLONY OF HONG KONG FOR THE YEAR 1939.
Chapter I.
GEOGRAPHY, CLIMATE AND HISTORY.
[Please see Chapter I. of the 1938 Report.]
For 22° 37′ N. in line 13 of Chapter I of the Report for 1938, read 22° 17′ N.
Chapter II.
GOVERNMENT.
[Please see also Chapter II. of the Report for 1938.]
No outstanding changes in the system of Government in the Colony occurred during the year 1939, other than changes consequent upon the outbreak of the war with Germany in September of that year. Appointments were made to various temporary wartime posts which included: Custodian of Enemy Property, Controller of Trade, Controller of Food, Censor and Detaining Officer. In addition a Prize Court was established in the Colony shortly after the outbreak of war.
On 5th September, 1939, the Commodore in charge of Naval Establishments, Hong Kong, was appointed to be a member of the Executive Council.
Chapter III.
POPULATION AND BIRTHS AND DEATHS.
Hong Kong is a free port and this and its geographical position renders it impossible to exercise effective control over emigration and immigration. It is difficult, in consequence, to give accurate estimates of the population of the Colony. The mid-year population in 1939, based on the results of the censuses of 1921 and 1931, amounted to 1,050,256. During 1939 approximately 90,000 more persons entered the Colony by steamships than left by the same route. This figure does not take into account all those arriving by junk or sampan. In addition, it does not include those who crossed over from Chinese territory by land. It is probable that the population of Hong Kong increased by about 650,000 during 1938 and 1939, the greater proportion of this increase being in respect of refugees from areas involved in the hostilities with Japan.
Hostilities between Chinese and Japanese forces close to the Kwangtung border towards the end of February, 1939, and again later in the year in this area, in the Chung Shan district between Canton and Macao, in the Island of Hainan and on the mainland of Western Kwangtung resulted in an influx of refugees amounting to many tens of thousands.
REPORT ON THE SOCIAL & ECONOMIC PROGRESS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE COLONY OF HONG KONG FOR THE YEAR 1939.
Chapter I.
GEOGRAPHY, CLIMATE AND HISTORY.
[Please see Chapter I. of the 1938 Report.]
For 22° 37′ N. in line 13 of Chapter I of the Report for 1938, read 22° 17′ N.
Chapter II.
GOVERNMENT.
[Please see also Chapter II. of the Report for 1938.]
No outstanding changes in the system of Government in the Colony occurred during the year 1939, other than changes consequent upon the outbreak of the war with Germany in September of that year. Appointments were made to various temporary wartime posts which included: Custodian of Enemy Property, Controller of Trade, Controller of Food, Censor and Detaining Officer. In addition a Prize Court was established in the Colony shortly after the outbreak of war.
On 5th September, 1939, the Commodore in charge of Naval Establishments, Hong Kong, was appointed to be a member of the Executive Council.
Chapter III.
POPULATION AND BIRTHS AND DEATHS.
Hong Kong is a free port and this and its geographical position renders it impossible to exercise effective control over emigration and immigration. It is difficult, in consequence, to give accurate estimates of the population of the Colony. The mid-year population in 1939, based on the results of the censuses of 1921 and 1931, amounted to 1,050,256. During 1939 approximately 90,000 more persons entered the Colony by steamships than left by the same route. This figure does not take into account all those arriving by junk or sampan. In addition, it does not include those who crossed over from Chinese territory by land. It is probable that the population of Hong Kong increased by about 650,000 during 1938 and 1939, the greater proportion of this increase being in respect of refugees from areas involved in the hostilities with Japan.
Hostilities between Chinese and Japanese forces close to the Kwangtung border towards the end of February, 1939, and again later in the year in this area, in the Chung Shan district between Canton and Macao, in the Island of Hainan and on the mainland of Western Kwangtung resulted in an influx of refugees amounting to many tens of thousands.
REPORT ON THE SOCIAL & ECONOMIC PROGRESS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE COLONY OF HONG KONG FOR THE YEAR 1939.
Chapter I.
GEOGRAPHY, CLIMATE AND HISTORY.
[Please see Chapter I. of the 1938 Report.]
For 22° 37′ N. in line 13 of Chapter I of the Report for 1938, read 22° 17′ N.
Chapter II.
GOVERNMENT.
[Please see also Chapter II. of the Report for 1938.]
No outstanding changes in the system of Government in the Colony occurred during the year 1939, other than changes consequent upon the outbreak of the war with Germany in September of that year. Appointments were made to various temporary wartime posts which included: Custodian of Enemy Property, Controller of Trade, Controller of Food, Censor and Detaining Officer. In addition a Prize Court was established in the Colony shortly after the outbreak of war.
On 5th September, 1939, the Commodore in charge of Naval Establishments, Hong Kong, was appointed to be a member of the Executive Council.
Chapter III.
POPULATION AND BIRTHS AND DEATHS.
Hong Kong is a free port and this and its geographical position renders it impossible to exercise effective control over emigration and immigration. It is difficult, in consequence, to give accurate estimates of the population of the Colony. The mid-year population in 1939, based on the results of the censuses of 1921 and 1931, amounted to 1,050,256. During 1939 approximately 90,000 more persons entered the Colony by steamships than left by the same route. This figure does not take into account all those arriving by junk or sampan. In addition, it does not include those who crossed over from Chinese territory by land. It is probable that the population of Hong Kong increased by about 650,000 during 1938 and 1939, the greater proportion of this increase being in respect of refugees from areas involved in the hostilities with Japan.
Hostilities between Chinese and Japanese forces close to the Kwangtung border towards the end of February, 1939, and again later in the year in this area, in the Chung Shan district between Canton and Macao, in the Island of Hainan and on the mainland of Western Kwangtung resulted in an influx of refugees amounting to many tens of thousands.
2
To balance this large influx of refugees, many thousands left the Colony in the autumn of 1939 at the threat of extension of military operations involving the Colony itself. The fall in the value of the Chinese dollar and the rise in the cost of living also had the effect of causing many émigrés to leave the Colony for the interior of China.
The table given below indicates the distribution of the population in the various parts of the Colony as estimated at June, 1939, but does not include the refugee element who arrived in the Colony subsequent to the 7th July, 1937, the date of the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese hostilities:--
Table I.
Hong Kong Kowloon
New Territories
Maritime
Totals
Non-Chinese..
9,896
11,835
508
1,372
23,611
Chinese.....
450,294
366,332
110,019
100,000
1,026,645
Totals...... 460,190
378,167
110,527
101,372
1,050,256
Registration of births and deaths is compulsory and the necessary data are obtained through twenty-nine registration offices. Stimulus was given to birth registration during the year when permission was accorded to post-register a large number of births which had occurred in the New Territories and when a large number of families desired to leave the Colony fearing that Hong Kong might be involved more closely in the conflict.
Births.
as
Registered births showed an increase from 35,893 (558 non-Chinese) in 1938 to 46,675 (566 non-Chinese) in 1939. Still-births numbered 1,402 in 1939, compared with 1,075 in 1938. For purposes of comparison with the corresponding figures for the previous year, it is desirable to include a table giving the crude uncorrected birth-rates based upon two methods of calculation. Firstly (A), the rate is calculated on a population estimated by extrapolation methods from the previous census-as in the table given above. Secondly (B), the rate is calculated by adding to (A) a figure of 200,000 to represent the surplus of immigrants over emigrants during the period 1st of July, 1937, to 30th of June, 1938, and a further figure of 500,000 for the corresponding surplus for the year 1st of July, 1938, to the 30th of June, 1939.
Table II,
1938
Method A
Method B
Population
Births
Rate
Population Births
Rate
Whole Population
1,028,619
35,893
34.9
Chinese
1,005,523
35,335
35.1
Non-Chinese
23,096
558
24.2
1,228,619 35,893 1,205,523 23,096
29.2
35,335
29.3
558
24.2
1939
Method A
Method B
Population Births
Rate
Population Births
Rate
The
Whole Population
1,050,256
46,675
44.4
Chinese
1,026,645
46,109
44.9
1,750,256 1.726,645
46,675
26.7
46,109
26.7
Non-Chinese
23,611
566
23.9
23,611
566
24.0
3
Deaths.
The number of deaths recorded in 1939 amounted to 48,283 (202 non-Chinese), an increase of 9,465 over the corresponding figure for 1938.
As in the case of birth-rates, it is necessary to give two methods of calculation of the crude uncorrected death-rates and these can be seen in Table III below.
Table III.
1939
Method A
Method B
Population Deaths Rate
Population
Deaths
Rate
Whole Population
Chinese
1,050,256 48,283
46.0
1,750,256
48,283
27.6
1,026,645
48,081
46.8
1,726,645
48,081
27.8
Non-Chinese
23,611
202
8.6
23,611
202
8.6
1938
Method A
Method B
Population Deaths. Rate
Population Deaths
Rate
Whole Population
1,028,619
Chinese
1,005,523
38,818
38,621
37.7
1,228,619
38,818
31.6
38.4
1,205,523
38,621
32.0
Non-Chinese
23,096
197
8.5
23,096
197
8.5
Still-births.
Only 1,402 still-births came under notice in 1939 (1,075 in 1938), a ratio of just over three per centum to the live births registered. It is more than probable that a number of still-births never come to the notice of the authorities.
Infant mortality rate.
15,678 Chinese infants under one year of age died in 1939, as compared with 12,001 in 1938; the infant mortality rates for 1939 and 1938 being 341 and 343 respectively. The rate among Chinese infants was nearly six times the corresponding rate among non-Chinese infants.
There was a considerable increase in the number of marriages in the year under review, both in licensed places of worship and at the Registry of Marriages. This can be accounted for principally by the fact that the Christian marriage and its civil equivalent are gaining in popularity among the Chinese. It is of course impossible to record the number of non-Christian customary marriages.
The following table provides means for comparing statistics in 1939 with those in 1938-
1938
1939
Chinese
Others Chinese
Others
By Special Licence in Church.
4
1
6
By Special Licence at Registry
10
9
4
12
By Registrar's Certificate in Church
116
115
151
114
By Registrar's Certificate at Registry In Articulo Mortis
209
79
423
70
1
1
336
208
579
202
4
Chapter IV.
1. PUBLIC HEALTH.
The continuation of Sino-Japanese hostilities throughout 1939, the intensification of military operations in the Chung Shan district lying between Macao and Canton from which a greater portion of the supply of vegetables for the Colony is derived, the extension to the Island of Hainan and the neighbouring mainland of Western Kwangtung, whence come most of the live pigs, mopping-up tactics on the Colony's land frontier followed by a virtual land-blockade for the last five and a half months of the year, depriving the Colony of its normal supplies of vegetables, pigs and cattle from Eastern Kwangtung, increase in the price of staple foodstuffs following upon the outbreak of war in Europe, disintegration of health services in most of occupied Kwangtung and the influx of malnourished refugees often bringing with them acute infections of various kinds, all combined to exert an adverse influence on the health of the community during the year under review.
2. EPIDEMICS.
Epidemic disease took heavy toll.
SMALLPOX.
Smallpox was less prevalent than in 1938, the relevant figures for 1939 being 198 cases with 153 deaths, a case mortality rate of 77 per centum as compared with 2,327 cases and 1,834 deaths and a mortality of 79 per centum in the previous year. Thirty-five of the cases were imported from Macao, Kwangtung and other parts of China. The principal
The principal weapon used against this disease was vaccination and 1,393,860 vaccinations were carried out in 1939, the figure for 1938 being 1,027,591.
CHOLERA.
Cholera reared its ugly head once again in Hong Kong in 1939. Apart from five sporadic cases in January, the Colony remained free until the 5th May, a peak was reached during the last week in August and the first "nil" return was received for the week ending the 25th November. Thirty-four cases were imported from Macao and other out-ports. Cases, deaths and case mortality are given in the following table :-
Year.
Cases
Deaths
Percentage case mortality
Table IV.
1937.
1938.
1939.
1,690
547
709
1,082
364
448
64
67
63
Many
Anti-cholera inoculations to the number of 320,748 were carried out. of these related to intending passengers by steamship, since stringent regulations were enforced by the quarantine authorities in the Philippines and elsewhere during the year. Owing to the many instances of cholera-infected persons arriving from Macao, special measures were taken to ensure that passengers to and from that port were in possession of valid certificates of anti-cholera inoculation. This measure met with local opposition which was, however, largely overcome in the interests of the community.
Intensive public health propaganda was carried out and took the form, in part, of the posting throughout the Colony of graphic posters demonstrating the ways in which infection took place and indicating the most appropriate preventive measures.
5
CEREBRO-SPINAL MENINGITIS.
were
Cerebro-spinal meningitis, essentially a disease associated with overcrowding and bad housing, prevailed again in the Colony in 1939. Some 488 cases discovered, being five more than in the previous year; of these, 214 (223 in 1938) died, representing a case mortality of 44 per centum (46 in 1938). Most of those affected were children or young persons under fifteen years of age. Supplies of sulphanilamide were obtained in sufficient quantities and the best results were obtained by the use of this drug in combination with anti-meningoccal serum prepared in the Government Bacteriological Institute.
OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
(a) Dysentery and typhoid fever.
With a deterioration in housing conditions, resulting from the refugee element, and in the general sanitary state of the urban area, owing to the fact that many of the refugees came from areas where communal hygiene was of a very low standard, it is understandable that dysentery and typhoid fever assumed somewhat serious. proportions.
During 1939, some 1,451 cases of dysentery and 446 deaths were reported, as compared with 1,071 cases and 340 deaths in the preceding year. Typhoid fever accounted for 857 cases (539 in 1938) and 385 deaths (187 in 1938).
Representations were made to Government by the medical authorities in the summer of 1939 urging the need for more scavengers, additional refuse lorries, the daily washing of the streets in the worst districts of the town and for a complete reorganisation of the highly unsatisfactory method of collection and disposal of nightsoil from the bulk of the habitations in the urban area which depended upon a single bucket system.
Government approved the immediate engagement of 200 labourers and the purchase of five additional refuse lorries. Directions were also given to the Urban Council to appoint a select committee to advise on the question of nightsoil collection and disposal. This committee had not reported its findings by the end of
1939.
Pasteurisation of all milk sold to the public was introduced on the 1st April, 1939, and no doubt will exercise a very beneficial effect on the incidence of these diseases.
(b) Diphtheria.
A somewhat alarming increase in the incidence of diphtheria was noted during the year. A total of 402 cases were reported, of which 142 ended fatally, comparing with 319 cases and 147 deaths in 1938. No actual source of infection, other than by carriers, could be traced.
(c) Leprosy.
A number of lepers were discovered amongst the refugees who sought safety in this Colony in 1939. These were accommodated temporarily in the Kennedy Town Leper Settlement (which is due for early demolition or very extensive repairs) until arrangements could be made for their transfer to Chinese territory.
By arrangement with the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in charge of St. Joseph's Leper Asylum at Sheklung in Kwangtung, 100 leper patients were trans- ferred from Hong Kong in 1939. Some of them walked back, finding Hong Kong more exciting than life on an island in the Sheklung river.
Before the fall of Swatow in June, 1939, arrangements were also made for forty lepers to be admitted to the Swatow Municipal Leper Settlement on the island. of Ching Wei. Unfortunately, this settlement was later bombed and destroyed and the majority of the survivors walked back overland to the leper settlement at Kennedy Town, taking twenty days on the journey.
1
6
Arrangements were also made with the Church Missionary Society Leper Settlement on the outskirts of Pakhoi in Western Kwangtung to accommodate twenty-five lepers.
In spite of these transfers, the Kennedy Town Settlement had a population of 172 at the end of the year.
(d) Tuberculosis.
In January, 1939, tuberculosis was added to the list of diseases which must be notified to the health authorities. By the end of the year, 7,591 cases had been reported, a tithe of those existing in the Colony. Deaths numbered 4,443 as compared with 4,920 in 1938. It is feared, however, that this does not represent the correct figure, for a very definite disinclination exists to report cases and deaths lest these be followed by terminal disinfection of the premises and other disturbances to person and property. Hence, there are no grounds for satisfaction at the apparent improvement in the mortality from this disease in 1939.
As stated above, pasteurisation of milk came into force in 1939, although it must be admitted that there is little evidence of tuberculosis in milch-kine in Hong Kong.
An important step was taken by Government in the summer of 1939 in connection with housing and town-planning, which has such an influence upon the incidence and spread of tuberculosis in this Colony. The Town-Planning Ordin- ance, No. 20 of 1939, was enacted and a Board was nominated by Government. Labour legislation was also prepared-not yet enacted-which should have an important effect on wage rates and conditions of work, hence, on the tuberculosis problem. Intensive public health propaganda was carried out during the year against spitting and to disseminate teaching on the cause and means of prevention of the disease.
L
3. HOSPITALIZATION.
The serious overcrowding of the hospitals in Hong Kong continued throughout the year. In-patients in the group of three Chinese hospitals numbered 61,001 in 1939, as compared with 43,807 in 1936, the year preceding the outbreak of hostilities.
The three Chinese hospitals have an "official" accommodation of 1,102 beds, but the daily average number of in-patients accounted to 1,684.
As a temporary expedient, four large matsheds were constructed in the grounds of the Kwong Wah Hospital one of the three principal Chinese hospitals-to house two hundred bed- ridden patients for whom room could not be found in the hospital itself.
In order to relieve the Chinese hospitals in some measure, Government approved the erection of hospital huts in all four urban camps for refugees, internees and destitutes. These housed eighty beds and proved a valuable asset.
To meet the difficulties resulting from the periodical closing of the Canton River (and, consequently, from the impossibility of transferring mental patients to the Fong Chuen Lunatic Asylum in Canton), Government sanctioned the conversion into wards of a large block of buildings originally used as quarters for Sisters at the former Government Civil Hospital. This helped greatly to reduce the serious overcrowding in the Mental Hospital. ›
To meet, in part, the dearth of accommodation for sick babies, Government also approved the temporary loan of the former Maternity Hospital at the old Govern- ment Civil Hospital to a private charitable association, a Government Lady Medical Officer serving as medical adviser.
7
A small block for patients suffering from diphtheria, typhoid fever and similar infectious diseases was opened during 1939 at the Kowloon Hospital pending the building of a new infectious diseases hospital nearby on the Kowloon Medical
Centre.
Another minor, but useful improvement, consisted of a new block of staff quarters for the matron and midwives on the roof of the Government (Tsan Yuk) Maternity Hospital.
The Hospital Committee appointed by the Governor in 1938 under the chair- manship of the Director of Medical Services completed its deliberations in 1939 and submitted a report which has since received the careful consideration of Government. The report has been published and a copy may be obtained on application to the Medical Department, Hong Kong.
4. WELFARE ACTIVITIES.
A further large increase in the attendances at the welfare centres was registered in 1939 and attained the figure of 161,157 (124,046 in 1938).
A new welfare centre was established in May in Block C. of the former Government Civil Hospital. Measures were taken at the end of the year to convert the former Central British School in Nathan Road, Kowloon, into a health centre with a large welfare section.
With the approval of Government, sites were earmarked for a network of health centres throughout the urban area and New Territories and plans have been prepared to build these centres as and when funds become available.
Efforts were made to increase the "preventive" value of the welfare centres during the period under review, emphasis being placed on talks and demonstrations to mothers, domiciliary visits by health visitors, and so on. There is still considerable scope for such development at these centres which are too prone to assume the character of sick baby dispensaries in view of the heavy burden of sickness throughout the community.
5. NUTRITION.
Nutrition occupies pride of place in the problems to be solved in Hong Kong. It has been proved again and again that good housing, though of the very greatest importance to health, loses much of its value unless the occupants enjoy reasonable means for the purchase of food.
An overcrowded labour market reducing possible earnings, taken in conjunction with increased rents and a general rise in the cost of living amounting to about 45 per centum since the outbreak of the European War, has had an adverse effect on the general standard of nutrition in 1939.
Deaths from beri beri alone-to mention but one of the obvious deficiency diseases-increased from 2,673 in 1938 to 3,189 in 1939. Whole wards had to be devoted to the treatment of cases of beri beri and, in a relief hospital of 300 beds, it was usual to find 250 occupied by patients suffering from this condition or from other gross forms of malnutrition or faulty nutrition.
*
These
Further practical nutrition experiments were carried out by the Medical Department in the camps for refugees and destitutes which it administered. camps held upwards of 12,000 persons at times, consequently, ample material was available for field experiment. Careful checks were made daily in regard to the quantity and quality of food served, children were weighed and medically examined weekly and adults once monthly.
9
On meatless days the adults shall be given salted fish and/or Chinese chese (foo yee). The children from 1-14 shall be given salted egg. up to the scheduled weight on the four meatless days per week. Fresh green leafy vegetables shall form 70% or more of the total daily weight of vegetables. Onions, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and melon for the balance. The items for beans or products are as follows:
Soya bean cheese, fresh bean curd, dried bean curd slices, sweet bean curd slices, soya bean milk and dried fresh bean cake. No whole soya beans will be served. In addition to the above a pint of congee containing two ounces of white rice shall be given to each person and soya bean milk prepared in accordance with the specifications of the Medical Department to all children and to any others recommended by the Medical Officer in charge
The prices include the provision by the Contractors of the following, viz. :—
1. Kitchen staff.
2.
Kitchen and cooking utensils.
3. Feeding utensils including chopsticks, bowls, plates, etc.
4. Fuel for cooking the diets.
Chapter V.
HOUSING.
[Please see also Chapter V. of the 1938 Report.]
A Town Planning Committee was appointed in July, 1939 and held several meetings. Some tentative recommendations were made regarding zoning in Kowloon and the reservation of areas for factories. The Committee has now applied to Government for the secondment of a Town Planning officer so that certain preliminary work may be carried out and submitted for the consideration of the Committee.
For the purpose of the sanitary inspection of tenements under the powers con- ferred by the Public Health (Sanitation) Ordinance, No. 15 of 1935, the Urban District is divided into thirty-five health districts each of which is in the charge of a Sanitary Inspector. Each health district contains about 2,500 floors and, in normal times, about 25,000 inhabitants. House to house inspection forms part of the duties of the sanitary inspectorate and of the health officers. Some 56,207 sanitary nuisances were dealt with during the year and some 229,385 floors were subjected to cleansing with kerosene oil emulsion. Floors in the overcrowded central districts are cleansed four times annually and those in the outlying districts twice annually.
。
10
Occupation Permits Issued and Premises Demolished during the years 1937-1939.
Occupation Permits.
1937 Kowloon
Hong Kong
Chinese tenement
European type
type houses.
houses.
40
38
76
19
116
57
1938 Kowloon
64 (237 flats)
41
Hong Kong
39 (152 flats)
44
103
85
1939 Kowloon
129 (386 flats)
141 (427 flats)
Hong Kong
100 (345 flats)
74 (195 flats)
229
215
Premises Demolished.
Chinese tenement type houses.
European type
houses.
1937 Kowloon
18
2
Hong Kong
154
16
172
18
1938 Kowloon
14
2
Hong Kong
15
4
29
6
CO
1939 Kowloon
10
2
Hong Kong
14
со
24
10
•
11
Chapter VI.
NATURAL RESOURCES.
[Please see also Chapter VI. of the 1938 Report.]
Fisheries.
The fisheries of Hong Kong, from the point of view of the general economy of the Colony and of the number of persons connected directly and indirectly with this form of production, are the most important of the local industries. There are three classes of fishery products available in the open market: fresh freshwater fish, fresh sea-fish and salted sea-fish including mollusca and crustacea. Almost all the freshwater fish is imported from Canton, Sheklong, Shekki, Kongmoon, Wuchow and Macao. A portion of the salted and canned goods is imported from Shantung, Shanghai, Europe, America and Japan, and from Annam and other East Indian countries. The remainder, both fresh and salted, is the product of the local fisheries.
It is estimated that, during 1939, there were 2,722 large and small Chinese fishing junks either indigenous, or regular visitors, to Hong Kong. These fishing fleets are manned by at least 40,000 able-bodied men and women, and carry with them some 25,000 others who have no homes other than the fishing junks. In normal times the fleets make voyage of two to four weeks' duration as far as Swatow and Kwonghoi (Toishan), but since the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese hostilities they have been compelled to limit their activities to areas within and adjacent to the territorial waters.
During 1939 approximately 230,000 piculs of fresh sea-fish, valued at $3,450,000, and 220,000 piculs of salted sea-fish, valued at $3,700,000, were landed. This represents a total quantity of 450,000 piculs, or 26,787 tons, of a wholesale price value of $7,150,000, and a retail price value of more than $10,000,000.
It is estimated that over $15,030,000 capital is invested in junks, gear and general equipment.
Approximately 150,000 piculs of fresh freshwater fish, valued at $3,000,000, are imported annually.
Only a small fraction (usually about 80 piculs per day) of the fresh sea-fish is exported to Canton and the surrounding district. In 1939, owing to the increased demand for food-stuff in Hong Kong, the export of fresh sea-fish was reduced to a minimum. Usually, of the salted sea-fish produced in the Colony, 30% is consumed locally and 70% is exported to the interior of China through Canton, Macao, Shekki, Kongmoon, Wuchow and occasionally through Shanghai but now a large percentage is consumed in the Colony. The total amount of foreign produced salted fish imported into the Colony and then re-exported into China is valued at approximately $3,300,000.
The organization of production is on a loose co-operative basis of traditional growth. The fishermen, brokers, fish stores, lans or wholesale dealers, retail dealers and fish stalls are grouped into separate associations, not unlike mediaeval guilds. From fishermen the fish passes to the big lans or wholesale dealers either directly or via the fish driers or fish stores. From the big lans it passes to the retail dealers, the travelling salesmen or the stall keepers, and so
and so to the consumer. The hubs of the whole system are the groups of the twelve big salt sea fish lans, the fourteen fresh sea fish lans and the eleven freshwater fish lans. Their business is carried out entirely on a commission basis and between one quarter and one third of their total capital is advanced to the fishermen free of
}
12
interest. Between $20,000 and $100,000 is invested in this manner by each lan, and between $10,000 and $50,000 kept in reserve. A single lan will transact business valued at between $100,000 and $800,000 in a single year.
The local fishermen belong essentially to the floating population, a special class of people known as tan ka or "boat family". Their calling and trade is a specialised one and they are entirely unsuited to other occupations. Their junks are their only stock in trade. To these they have confined their entire lives for generations, regarding them not only as their sole means of support but also their only home. The fact that there are some 70,000 to 80,000 persons living in about 3,000 boats, the largest of which does not exceed 85 feet in length, and the majority of which are less than 60 feet long shows the extent of the over- crowding to which their traditional occupation subjects them. A boat of 70 feet in length provides space for the accommodation of 40 to 45 persons of all ages, besides space for fish, salt, gear, food and miscellaneous cargo.
The average earning capacity of a single able-bodied fisherman is $70 per annum. This general low standard of living combined with the hidebound allegiance to a centuries-old tradition has prevented the infiltration of modern methods and the adoption of modern appliances. The Japanese were quick to realise the advantage to be gained from power-driven vessels and the substitution of machinery for man-power. Sometime before 1937 a Japanese fishing company was organized in Hong Kong for work in the South China seas with the presumed object of controlling the entire industry in the Colony and in South China. Steam trawlers and improved fishing methods brought the company increasing profits up to 1937 when the business was suspended owing to the Sino-Japanese hostili- ties.
Trawling, seining, gill netting and lining are the principal methods of fishing in use in the Colony. Garoupas, sea-breams, golden-threads, flat fishes, rags, white herring, mackerel, crabs, halibut, sole, crayfish and mullet are found in great quantities off the Pearl River delta. In Deep Bay off the New Territories, oysters are cultivated in an area of approximately 20 square miles. The annual produce of this area is about $200,000.
A survey of the fisheries of Hong Kong was begun in 1938 by Mr. S. Y. Lin of the University of Hong Kong.
Agriculture.
The total area of the Colony is about 390 square miles of which some 20% is privately owned agricultural land. The greater part of this land is situated in the North Western part of the Colony where the only plain and undulating areas are to be found. In the remainder, which is of a very hilly nature, cultivation is confined to valleys where the available flat land is generally of narrow pro- portions. In these areas, cultivation for rice production has in some cases (where water is available) been carried some distance up the slopes but seldom has any attempt been made to utilize these areas for other crops.
The monsoonal
Rainfall at 85 inches is adequate for tropical cultivation. distribution of the rainfall with about 66 inches in the five months May to September and 18 inches in the remainder of the year further determines the forms of cultivation. The chief crop is rice. Two crops of rice are grown in the wetter months and in the drier months, where water is available, a crop of vegetables. Crop rotation is not practised and, in respect of the greater part of the agricultural land, rice is the only crop. This is made possible by the liberal use of fertiliser, chiefly human manure. While production of rice is insufficient for rural requirements yet there is a fair export trade in certain special grades for which an overseas demand exists. Consequently, the greater part of the Colony's rice requirements have to be met by import from overseas. In the present state of agriculture. it is unlikely that the rice crop can be materially increased, the limiting factors being land and manure. By the introduction and acclimatization of higher yielding strains and varieties it may be possible to
་
"
13
effect some increase in production but it is unlikely that any such increased pro- duction will appreciably lower the imports of rice required by the local market. It is customary to obtain two crops of rice from the areas irrigated with fresh water i.e. the greater part of the rice land, and one crop from poor soil areas and from those areas which though tidal, are able to be brought under cultivation during the rainy season.
Secondary crops of a general nature are sweet potatoes, ground nuts, sugar cane and fruits. These are produced on a relatively small scale and, with the exception of sugar cane, much of which is exported to Singapore, they are pro- duced chiefly for local consumption. In recent years more attention has been given to the production, during the winter season, of both Chinese and foreign types of vegetables. With a large urban market near at hand (i.e. Victoria and Kowloon) the farmer is beginning to realize that there is money in vegetables and it is estimated that some 25% of the urban requirements during the winter months is being supplied from local sources. This production is capable of expansion and much leeway can be made up in respect to the disparity between supply and demand, which, under present conditions, is met by imports.
More interest is being taken in fruits than formerly as is shown by the ac- quisition of more land for this purpose by persons with capital at their disposal. There is plenty of room for expansion of this nature on the numerous hill slopes, of which the greater part of the Colony consists, and, with a large market at hand, this type of undertaking should develop. Animal husbandry does not form a large part of the agricultural activities of the Colony. Cattle are used chiefly for draught purposes, while the production of pigs and poultry though fairly wide-spread is on a very small scale in comparison with the local market for such products. The possibilities of local dairy farm, poultry and vegetable enterprises are exemplified by the increasing number of such concerns run by people with capital. This is considered an encouraging sign.
Several commercial firms have been started in recent years to supply the demand among the well-to-do for vegetables which can safely be eaten raw and for better type farm produce in general. These ventures have met with success but their total production and market are at present small.
Cheap manure is one of the most urgent needs of the New Territories farmer at the present time. In this connection measures are under consideration for cheapening the supply of manure by improving the efficiency of the transport of the urban supplies to the rural districts. The general agricultural possibilities of the Colony, together with associated questions of social service and nutrition, have also been the subject of recent investigations by Government.
The New Territories Agricultural Association, founded in 1927, endeavours to demonstrate to farmers the possibilities of improved methods of cultivation. With the improvement in the status of the farmer and in his share in the urban market the value of such demonstration will steadily grow. The possibilities of the Association's premises at Fanling as a centre of co-operation and instruction are also important.
Shipbuilding.
The shipbuilding and ship repairing industry is the largest manufacturing industry in the Colony. The three main yards are, respectively, the property of the Hong Kong & Whampoa Dock Co., Ltd., the Taikoo Dockyard & Engineering Co., Ltd., and W.S. Bailey & Co., Ltd. These three firms were responsible for a total new tonnage of 24,081 gross tons completed during 1939 (compared with 12,426 gross tons in 1938), and for 14,644 gross tons under construction at the end of the year. The latter figure includes vessels building for British, Norwegian, Danish and Philippine owners. The two largest ships ever built in the Colony M.V. Breconshire and M.V. Glenorchy each of 8,982 gross tons have been completed and delivered
14
during 1939 after successful trials. The tonnage of merchant ships dry docked for overhauls and repairs, including one vessel which was lengthened amidships by over 100 feet, reach a total of 1,636,994 gross tons. Additionally 183,490 displacement tons of Naval ships were dry docked by the firms mentioned.
The anticipated expansion of the output of new Diesel Engines has eventuated. The largest Diesel engine yet produced in Hong Kong, of 2420 B.H.P., was completed during 1939, and Diesel engines aggregating 4950 B.H.P., were under construction at the end of the year, in addition to 4700 I.H.P. of steam. engines.
A number of small craft, including lighters, motor boats and yachts have been constructed in the native yards, but accurate statistics are not available. There are also many native yards with a considerable output of junks and sampans for the use of the shipping community.
Roughly 20% of the labour employed in the Colony's dockyards is on the monthly wage system and is directly recruited by the dock companies. The remainder is employed under the contract system by which work is hired out at standard rates to contractors who pay and are responsible for their own employees. Workers in each section of the industry are banded together into guilds. These are at present of the nature of friendly societies, but it is possible that they may develop into more orthodox trades unions in the future.
[Notes on the equipment and general facilities of the three main yards will be found in Chapter VI. of the 1938 Report.]
Mining.
[Please see Chapter VI. of the 1938 Report.]
Forestry.
[Please see also Chapter VI. of the 1938 Report.]
During 1939 forestry offences were very numerous and considerable difficulty was experienced in the protection of forest areas generally. The position created by the events in China was further aggravated by the European situation and resulted in further curtailment of imports of firewood from overseas sources. The reaction on local forest areas was of a serious character and much difficulty was experienced in maintaining control of the situation.
The opening up of land on Hong Kong island and on the mainland for various purposes connected with general development, defence works, etc., makes the task of protecting the wooded areas a very onerous one. The measures for control, put into operation the previous year, appear to constitute the best solution of a problem which is at all times somewhat acute. The necessity for a re-orientation of ideas in respect to forestry areas to bring them into line with the demands of development is apparent and steps are being taken to deal with this aspect of the matter.
(a) Crown Land.
Estimated Areas Under Forest.
Hong Kong Island-about 18 square miles. New Territories-about 4 square miles.
(b) Native Holdings (Leased Forest Lots).
Hong Kong Island-nil.
New Territories approximately 81 square miles.
(a) Crown Land.
15
Timber Production.
As stated above, output consists chiefly of the removal of dead and damaged timber. This timber is passed to the Stores Department for issue to Government departments in the form of firewood. During 1939 removals of this nature totalled 912 tons valued at $21,764 at current prices (i.e. average of wholesale prices for the year). The growth and yearly increment of timber of the local pine tree in the Crown plantations is generally considerably heavier than that of the trees in the leased forest lots. Under favourable conditions ten year old trees attain a height of 21 feet and a diameter of 4-6 inches (breast high).
(b) Native Holdings (Leased Forest Lots).
Under the conditions of the forestry licence the licensee may remove 10% of the timber per annum. It is customary to remove side branches (brushwood) at definite seasons of the year and these are utilised for brick kilns, etc. This results in the production of stunted trees which are considered sufficiently large for disposal as firewood when they have attained a height of 12 feet and a diameter of 2 inches to 4 inches (breast high). The age of trees is from 8 to 14 years. From inspections and checks it is estimated that the annual output of timber and brushwood is approximately 11 piculs (12.16 cwts.) per acre. At the 10% removal rate this should represent an outturn of 3,408 tons of timber and brushwood from the whole area under these holdings. However, until more accurate data becomes available definite figures concerning annual production from these lots cannot be given.
Proportion of Land Under Forests.
Area of Colony
390
square miles.
Crown Forests
22
""
""
,,
J
Leased Forest Lots
,,
""
81/1/
"
Percentage of Crown Forests
5.64%
Leased Lots
20.85%
Total percentage
26.49%
Chapter VII.
COMMERCE,
[Please see also Chapter VII. of the 1938 Report.]
The total visible trade of the Colony during the year 1939 amounted to a value of $1,127.6 millions (£69.3 millions) as compared with $1,130.1 millions (£69.9 millions) in 1938, and $1,084.4 millions (£66.9 millions) in 1937. Imports of merchandise in 1939 decreased by 3.9% as compared with 1938 and by 3.7% as compared with 1937, whilst exports increased by 4.2% in 1939 as compared with 1938 and by 14.1% as compared with 1937.
The following is a list of the appendices to this chapter with general obser- vations on the statistics shown therein :-
16
A. TOTAL VALUE OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF MERCHANDISE.
Imports consistently increased during the years 1937 and 1938-both in terms of sterling and local currency-but declined slightly in 1939; whilst exports continued on the upward grade during the whole period 1937 to 1939. Exchange averaged 1s. 218d. in 1937 and remained steady in the two subsequent years at approximately the same figure.
B. PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL IMPORTS PROVIDED BY EMPIRE AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
During the period 1937 to 1939 the share of the Colony's import trade supplied by British Empire countries increased from 16.1% in 1937 to 17.2% in 1938, but declined to 13.8% in 1939. The United Kingdom accounted for 6.7% in 1939 as compared with 9.1% in 1938; Australia 1.2% as compared with 2.0%; British Malaya 2.2% as compared with 1.2%; and India 1.7% as compared with 1.9%. The percentage of imports from non-Empire countries increased from 82.8% in 1938 to 86.2% in 1939. The German percentage noticeably decreased from 6.3% in 1938 to 2.2% in 1939, whilst French Indo-China increased from 5.6% to 6.8%; and Japan from 3.0% to 4.6%.
C. PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL EXPORTS SENT TO EMPIRE AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
During the period 1937-1939 the share of Hong Kong's total export trade shipped to British Empire countries has fluctuated from 16.3% in 1938 to 20.0% in 1939. British Malaya is again the largest Empire purchasing country, accounting for 8.6% of the total export trade as compared with 7.2% in 1938, the share of other Empire countries in 1939 being United Kingdom 4.2%, India 1.8% and "other Empire countries" 5.4%.
The percentages taken by non-Empire countries were China 16.9%, French Indo-China 10.4%, Japan 1.2%, Kwong Chow Wan 7.9%, Macao 8.4%, Netherlands East Indies 2.8%, Philippines 2.1%, Siam 2.9%, U.S.A. 14.4% and "other foreign countries" 13.0%.
D. QUANTITIES AND VALUES OF PRINCIPAL ARTICLES OF IMPORTS
DURING THE YEARS 1938 AND 1939.
The principal commodities imported into Hong Kong are as follow
Food Stuffs
1938. $152,441,000
1939.
$137,369,000
Piece-goods
79,833,000
99,201,000
Oils and Fats
78,223,000
89,442,000
Metals
48,144,000
36,981,000
Chinese Medicines
19,593,000
25,828,000
Fuels
17,273,000
16,399,000
Machinery
17,136,000
10,688,000
Dyeing Materials
16,086,000
8,102,000
Paper and Paperware
14,743,000
10,640,000
Vehicles
14,140,000
13,627,000
Co
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4
>
17
E. QUANTITIES AND VALUES OF PRINCIPAL ARTICLES OF EXPORTS
DURING THE YEARS 1938 AND 1939.
The values of principal exports of Chinese commodities from Hong Kong were as follow:
1938.
1939.
Wood Oil
$39,762,205
$49,525,910
*Tin
$16,318,553
20,529,233
Tea
$16,080,814
20,357,195
Wolfram Ore
$14,252,838
21,207,308
*Firecrackers
$ 4,647,436
3,552,252
*Peanut Oil .
$ 3,920,453
5,416,909
Hides
$ 3,672,228
7,138,920
Feathers
$ 2,359,284
3,913,538
*Preserved Ginger
$ 2,156,132
2,795,171
Exports of Hong Kong manufactured goods under Imperial Preference were well maintained in 1939. The Trade Returns do not differentiate between exports of locally manufactured goods and re-exports of similar imported goods. It is therefore impossible to give approximate exports of locally manufactured sugar, cement, rope and woven cotton and artificial silk cloth because exports under these headings include considerable quantities of imported goods re-exported to adjacent markets. In the case of many other classes of goods, however, there is little import trade and the export figures may be taken to represent mainly the export of locally manufactured goods. The following export of Hong Kong made goods has been assessed on this
basis
1938.
1939.
Canvas Rubber Shoes
$6,675,542
$8,495,901
Singlets
$5,019,924
5,741,079
Shirts
$2,168,543
4,000,182
Socks
$1,121,172
1,875,055
Other wearing apparel
$3,426,077
5,794,295
Electric Torches
$2,900,261
3,911,060
Electric Batteries
$2,189,923
1,734,976
Hats
$1,068,113
1,387,667
F. TOTAL VALUE OF IMPORTS OF TREASURE.
G. TOTAL VALUE OF EXPORTS OF TREASURE.
H. WHOLESALE PRICE INDEX.
I.
INDEX NUMBERS OF QUANTITIES OF COMMODITIES IMPORTED INTO Hong Kong.
*NOTE. China tin is refined in Hong Kong before export. The item firecrackers includes locally made firecrackers as well as firecrackers imported from South China and Macao. The item peanut oil includes locally manufactured peanut oil as well as peanut oil imported from North, China. Preserved ginger exported from Hong Kong is manufactured here from ginger imported from South China and sugar imported from the Netherlands East-Indies.
18
Appendix A.
TOTAL VALUE OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF MERCHANDISE (IN $'S AND £'S THOUSANDS).
AVERAGE RATE OF EXCHANGE.
IMPORTS.
EXPORTS.
1939....
$ 594,199
£ 36,596
$ 533,385 £ 32,810
H.K.$ ls. 2.25/32d.
1938...
$ 618,169
£ 38,233
511,902 31,661
= 1s. 2.27/32d.
1937......
$ 617,064
467,323
= 1s. 2.13/16d.
£ 38,084
28,843
Appendix B.
PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL IMPORTS PROVIDED BY EMPIRE AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
British Empire
Foreign
Australia
Belgium
British Malaya
China
French Indo-China
Germany
India
Japar
Netherlands East Indies
Siam
United Kingdom
U. S. A.
All Other Countries
1939.
1938.
1937.
%
%
%
13.8
17.2
16.1
86.2
82.8
83.9
1.2
2.0
2.2
1.0
1.0
1.6
2.2
1.2
1.5
37.6
37.7
34.2
6.8
5.6
6.6
2.2
6.3
5.0
1.7
1.9
1.0
4.6
3.0
9.4
6.6
6.6
7.6
5.0
5.9
3.7
6.7
9.1
7.6
8.7
8.8
8.4
15.7
10.9
11.2
Appendix C.
PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL EXPORTS SENT TO EMPIRE AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
1939.
1938.
1937.
%
%
%
British Empire
20.0
16.3
19.7
Foreign
80.0
83.7
80.3
British Malaya
8.6
7.2
8.5
China
16.9
45.1
40.7
French Indo-China
10.4
4.5
5.1
India
· 1.8
1.6
1.1
Japan
1.2
0.6
4.2
Kwong Chow Wan
7.9
1.9
2.1
Macao
8.4
4.1
3.7
Netherlands East Indies
2.8
2.8
3.3
Philippine Islands
2.1
1.9
2.8
Siam
2.9
3.1
3.0
United Kingdom
4.2
4.1
4.5
U. S. A.
All Other Countries
14.4
10.2
8.8
18.4
12.9
12.2
19
Appendix D.
QUANTITIES AND VALUES OF PRINCIPAL ARTICLES OF IMPORTS DURING THE YEARS 1938 AND 1939.
1938.
1939.
Article.
Principal Source of Supply.
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
3
Animals (for slaughter)
Head
363,487 10,095,934
473,216 14,021,860 Kwong Chow Wan, South China,
Middle China, French Indo- China, North China.
Cement
Piculs
Timber
Cu. Ft.
939,391 1,772,132 830,718
3,535,990 3,919,750 2,952,936
1,483,436 French Indo-China, North China,
Belgium.
Chemicals & Drugs
6,404,359
Pharmaceutical Products
Chinese Medicine
2,848,699
19,592,511
Aniline Dyes
9,291,677
Indigo (artificial)
Piculs
8,636
Beans
922,459
"
Fish & Fishery Products
Wheat Flour
Piculs
Rice (all kinds)
Sugar (all kinds)
Milk (canned) Tea
"1
""
Cases
Coal
lbs.
Tons
Hardware
Malt Liquors
Gallons
Wines
19
Spirits
603,687 44,392 120,550
33,079 2,960,658 763,189 6,201,392
7,336,003
1,365,013 12,717,719
8,581,997 54,443,971 7,541,830 | 44,450,201 2,045,813 13,308,294 1,930,485 17,603,082 210,788 3,409,813 174,626 2,890,634
16,926,951 30,671,605 12,524,857 North China, Middle China, South
738,830 13,934,721 653,312
6,003,238
538,648 1,375,661
39,363 494,053
96,295 1,918,763
3,369,369 British North Borneo, U.S.A.,
Siam, Canada.
5,577,774 Germany, U.K., U.S.A., North
China.
2,157,702 U.K., U.S.A., North China,
Germany.
25,827,689 North China, Macao, French Indo-
China, U.S.A.
2,433,768 Germany, Switzerland, U.K.
1,176,022 Germany, U.S.A., U.K.
6,474,911 North China, French Indo-China,
Burma.
7,164,552 French Indo-China, North China,
Macao.
1,219,930 8,352,242 U.S.A., Australia, Canada, North
China.
Siam, French Indo-China, Burma.
Netherlands East Indies. Holland, U.S.A.
12,054,492
4,721,681
China.
India, Japan, Netherlands East
Indies, French Indo-China. North China, U.K., U.S.A.
1,381,378
North China, U.K., Japan.
417,648
France, U.K., Spain..
1,707,650
U.K., France, Australia.
Machinery & Engines
17,136,128
10,687,605
U.K., Denmark, U.S.A.
Sulphate of Ammonia
Piculs
1,234,988
9,431,860 1,104,351
7,469,547
Belgium, Poland, U.K., Germany.
Iron Bars
273,981 3,474,,895
329,605 3,427,067
Belgium, U.K., Australia.
1
Tinplates
218,858
4,866,254
165,163 3,577,317
U.S.A., U.K., Malaya.
""
Tin Slabs
113,218
19,450,562
Wolframite
47,251
19
Manganese Ore
21,664
"
Nuts
7,040,759 56,063 967,712 | 10,236,951
5,002,356
84,934 15,944,869 South China, North China, Malaya.
30,766
South China, Middle China.
2,306 578,051
7,014 5,523,645
North China, French Indo-China. North China, British North
Borneo, French Indo-China.
Seeds
173,496
3,585,980
206,812
4,344,414
North China, Malaya, South China,
French Indo-China.
Lard
Petrol
1,533 37,707 Imperial 14,395,809 10,962,436
8,534 11,244,444
197,336
North China.
6,668,467
U.S.A., Netherlands East Indies.
Gallons
Fuel Oil
Tons
Kerosene
246,601 | 12,728,474 Imperial 15,754,497 5,494,953
185,120 12,672,506
10,293,016
Netherlands East Indies, U.S.A.
4,242,295
Netherlands East Indies, U.S.A.
Gallons
Lubricating Oil
Wood Oil
Piculs
Peanut Oil
2,997,489 2,438,909
711,506 32,327,155
287,464 5,913,909
363,538
Paints
2,328,535
Printing Paper
Unbleached Cottons
Bleached Cottons
Light Cotton Fancies
Other Cottons
Pieces
19
Yards
"
U.K.
1,457,799
615,350 50,810,243 | North China, South China, French
Indo-China.
4,740,273 833,220
741,870 7,480,648 251,678 2,781,664 278,039 3,183,873 1,092,808 6,985,964 49,174,764 11,705,564 124,306,756 327,823 4,471,291 842,141 1,090,172
7,986,346 | North China, Netherlands East
Indies, Kwong Chow Wan. 1,942,358 U.K., North China, U.S.A.,
Germany.
2,263,520 Germany, Norway, Italy, U.S.A. 5,215,673 North China, Japan, U.K.
2,541,426 North China, Japan, U.K. 1,690,597 Japan, North China, U.K.
23,941,709 | North China, Japan, Macao, U.K.
957,836 Japan, North China, U.K. 908,894 North China, U.K., Belgium.
1,293,159 U.S.A., Netherlands East Indies,
Prints
Cotton Thread
Grosses of
955,971 577,527
50 Yards
Cotton Yarn
Woollens
lbs. Yards
48,035,978 | 31,006,160 | 67,348,734 |
1,759,224
36,275,490 | North China, Japan, U.K.
2,045,241 4,732,590
4,170,847 Japan, U.K., Italy, North China.
Silk (artificial)
3,304,035
3,425,595 Japan, North China, U.K.
Silk (raw)
5,296,211
Tobacco, Cigars & Cigarettes
lbs.
1,815,244
3,907,678
1,770,752
7,368,914 Macao, North China, South China.
3,827,253 North China, U.K., U.S.A.
Motor Cars
No.
800
2,819,324
952
2,789,236 U.K., U.S.A., Canada.
Motor Lorries
3,424
8,472,228
3,544
7,433,561 U.S.A., Canada, U.K.
Boots & Shoes
1,556,707
1,078,631 Czechoslovakia, North China,
Wearing Apparel
3,515,339
Gunny Bags
Pieces
5,899,587
1,657,431
4,578,128
China Ware
743,998
Cosmetics & Perfumery
1,108,589
Electric Lamp Bulbs
(all kinds)
883,879
Radio Apparatus
1,246,508
Feathers
2,619,634
Firecrackers
3,389,688
Hides (all kinds)
Piculs
98,447 5,482,534
98,442
Leather (all kinds)
Mats (all kinds)
2,747,263 1,906,568
11
Matches
Cases
Rubber (raw)
Piculs
1,611,180 35,367 2,410,211
427,279
2,704,889
U.S.A., U.K.
3,362,101 North China, Macao, U.K., U.S.A. 1,576,920 India, Malaya.
879,768 | North China, Middle China, Japan.
640,199 U.S.A., France, U.K.
640,406 North China, U.K., Japan.
1,865,121 U.S.A., U.K., Germany.
2,565,380 French Indo-China, Kwong Chow
Wan, South China.
2,404,242 Macao, Kwong Chow Wan, North
China.
4,585,173 North China, Kwong Chow Wan,
South China.
2,231,315 Australia, Malaya, Germany. 2,309,023 Macao, Kwong Chow Wan, French
Indo-China.
North China, Macao, Japan,
39,415 3,158,406 Malaya, Netherlands East Indies,
British North Borneo.
20
Appendix E.
QUANTITIES AND VALUES OF PRINCIPAL ARTICLES OF EXPORTS DURING THE YEARS 1938 AND 1939.
1938.
1939.
Article.
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
$
$
Cement
Piculs
1,124,985
2,087,131
1,070.819
2,208,455
Timber
Cu. Ft.
1,016,354
1,315,882
274,043
289,272
Chemicals & Drugs
4,914,923
3,865,726
Pharmaceutical Products
4,159,535
3,014,292
Chinese Medicines
15,714,561
23,268,855
Aniline Dyes
4,821,612
2,817,856
Indigo (artificial)
Piculs
21,506
!
2,693.847
12,069
1,663,859
Beans
458,508
3,824,779
587,803
4,385,990
Fish & Fishery Products
6,704,216
6,390,934
Wheat Flour
Piculs
1,064,107
9,974,442
589,124
4,165,585
Rice (all kinds)
"
5,418,281
36,429,104
3,836,209
23,555,757
Sugar (all kinds)
1,605,715
14,470,235 1,559,645
16,284,432
Ginger, Preserved
2,156,132
2,795,171
Tea
lbs.
16,080,814
43.957,212
20,357,195
Hardware
3,013,405
4,369,712
Native Liquors
Gallons
202,720
689,906
242,200
893,314
Machinery & Engines
6,470,542
6,995,323
Sulphate of Ammonia
Piculs
1,439,992
12,445,400
963.910
7,437,828
Iron & Steel Bars
175,722
1,949,689
90,150
1,348,723
Iron & Steel Scrap
Tinplates
157,696
813,943
,
110,777
441,936
223,547
4,944,384
52
56,439
1,342,347
Tin Slabs & Ingots
106,345
16,362,918
11
118,128
20,560,943
Wolframite
80,817
14,252,838
""
127.987
21,207,308
Manganese Ore
37,146
63,652
Nuts
717,863
7,717,548
""
27.971
312,338
43,182
3,144,094
Seeds
130,498
""
2,860,771
144,890
3,326,295
Lard
Petrol
Fuel
Kerosene
Imperial Gallons Tons Imperial Gallons
35,188 10,936,933
884,008
30,120
712,699
10,267,764
6,985,001
6,502,601
75,676 14,394,702
5,141,422
30.935
2,140,373
7,378,516
7,196,524
3,835,302
Lubricating Oil
3,460,499
3,685,568
1.739,322
1,697,637
Peanut Oil
Piculs
167,941
3,920,453
233.003
5,416,909
Wood Oil
822,462
39,762,205
19
593,726
49,525,910
Paints
1,713,284
1,817,400
Printing Paper
1,283,281
584,952
Other Cottons
Unbleached Cottons
Bleached Cottons
Light Cotton Fancies
Cottons, Prints
Pieces
337,813
3,240,508
325,009
2,312,344
109,495
1,395,940
""
125,064
1,460,993
Yards
""
Cotton Thread
Cotton Yarn
Woollens
Grosses
lbs.
Yards
532,488 61,289,110 343,288 421,162 35,394,504 193,236
190,110
2,964,614
606,407
14,631,675
92,155,289
19,866,763
90,218 792,978
1,631,074
340,905
331,669
357,871
21,163,764
51,727,153
26,742,550
367,063
264,260
546,862
Silk (artificial)
1,016,028
1,494,824
Silk (raw)
4,446,735
9,423,419
Tobacco, Cigars & Cigarettes
Motor Cars
lbs.
No.
7,374,125
7,664,107
6,595,256
8,888,998
469
1,212,465
512
1,293,822
Motor Lorries
4,224
15,285,364
4,555
13,107,249
Boots & Shoes
7,585,639
9,433,730
Wearing Apparel
12,975,680
19,085,907
Gunny Bags
Pieces
8,781,568
2,733,911
7,133,807
2,879,645
China Ware
461,411
587,637
Cosmetic & Perfumery
1,007,637
1,098,050
Electric Torches
2,900,261
3,911,060
Electric Torch Batteries
2,189,923
1,734,976
Embriodery & Lace
1,380,026
962,528
Feathers
2,359,284
3,913,538
Firecrackers
4,647,436
.
3,552,252
Hides (all kinds)
Piculs
59,392
3,672,228
89,519
7,138,920
Leather (all kinds)
796,483
1,000,273
Mats (all kinds)
1,918,453
3,039,036
Matches
Cases
1,186,256
223,887
1,626,474
Rubber (raw)
Piculs
15,308
1,021,659
2,537
186,460
Trunks & Suit Cases
"
1,287,311
1,114,156
21
Appendix F.
TOTAL VALUE OF IMPORTS OF TREASURE (IN $'s THOUSANDS).
1939
1938
$
$
1937 $3
Copper and Nickel Coins...
210
1
421
Gold Bars
4,708
5,572
11,113
Gold Coins
90
331
Gold Leaf
1
9
8
Silver Bars
17
18
6,448
Silver Dollars
102
786
152,677
Silver Subsidiary Coins
286
1,025
135,339
Total
5,324
7,501
306,337
Appendix G.
TOTAL VALUE OF EXPORTS OF TREASURE (IN $'s THOUSANDS).
1939
1938
1937
$
$
$
Copper and Nickel Coins.
1,645
15
1,295
Gold Bars
64,047
48,538
10,979
Gold Coins
17
3,186
2,567
Gold Leaf
196
266
552
Silver Bars
7,200
1,600
5,986
Silver Dollars
788
52,385
268,150
Silver Subsidiary Coins
1,511
46,283
87,520
Total
75,404
152,273
377,049
Appendix H.
WHOLESALE PRICE INDEX.
1922=100.
1937
1938
1939
Foodstuffs
136.2
131.6
134.9
Textiles
117.7
116.1
106.2
Metals and Minerals
146.1
147.3
145.0
Miscellaneous Articles
124.4
127.3
125.9
Average
131.1
130.6
128.0
22
Appendix I.
INDEX NUMBERS OF QUANTITIES OF COMMODITIES IMPORTED INTO HONG Kong during 1937, 1938 AND 1939.
1931=100.
Items
1937
1938
1939
Building Materials
10
77.5
65.9
43.0
Chemicals & Drugs
18
133.8
93.0
96.3
Dyeing Materials
5
41.8
55.2
34.4
Foodstuffs
25
110.7
107.3
92.1
Fuels
5
126.8
119.3
114.5
Manures
2
141.9
SS.7
67.2
Metals
30
120.7
62.3
54.0
Minerals & Ores
3
308.6
22.8
9.7
Nuts & Seeds
7
113.7
310.9
201.0
Oils & Fats
14
129.6
145.1
123.8
Textiles
37
59.8
83.0
101.0
Sundries
29
71.6
64.7
54.6
Total Items
185
General Average
119.7
101.5
82.6
Chapter VIII.
LABOUR.
No new by-laws were made during the year.
The improvement in the industrial life of the Colony recorded during 1938 fully maintained its level during the year under review. An outstanding feature was the construction by local shipyards of the two largest ships ever built in the Colony. There was a steady increase in the numbers of factories where weaving and knitting is done and also in the shirt and pyjama making industry. Several new industries were opened. These include a match factory (the first in the Colony) and factories for the manufacture of buttons made from cocoanut shells and ivory nuts. Shanghai workers only are employed in the latter industry but some experienced workers from Canton are employed in the match factory. The output of rubber shoes, electric hand-torches, batteries, etc., for the Empire and overseas markets was well maintained.
There
For the first ten months of the year employment generally was very steady and most of the factories worked to full capacity, although the majority of them closed before regulation hours. Some difficulty was experienced in obtaining raw materials after the outbreak of war in Europe but this is gradually being overcome. was a steady increase in the number of workers employed in registered factories and the total at the end of the year was approximately 57,500. The amount of unemployment is difficult to estimate owing to the number of refugees still in the Colony. Skilled labour was in demand principally in the shipyards and there was also a steady demand for both skilled and unskilled labour by the military authorities.
"
22
Appendix I.
INDEX NUMBERS OF QUANTITIES OF COMMODITIES IMPORTED INTO HONG Kong during 1937, 1938 AND 1939.
1931=100.
Items
1937
1938
1939
Building Materials
10
77.5
65.9
43.0
Chemicals & Drugs
18
133.8
93.0
96.3
Dyeing Materials
5
41.8
55.2
34.4
Foodstuffs
25
110.7
107.3
92.1
Fuels
5
126.8
119.3
114.5
Manures
2
141.9
SS.7
67.2
Metals
30
120.7
62.3
54.0
Minerals & Ores
3
308.6
22.8
9.7
Nuts & Seeds
7
113.7
310.9
201.0
Oils & Fats
14
129.6
145.1
123.8
Textiles
37
59.8
83.0
101.0
Sundries
29
71.6
64.7
54.6
Total Items
185
General Average
119.7
101.5
82.6
Chapter VIII.
LABOUR.
No new by-laws were made during the year.
The improvement in the industrial life of the Colony recorded during 1938 fully maintained its level during the year under review. An outstanding feature was the construction by local shipyards of the two largest ships ever built in the Colony. There was a steady increase in the numbers of factories where weaving and knitting is done and also in the shirt and pyjama making industry. Several new industries were opened. These include a match factory (the first in the Colony) and factories for the manufacture of buttons made from cocoanut shells and ivory nuts. Shanghai workers only are employed in the latter industry but some experienced workers from Canton are employed in the match factory. The output of rubber shoes, electric hand-torches, batteries, etc., for the Empire and overseas markets was well maintained.
There
For the first ten months of the year employment generally was very steady and most of the factories worked to full capacity, although the majority of them closed before regulation hours. Some difficulty was experienced in obtaining raw materials after the outbreak of war in Europe but this is gradually being overcome. was a steady increase in the number of workers employed in registered factories and the total at the end of the year was approximately 57,500. The amount of unemployment is difficult to estimate owing to the number of refugees still in the Colony. Skilled labour was in demand principally in the shipyards and there was also a steady demand for both skilled and unskilled labour by the military authorities.
"
24
Chapter IX.
WAGES AND COST OF LIVING.
The increased industrial activity in the Colony which was noted in the report for 1938 was maintained during the year 1939, notably in the weaving and knitting industries. There was no appreciable change in rates of wages or in the employment
situation.
There was a distinct rise in the cost of commodities (rice, oil, fish, meat, vegetables and firewood) generally consumed by the poorer classes and it is estimated that the cost of a normal working class family budget (excluding clothes and rent) was at the end of the year about 20% higher than at the beginning of the year, and also higher than at any time since October, 1937. The rise accelerated towards the end of the year and the indications were that it would continue. There was, however, no appreciable variation in the cost of clothes. It is difficult to obtain reliable figures for the rents paid by sub-tenants in working class tenements, but the tendency for rents to rise was no doubt checked to some extent by the Prevention of Evictions Ordinance, 1938.
By the end of the year the price of oil had risen by over 60% and price of rice by over 12% as compared with the beginning of the year, a contributory factor in these increases being the outbreak of the European War and the consequent increased cost of freight.
The figures for rice are:-
1939
1938
Per 100 catties.
May $7.14
Average for four grades. December
Variation.
$7.74
8%
January $8.38
Variation.
December $7.33
14%
Average Retail Prices of the Staple Foodstuffs, etc., of Wage Earning Classes.
Rice (3rd Grade) per catty
Fresh fish, per catty
Salt fish, per catty
Beef, per catty
Pork, per catty Oil, per catty Firewood,
1937
7.9 cents
1938
1939
7.3 cents 7.0 cents
26.9
24.1
24.4
28.4
">
""
,,
25.2
23.9
,,
""
""
36.8
37.6
34.9
33
51.9
28.3
ง
49.7
22.2
54.4
""
""
23.8
>"
وو
J
10 cents for 9.8 catties
7.0 catties 5.6 catties
Average Rates of Wages for Labour.
Building Trade:-
Locomotive Driver
$1.30 to $1.80 per day.
Carpenters
0.80 to
Bricklayers
0.80 to
1.30 1.30
,,
""
Painters
0.80 to
1.30
وو
Plasterers (including Shanghai Plasterers) Scaffolders
1.00 to
1.50
1.00 to
1.50
د,
"}
Labourers (male)
0.60 to
0.80
""
""
""
(female)
0.40 to 0.50
33
Working hours 9 per day. Time and a half paid for overtime. Free temporary sleeping quarters provided on the building site and communal messing at cheap rates.
>
རྗ
}
4
26
Hardware workers Felt hat workers Cork hat workers
Green pea sorting Handkerchief makers Paper dyeing
Grass rope makers
Preserved fruit makers
Sugar refinery
Rubber shoe makers
$0.25 to $0.40 per day.
0.25 to
0.30 to
0.15 to
0.20 to
0.70 0.55 "" 0.25 0.40 >"
""
,,
0.20 to
0.40
""
0.30 to
0.35
""
>>
0.15 to
0.60
0.35
0.35 to
1.05 >>
J
دو
Working hours from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. One hour off at mid-day. Overtime from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at day rates.
Domestic Servants:-
Employed by Chinese
Employed by Europeans
Gardeners
$ 7.00 to $20.00 per month.
15.00 to 40.00 15.00 to 30.00
وو
With free lodging, and, with Chinese employers, generally free board.
Note: The rates of pay of Government employees are much the same as
those of a similar category in private employ.
Transport coolies *Coal coolies
*Ricksha coolies
$0.60 to $0.70 per day.
0.55
素
""
,,
0.60 to 0.70
وو
,,
Chapter X.
EDUCATION AND WELFARE INSTITUTIONS.
Schools.
Schools in Hong Kong may be divided into two categories:
(1) English schools in which the principal medium of instruction is the
English language.
(2)
Vernacular schools in which the principal medium of instruction is the Chinese language.
In each category there are three classes of schools:
(a) Government schools entirely maintained by public funds.
(b) Assisted schools to which Government makes financial contributions which are called grants in the case of English and higher grade vernacular schools, and subsidies in the case of other vernacular schools.
(c) Unassisted schools which are run without any financial contributions
from Government.
One new Government institution was opened in 1939, namely the Teachers Training College which is training teachers for English and vernacular urban schools. There were 48 students in training at the end of the year. The College provides a two-years course, and is housed in temporary quarters pending the construction of a new building.
1
4
27
There were 20 Government schools in 1939, the same number as in 1938. Four of these are for British children of both sexes. 12 are English schools for Asiatic students and 4 are vernacular schools. In consequence of the opening of the Teachers Training College, no new normal classes were formed at the Ver- nacular Normal and Middle School and the Vernacular Normal School for Women. These two schools are in process of being converted into ordinary ver- nacular schools without normal classes and have been re-named Saiyingpun Ver- nacular School for Boys and Eastern District Vernacular School for Girls respectively. The Vernacular Normal School at Taipo continues to train teachers for rural vernacular schools. Two of the Government English schools are voca- tional, namely the Junior Technical School and Trade School.
The number of grant schools in 1939 was 19, the same as in 1938. Of these 15 were English schools and 4 higher grade vernacular. A new grant code for the regulation of Government contributions to these schools was prepared and was under discussion at the end of the year.
There were 276 subsidised schools in 1939 as compared with 279 in 1938, 155 being urban schools and 121 rural. A new subsidy code drawn up in 1938 was revised in 1939 and was under discussion at the end of the year.
The total of 982 private schools in 1939, an increase of fifty over the number in 1938, was made up of 134 English schools and 849 vernacular schools. Included are a number of refugee schools from South China which have establish- ed themselves temporarily in Hong Kong.
Altogether 120 new schools were registered during the year and 55 schools previously registered ceased to exist.
Evening classes, collectively known as the Evening Institute, were continued as usual in technical and educational subjects, classes being arranged in en- gineering, shipbuilding, building, electrical engineering, English, handwork and art, pharmacy, book-keeping, shorthand, method and English for teachers; the total number of students enrolled during the year was 958. In view of the opening of the Teachers Training College, the classes for training teachers were restricted to untrained teachers already serving in schools.
There were four orphanages and one home for incurables and aged women, all controlled by religious communities. The Hong Kong Refugee and Social Welfare Council conducted schools attended by 2,000 children in connection with the Government camps and food kitchens for refugees from China. The Salesian Institute continued to maintain two industrial schools.
There were three school clinics and two special centres for the treatment of eye, throat and nose defects. Innoculation against cholera and vaccination was carried out during the year and full use made of the services of the European Health Officer for Schools, two Chinese medical officers, one European lady medical officer (part-time) and five nurses.
An assistant supervisor of physical education was appointed at the beginning of the year.
All Government schools were supplied with portable apparatus, and physical history record cards for all pupils were introduced. Eighteen teachers in grant schools were given special training but classes for other teachers which it had been planned to open in September had to be postponed owing to mobilisa- tion at the outbreak of war. Sports clubs in the Colony continued to place their grounds at the disposal of schools for organised games; in the summer arrange- ments were made with some swimming clubs to borrow their premises for school swimming.
After the outbreak of war in September, 1939, a number of Government teachers were employed on defence duties and Government schools were handi- capped by consequent changes of staff. Fortunately it was possible to engage temporary trained teachers to fill vacancies.
•
29
The University Library, which includes the Medical Library separately housed in the School of Pathology, has a total of 46,800 accessions (volumes, Government publications, etc.). This figure includes the unique and valuable Hankow Collec- tion of some 3,000 volumes and also the Morrison Collection of some 2,800 volumes. The Library is subscribing to 200 literary, medical and scientific periodicals. Graduates of other Universities are making increasing use of the Library.
The Fung Ping Shan Library, which is a purely Chinese Library contains 5,073 sets in 45,004 volumes, also houses the following collections: Chu Hsueh Tsai Collection, 1,795 books in 17,618 volumes, Professor Hsu Sin-fu's Collection, 2,570 books in 25,842 volumes and Lo Tun Fu Shih's Collection, 3,186 books in 19,307 volumes. The last two sections are lodged in the Library on a loan basis.
Owing to the outbreak of the European War it was not possible to proceed with certain major developments such as the provision of a new Science Building and new residential quarters for the staff on the University Estate. The details of both these schemes are complete and the schemes were ready for initiation just as hostilities broke out. A new Faculty of Science has however been established and a new Diploma Course in Education was instituted as foreshadowed in the report of 1938.
A new hostel for women students was formally opened by His Excellency the Governor on the 29th. of August 1939. The hostel which is called "Our Lady's Hall" occupies a fine situation above the University grounds and provides accommodation for 25 students. The hostel is maintained entirely by the authorities of the French Convent in Hong Kong. Students of all denominations are eligible for admission to it.
Residential facilities for women students of the University are also provided by the Church Missionary Society which maintains a hostel for about 20 students and by the Sacred Heart Convent which caters for a similar number. About half the number of women students reside with parents or guardians.
Welfare Institutions.
[Please see Chapter X. of the 1938 Report.]
Chapter XI.
COMMUNICATION AND TRANSPORT.
External.
SHIPPING.
Hong Kong has one of the finest harbours in the world. It is, in normal times, the chief shipping terminus between South China and the rest of the world. Regular services are maintained by shipping companies of every maritime nation bringing merchandise, raw materials and passengers destined for all parts of China. Details of the Colony's chief sea communications will be found in Chapter XI. of the 1938 Report.
There is normally a vast traffic between Hong Kong and the adjacent provinces of China by junk. This at present is very much depleted.
The total shipping entering and clearing ports in the Colony during the year 1939 amounted to 74,617 vessels of 30,897,948 tons. This compared with 1938 shewed an increase of 7,610 vessels but a decrease of 64,808 tons.
23,881 vessels of 29,196,466 tons were engaged in foreign trade compared with 24,670 vessels of 29,530,384 tons in 1938, British ocean-going shipping shewed a decrease of 332 vessels and 1,251,971 tons. Foreign ocean-going shipping shewed an increase of 611 vessels and 1,215,467 tons.
30
British river steamers shewed an increase of 608 vessels, but decreased by 50,694 tons. Foreign river steamers shewed an increase of 226 vessels and 112,956 tons. Steamships not exceeding 60 tons, in foreign trade, shewed a decrease of 625 vessels and 16,087 tons.
Junks in foreign trade shewed a decrease of 1,277 vessels and 343,589 tons.
In local trade, steamlaunches shewed an increase of 5,775 vessels and 151,151 tons, and junks shewed an increase of 2,500 vessels and 88,026 tons.
AVIATION.
[Please see also Chapter XI. of the 1938 Report.]
Hong Kong Airport is situated at Kai Tak, and has facilities for marine and land aircraft.
The slight decrease in traffic for 1939 as compared with statistics for 1938 is due mainly to (1) the Japanese occupation of Canton and Hankow in December 1938 and the subsequent reduction of the daily schedules, (2) suspension of the all-up mail and temporary dislocation of Empire route services through the outbreak of hostilities in Europe. Since the Japanese occupied Hankow and the neighbouring territory, the services to Chungking have been reduced and the flights undertaken by night. The suspension of the all-up mail service has resulted in a big drop in mail figures as well as a curtailment in the schedules of Imperial Airways.
RAILWAY.
Throughout the year 1939, the British Section reverted to a position as regards its functions not experienced since its infancy when all through running was suspended for long periods and the line was worked to the British border only. The current year, however, differs from those earlier years by reason of the fact that the border has been closed since August 16th owing to the presence of Japanese troops. This closure has resulted in marked increases in passenger journeys to and from Taipo and Fanling, the former station affording alternative communication with China via the Sha U Chung launch, and the latter via the Sha Tau Kok road-bus. This local expansion has failed to compensate for losses sustained at the frontier, on account of the very much shorter hauls involved and the decreased numbers travelling.
The local passenger journeys were 1,917,603 which is an all-time record, eclipsing by 403,623 the previous record attained during 1933.
1933. For reasons given in the above paragraph, however, the receipts from this source were only $660,698 compared with the 1933 peak of $704,183. In this connection it is worthy of record that the year opened auspiciously, the earnings during the first three months amounting to $209,068 which is the highest figure ever reached in any one quarter.
Receipts and net operating revenue were $911,046.87 and $128,613.38 respectively, as against $1,901,883.32 and $932,418.48 the previous year.
Operating expenditure was $782,433.49 compared with $969,464.84 in 1938.
In consonance with the complete suspension of through running, the operating ratio has depreciated from 50.97 to 85.88 per cent.
As a corollary to the growth of passenger traffic, local goods receipts rose from $28,193.15 to $40,645.96, or 44.17%.
The value of the rail-bus shuttle service between Taipo Market and Fanling continues to demonstrate itself. Although the receipts from this source alone are only 15.48% higher than last year, yet the normal passenger train bookings between these two points have shown a further increase of 92.34% over the figures for 1938
A
31
which in turn were 389.45% higher than those of 1937. The gain resulting from the elimination of the uneconomic overlapping of road and rail services can be gauged from the fact that rail earnings on this section have increased from $1,713.80 in 1937 to $15,989.78 in 1939. This latter figure is made up of $7,316.65 from the rail-bus and $8,673.13 from the ordinary train service. This striking advance has been achieved at the expense of an increased annual cost of only $5,330.00.
Prospects for the coming year are not particularly bright. There appears to be no possibility of resuming through traffic; a marked advance in local passenger receipts is not expected; a fall in earnings from rentals is anticipated, and a considerable rise in expenditure must be faced due to the war in Europe. For these reasons a cautious financial policy will need to be pursued.
POSTS AND TELEGRAPHS.
[Please see also Chapter XI. of the 1938 Report.]
The total revenue from the Government Wireless Telegraph service amounted to $87,958 as compared with $126,902 in 1938; a decrease of $38,944 mainly due to enforced restriction of the mobile services in the latter months of the year.
The number of paid messages-mobile and commercial press services-forwarded and received during the year was 95,725, consisting of 8,557,491 words, as compared with 56,883 messages of 4,568,023 words in 1938; the increase being due to press services taken over by Government.
Unpaid traffic, which includes meteorological, police, anti-piracy, Rugby press, intercepted press, aircraft and air station operational messages, navigation warnings, etc., totalled 86,758 messages of 4,608,940 words as against 87,815 messages of 3,077,842 words in 1938.
Service messages totalled 5,647 consisting of 68,289 words as compared with 4,684 messages of 49,433 words in 1938; the increase being due to additional messages necessitated by war conditions.
Internal.
RAILWAY.
After the 12th of October, 1938, rail communication by the Kowloon-Canton Railway was limited to the section of the line within British territory.
ROADS.
There are 384.49 miles of roads in the Colony, 173 miles on the Island of Hong Kong, 106 miles in Kowloon and 105-49 miles in the New Territories. Of the total mileage, 227 miles are constructed of water-bound macadam dressed with asphalt, 11 miles of sheet asphalt on a cement concrete foundation, 29 miles of tar macadam, 68.49 miles of concrete, 3 miles of granite setts and wooden blocks on a cement concrete foundation and 45 miles of earth.
The public travelling over the Colony's roads increases yearly, with a corres- ponding growth in the number of motor buses, of which there are 109 operating on the island of Hong Kong, and 136 on the mainland. These are gradually replacing rickshaws, the number of which decreases year by year.
The Hong Kong Tramway Company has a fleet of 106 double-deck tram-cars running along the sea-front of Victoria from Kennedy Town to Shaukiwan. The length of the Hong Kong Tramway tracks is about 10 miles.
There were 4,439 private motor-cars, 362 motor-cycles, 385 public cars and taxis and 1,205 commercial lorries and vans registered in 1939.
32
FERRIES.
[Please see also Chapter XI. of the 1938 Report.]
The number of vehicles of all classes carried in 1939 was approximately 355,000, while the total number of passengers carried by all ferry services between Hong Kong and Kowloon was about 56,800,000.
TELEPHONES.
[Please see also Chapter XI. of the 1938 Report.]
Chapter XII.
PUBLIC WORKs.
[Please see also Chapter XII. of the 1938 Report.]
From 1st January, 1939 the Waterworks were put on a self supporting basis with a separate budget. This has resulted in partial decentralisation of the Water- works Office from the Public Works Department. A new post of Waterworks Engineer was created and all Waterworks staff and maintenance charges appear under a new Head B. of the Public Works Department Estimates.
The following is a summary of works carried out during the year :--
Buildings.
The erection of the new Central Market was completed by the end of April. The new Central Government Store at North Point was almost completed by the end of the year. The main building is of two storeys containing office accom- modation and large warehouses and is constructed of a reinforced concrete frame, concrete floors and roof and brick panel walls. The foundations are carried on piles. A large compound is provided for storage of materials and allows for future. extensions to the building. Alterations to the adjoining building formerly the property of the Yacht Club were being carried out to provide Asiatic staff quarters. The new Police Sub-Station at Wanchai Gap was nearing completion. The building is of brick with flat concrete roof and contains an office and accommodation for a European officer and eighteen Indian police. A contract was let for the site formation in connection with the erection of a new Government House at Magazine Gap. A hutment camp was erected at Wood Lane, Wanchai, to accommodate the workmen and a little preliminary work was carried out on the site. On the outbreak of the war in Europe, it was decided not to proceed with the scheme and the contract was cancelled. At Hong Kong Prison, Stanley, a concrete post and wire mesh fence was erected and alterations made to subdivide the prison and an additional septic tank provided. Adjoining the prison an Isolation Block for leper prisoners was under construction containing a dormitory, cell, wash house, cook house, exercise yard and guards' room. Alterations were carried out at the former Victoria Gaol to convert a portion of the building into a Remand Prison. Alterations and additions were carried out at Lai Chi Kok Female Prison to provide increased accommodation. A storey was added to the dormitory block for 100 prisoners and additions were also made to the reception block and the staff quarters. At Tsan Yuk Hospital a storey was added to the end wings at the second floor level to provide additional accommodation for the nursing staff. A flush system was installed at Lai Chi Kok Cholera Hospital. At the former Government Civil Hospital, extensive alterations were carried out to the nursing staff quarters converting the east block into three self contained flats for the mental hospital staff and the adjoining block into a mental hospital for females. The resident surgeon's quarters were also converted into a temporary Teacher's Training
+
4
32
FERRIES.
[Please see also Chapter XI. of the 1938 Report.]
The number of vehicles of all classes carried in 1939 was approximately 355,000, while the total number of passengers carried by all ferry services between Hong Kong and Kowloon was about 56,800,000.
TELEPHONES.
[Please see also Chapter XI. of the 1938 Report.]
Chapter XII.
PUBLIC WORKs.
[Please see also Chapter XII. of the 1938 Report.]
From 1st January, 1939 the Waterworks were put on a self supporting basis with a separate budget. This has resulted in partial decentralisation of the Water- works Office from the Public Works Department. A new post of Waterworks Engineer was created and all Waterworks staff and maintenance charges appear under a new Head B. of the Public Works Department Estimates.
The following is a summary of works carried out during the year :--
Buildings.
The erection of the new Central Market was completed by the end of April. The new Central Government Store at North Point was almost completed by the end of the year. The main building is of two storeys containing office accom- modation and large warehouses and is constructed of a reinforced concrete frame, concrete floors and roof and brick panel walls. The foundations are carried on piles. A large compound is provided for storage of materials and allows for future. extensions to the building. Alterations to the adjoining building formerly the property of the Yacht Club were being carried out to provide Asiatic staff quarters. The new Police Sub-Station at Wanchai Gap was nearing completion. The building is of brick with flat concrete roof and contains an office and accommodation for a European officer and eighteen Indian police. A contract was let for the site formation in connection with the erection of a new Government House at Magazine Gap. A hutment camp was erected at Wood Lane, Wanchai, to accommodate the workmen and a little preliminary work was carried out on the site. On the outbreak of the war in Europe, it was decided not to proceed with the scheme and the contract was cancelled. At Hong Kong Prison, Stanley, a concrete post and wire mesh fence was erected and alterations made to subdivide the prison and an additional septic tank provided. Adjoining the prison an Isolation Block for leper prisoners was under construction containing a dormitory, cell, wash house, cook house, exercise yard and guards' room. Alterations were carried out at the former Victoria Gaol to convert a portion of the building into a Remand Prison. Alterations and additions were carried out at Lai Chi Kok Female Prison to provide increased accommodation. A storey was added to the dormitory block for 100 prisoners and additions were also made to the reception block and the staff quarters. At Tsan Yuk Hospital a storey was added to the end wings at the second floor level to provide additional accommodation for the nursing staff. A flush system was installed at Lai Chi Kok Cholera Hospital. At the former Government Civil Hospital, extensive alterations were carried out to the nursing staff quarters converting the east block into three self contained flats for the mental hospital staff and the adjoining block into a mental hospital for females. The resident surgeon's quarters were also converted into a temporary Teacher's Training
+
4
33
College. At each of the refugee camps at North Point, King's Park and Ma Tau Chung, a hospital hut was erected of timber construction with concrete floor containing three wards with lavatories, a consulting room for the medical officer, a dispensary and stores. Work was proceeding with the cutting down, filling and levelling of the ground adjoining Kowloon Hospital to form the necessary sites for a future extension to the present hospital and also for the new Infectious Diseases Hospital. A hutment camp was erected at Argyle Street, Kowloon, for the Chinese interned soldiers. The camp consists of sixteen huts of timber construction with concrete floors and accommodates 800 soldiers with quarters in addition for the guards. It is enclosed by a fence with barbed wire entanglements and watch towers are provided. The garage block at the Public Works Department was demolished and a building of two storeys was erected on the site to provide additional office accommodation. Six garages were erected at Barker Road adjoining the quarters for senior officers. Improvements were carried out at Queen Mary Hospital consisting of the conversion of the food service rooms into additional ward kitchens, fixing grilles and bostwick gates to several doors and windows, the erection of a car shelter and an extension to the existing garage. Owing to the pressure of other architectural projects it was not possible to commence the work of reprovisioning the south block of the Western Market, but the necessary working drawings and details were completed by the end of the year.
Roads.
Among the more important road works completed during the year were the super-elevation of the bends on Stubbs Road between Magazine Gap and Jardine's Corner, and Castle Peak Road, the reconstruction of Macdonnell Road and Tai Lam Chung bridges, access roads to New Kowloon Cemetery No. 8 at Diamond Hill, and Sheung Yuen Ling village, the funds for which were contributed by the villagers, the surfacing of lengths of Chatham and Fanling Roads, and improvements to roads in a number of New Territory villages.
Major works in hand at the end of the year included the super-elevation of the bends on Repulse Bay Road, the construction of Argyle Street extension, road formation in connection with the Wong Nei Cheong development, the widening of Bowen Road and of the road at Castle Peak pier and the widening and raising of the road between Taipo Market and Taipo Land Office.
Drainage.
In Hong Kong new main sewers and storm water drains to a length of 4,809 feet and new open nullahs and channels of varying sections to a length of 530 feet were laid and 174 feet arched over. In addition, 602 feet of parapet walling to open nullahs was constructed. In Kowloon, New Kowloon and New Territories, new main sewers and storm water drains were constructed to a length of 9,273 feet and 648 feet of existing sewer was increased in size. In addition, 486 feet of parapet walling to open nullahs, seventeen feet of double nullah walling, 370 feet of single nullah walling and invert and 5,000 square feet of nullah decking were constructed. A contract was let in October to re-align a nullah in open-cut and 23,000 cubic yards of excavation in earth, boulders and rock were removed.
Anti-malarial work was continued in Hong Kong at Pokfulam between Queen Mary Hospital and Sandy Bay where 2,160 feet of stream-courses were trained.
Waterworks.
A 16,000
In Hong Kong 20,754 feet of mains of various sizes were laid. gallon steel tank was erected on R.B.L. 7, the Peak. Schemes for new filtration plants and service reservoirs at Aberdeen and Pokfulam were put in hand. Nos. 1 and 2 pumping units at Tytam Tuk became unserviceable and were disposed of, and two new pumping units were ordered from England to replace them. Ten waste detection meters were fixed and a number of tests successfully carried out.
In Kowloon and New Kowloon 18,570 feet of mains were laid and 7,540 feet were laid in the New Territories. Four waste detection meters were fixed.
35
Valuations comprising 759 hereditaments, with a total estimated value of $7,784,888.00 were made for sundry Government Departments.
Town Planning.
A revised layout was prepared for Kowloon Tsai. No other new schemes or revisions of any importance were prepared during 1939, development having been in accordance with the recommendations of the Town Planning Committee of 1922 or with amendments and additions previously reported.
Expenditure.
The average annual expenditure on Public Works for the decade 1910 to 1919 was $2,447,010; 1920 to 1929, $7,410,820; 1930 to 1939, $8,549,732.
Comparative expenditure for 1938 and 1939 is as follows:-
1938.
1939.
Public Works Department
$2,213,667.71 $1,856,258.64
Public Works Recurrent :-
(a) General
1,811,168.55
1,279,837.52
(b) Water Works
1,063,856.71
Water Works Renewals and Improvements Fund
80,331.25
Public Works Extraordinary
1,899,902.40
1,817,096.51
Works undertaken and charged to Loan
Accounts
1,657,596.33
1,508,912.71
Miscellaneous Works
555,649.47
461,716.31
Total ....
$8,137,984.46 $8,068,009.65
Chapter XIII.
JUSTICE AND POLICE.
The Courts of Hong Kong.
THE SUPREME COURT.
[Please see also Chapter XIII. of the 1938 Report.]
The following figures shew the amount of work done in the Supreme Court during the year, 1939.
36
199 actions were instituted in the original jurisdiction;
1,420 actions were instituted in the summary jurisdiction;
157 probates and 227 letters of administration were granted in the probate jurisdiction;
477 persons were indicted at criminal sessions of whom 381 were convicted;
8 appeals were heard against conviction or sentence at criminal sessions;
16 appeals were heard against magisterial decisions;
8 appeals in respect of civil actions were heard.
The number of Trust Estates in the hands of the Official Trustee at the end of the year was nineteen :
During the year, thirty deceased's estates were taken into the custody of the Official Administrator and the administration of twenty estates were completed.
During the year 76 Hong Kong Companies were registered, 8 Hong Kong China Companies were registered and 25 Foreign Corporations were registered.
The total number of Hong Kong Companies now on the register is 703.
The total number of Hong Kong China Companies now on the register is 130.
The total number of Foreign Corporations now on the register is 301.
17 companies are in process of liquidation.
THE LOWER COURTS.
[Please see also Chapter XIII. of the 1938 Report.]
The following figures show the amount of work done by the lower courts in 1939:-
Civil:-
District Officer, North, Land Court
144 cases.
Small Debts Court
72
,,
District Officer, South, Land Court
.67
"
Small Debts Court
19
وو
+
37
Criminal:-
Hong Kong Magistracy, three courts Kowloon Magistracy, two courts.
District Officer, North, one court
29,779 cases.
27,666
1,813
District Officer, South, one court
670
"J
The figures below show the penalties awarded at the Hong Kong and Kowloon Magistracies in respect of certain cases in 1939:-
Hong Kong.
Kowloon. Total.
Prosecution (against Adults and Juveniles)
29,678 27,641 57,319
Convictions (against Adults and Juveniles)
30,094 26,741 56,835
Adult Offenders.
Fined
20,707
16,660 37,367
Imprisoned in default of payment of fine
3,996
4,975 8,971
Imprisoned without option of fine
3,222
2,690
5,912
Bound over
1,266
1,718
2,984
Placed under Police Supervision
102
33
135
Cautioned or discharged
2,761
2,379
5,140
Defendants fined and allowed time to pay fine.
115
512
627
Juvenile Offenders.
Fined
235
273
508
Sent to Remand Home
138
130
268
Committed to approved institution
14
17
31
Bound over
221
171
392
Placed on probation
51
13
64
Cautioned or discharged
137
114
251
Whipped
125
34
159
Maintenance Cases.
Order made
17
3
20
Order varied
1
1
Committals in default of payment
1
1
38
Police.
1. The Police Force of the Colony is under the control of the Com- missioner of Police who is assisted by one Deputy Commissioner, twelve Superintendents and one Police Cadet. The Force consists of four contingents, European, Indian, and two Chinese, namely, Cantonese and Weihaiwei. The strength of the different contingents is as follows:-
Europeans
Indians
Chinese (Cantonese)
Chinese (Weihaiwei).
270
784
843
296
In addition the Police Department controls the Anti-Piracy Guards, a force consisting of 34 Russians, 67 Indian Special Guards and 120 Weihaiwei Chinese Police, who are included in the regular Police establishment.
2. The department also supervises 657 Indian and Chinese Watchmen who are engaged by the Police Department and paid by private individuals for the protection of private property. In addition there are 482 Indian Private Watch- men registered at the Guards Offices.
3. The waters of the Colony are policed by a fleet of ten steam launches and five motor boats which employ a staff of 257 Chinese under European officers.
4. There were 11,804 cases of serious crime in 1939 as against 11,388 in 1938, being an increase of 416 or 3.6%. Amongst the classes of criminal offence showing increases were the following:-an increase of 55 arms cases, 292 in deportation, 8 in intimidation and extortion, 186 in larceny, 11 in manslaughter, 18 in murder, 6 in murder attempted, 24 in obtaining by false pretences, 106 in robbery and 1 in women and girls Ord.
Amongst the classes of criminal offence showing decreases were the following: a decrease of 10 serious assault cases, 2 in assault with intent to rob, 84 in burglary, 3 in coinage, 76 in house and godown breaking, 6 in kid- napping, 108 in larceny in dwelling, 31 in larceny on ship and 4 in other serious offence.
There were 41,777 minor cases in 1939 as against 49,555 in 1938, a decrease of 7,668 or 15%.
Prisons.
By the close of 1939 there were three prisons in the Colony, viz:
The Hong Kong Prison at Stanley for convicted males.
The Victoria Remand Prison for male remands, destitutes, debtors and
deportees.
The Lai Chi Kok Prison for females.
On the 1st of January, 1939, there were in the Hong Kong Prison 12 European, 8 Indian and 2,815 Chinese prisoners-a total of 2,835.
The highest number of male convicted prisoners recorded in 1939 was 2,978 on the 26th of October. On the 31st of December the number was 2,803.
The Hong Kong Prison at Stanley has remained grossly overcrowded through- out the year.
39
The authorized establishment of Subordinate Staff for 1939 was:-
European Officers
Indian Officers
Chinese Staff
Male Staff
Female Officers
Total Subordinate Staff
73
226
62
361
28
389
The total number of persons committed to prison in the year 1939 was 16,146 as compared with 15,046 in 1938. The daily average number of prisoners in the prisons in 1939 was:
Hong Kong Prison
Victoria Remand Prison Female Prison
2,832
88 (from 16.10.-31.12.39) 183.
The highest previous average was 2,556 in 1938. Over 87% of
Over 87% of prisoners admitted are persons born outside the Colony. The percentage of convicted prisoners admitted to prison with previous convictions recorded against them was 31.5 as compared with 24.3 in 1938 and 21.6 in 1937. The percentage of male prisoners with previous convictions was 33.1.
No measures exist at present for the mental training of prisoners. Prisoners may, however, purchase books for their own use; they also have access to books, English and Chinese, from the prisoners' library.
Spiritual training is confined to visits paid on Sundays by officially appointed Chaplains and by approved preachers and laymen.
The confinement and training of young offenders is carried out in the Juvenile Remand Home in Hong Kong. The Home is administered by the Commissioner of Police.
No system of after-care is in operation.
The health of the prisoners generally was good and the discipline in the prisons was well maintained.
Prisoners are employed in printing, bookbinding, shoemaking, tinsmithing, matmaking, tailoring, carpentering, weaving, gardening, laundry work, cleaning and minor repairs in buildings. The bulk of Government printing and book- binding is done in the Hong Kong Prison.
The total cost of each prisoner for the year (average) was $302.91.
The cost of feeding each prisoner for the year (average) was $62.89.
Remand Homes.
During the year 247 boys underwent sentences of detention for various crimes at the Remand Home for Juveniles (Boys), and 44 girls underwent detention at the Remand Home for Girls. These institutions are not under prison administration. The boys are given instruction in elementary reading and writing and in rattan work. The girls are given employment in house-work, laundry, and making and mending clothes. There are recreation facilities at both Homes.
There are four Probation Officers, two males and two females, attached to the Homes.
40
Chapter XIV.
LEGISLATION.
Forty-four ordinances were passed during the year 1939. These, and also the regulations, by-laws and other subordinate legislation enacted during 1939, are published in a separate volume by the Government Printers. The forty-four ordinances comprised two appropriation, five replacement, twenty-eight amendment, and nine ordinances which were new to the Colony.
The Appropriation Ordinance (No. 40) applied a sum not exceeding $49,706.787 to the public service for the year 1939, and Ordinance No. 15 appropriated a supplementary sum of $3,426,243.48 to defray the charges of the year 1938.
The five replacement ordinances were :-
(1) The Defence Contribution Ordinance (No. 8). This ordinance replaced the Defence Contribution Ordinance, 1901, (No. 1), its amending ordinance, 1935, (No. 43) and various sections of other ordinances dealing with the same matter. It made provision for the Colony's yearly contributions to His Majesty's Government for defence.
(2) The Hydrocarbon Oils Ordinance (No. 11). This ordinance, which replaced the Motor Spirit Ordinance, 1930 (No. 4), its amending ordinances, and all regulations and resolutions made thereunder, consolidated and amended the law relating to the taxation of hydro- carbon oils.
(3) The Registration of Persons Ordinance (No. 12). This ordinance, which replaced the Registration of Persons Ordinance, 1934 (No. 3) and its amending ordinances, consolidated and amended the law relating to the registration of persons.
(4) The Law Revision Ordinance (No. 33). This ordinance which replaced the Law Revision Ordinance, 1937 (No. 27) made provision for minor amendments and repeals in connection with the revision of the ordinances of Hong Kong.
(5) The Prevention of Eviction Consolidation and Amendment Ordinance (No. 44). This ordinance replaced the Prevention of Eviction Ordinance, 1938, and its amending ordinances. In addition to consolidating and amending the previous law it introduced certain restrictions on the issue of distress warrants.
The twenty-eight amending ordinances covered a wide range of subjects, namely-
Asiatic Emigration (No. 1), Criminal Procedure (No. 2), Dangerous Drugs (No. 3), Prevention of Eviction (Nos. 5 and 19), Evidence (No. 6), Offences Against the Person (No. 7), Supreme Court and Full Court Ordinances (No. 10), Protection of Women and Girls (No. 14), Protection of Cruelty to Animals (No. 16), Trustee (No. 17), Ordinances and Regulations of Hong Kong (1937 edition) (No. 18), Merchant Shipping (No. 22), Telecommunication (No. 23), Sterling Salaries Conversion (No. 24), Rating (Nos. 26 and 42), Dangerous Goods (No. 27), Pensions (No. 28), Volunteer (Nos. 29, 37 and 43), Registration of Persons (No. 30), Hydrocarbon Oils (No. 31), Births and Deaths Registration (No. 34), Urban Council (No. 35), Promissory Oaths (No. 39), Vagrancy (No. 41).
The ordinances new to the Colony were:-
(1) The Government House and City Development Fund Winding Up (No. 4). This ordinance repealed the Government House and City Development Scheme Ordinance, 1934 (No. 30), and appropriated to general revenue the balance of the fund established under the repealed ordinance.
•
42
Chapter XV.
BANKING, CURRENCY, WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
The Colony is well served by banking institutions, including branches of English, American, French, Netherlands, Japanese and Chinese banks. Besides the fourteen banks which are members of the Clearing House, there are several Chinese Banks. Many native Hongs do some banking business. There are no banks which devote themselves especially to agricultural and co-operative banking. The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation conducts, in addition to its normal banking activities, the business of the Hong Kong Savings Bank on usual savings bank principles. The credit and repute of the Colony's financial institutions are high and it is satisfactory to know that ample encouragement and support are available to finance any possible demand.
The currency of the Colony, which was formerly based on silver, underwent very important changes at the end of 1935. The unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar, divided into 100 cents. Until 1935 its exchange value fluctuated with the price of silver; but since the passing of the Currency Ordinance on the 5th of December, 1935, the value of the dollar is controlled by an Exchange Fund, which has power to buy and sell foreign exchange, and has taken over the silver formerly held against their issues by the note-issuing banks, in return for certificates of indebtedness against which the Fund may hold bullion, foreign exchange or approved. securities. At the 30th of June, 1939 (the latest date for which figures have been made public) the Fund had issued Certificates of Indebtedness to the value of $192,121,887, which is equivalent to £11,907,554 @ 1/23, the middle market rate on that day. The total assets of the Fund amounted to £13,226,195.
The legal tender currency of the Colony is now as follows:-
(a) Bank notes, the excess of which over the fiduciary issue of each bank
is now backed by certificates, not by silver as formerly
at 31.12.39.
(i) Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China
() Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation
$25,524,624
.$195,232,228
iii) Mercantile Bank of India ́.
$4,843,727
(b) Government $1 notes, of which $6,443,000 were in circulation at the
end of 1939.
(c) 10 cent and 5 cent nickel coins with the security rim.
(d) 1 cent copper coins.
(e) .800 fine silver sub-coin (10 cent and 5 cent pieces, and a few 50 and 20 cent pieces), which has either remained in circulation in the Colony or filters back into it from the mainland of China, is still legal tender in the Colony. Sub-coin is legal tender only up to an amount of $2.00.
The currency situation remained stable during the year.
The weights and measures in use in the Colony are defined in the Schedule to Ordinance No. 2 of 1885. They consist of the standards in the United Kingdom and of the following Chinese Weights and Measures :---
1 fan (candareen)
=
0.0133 ounces avoirdupois.
་
· 43
1 tsin (mace)
.133
ounces avoirdupois.
1 leung (tael)
1.33
ounces avoirdupois.
1 kan (catty)
1.33
pounds avoirdupois.
1 tam (picul)
133.33
pounds avoirdupois.
1 check (foot)
14 English inches divided into 10 tsun (inches) and each tsun into ten fan or tenths.
Chapter XVI.
PUBLIC FINANCE AND TAXATION.
The following tables show the Revenue and Expenditure for the five years 1935 to 1939 inclusive.
Revenue.
Expenditure.
Surplus.
Deficit.
1935....
.$28,430,550 $28,291,636 $ 138,194
1936....
30,042,984 29,513,520 529,464
1937....
33,196,368 32,111,222 1,085,146
1938....
36,735,854 37,175,897
440,043
1939..........
41,478,052 37,949,116 3,528,936
The estimates for 1939 provided for a deficit of $1,659,898, revenue being put at $36,097,325 and expenditure at $37,757,223. No new or increased taxes were imposed during the year. The increase in revenue was due to the diversion of a large proportion of China's trade to ports trading through Hong Kong, which continued through the greater part of 1939, and to the general increase of the Colony's population owing to an influx of refugees which reached its maximum in the latter months of the year. The effect of this increase in population is most clearly seen in the receipts from rates and from import, betting and entertainment duties.
The situation in China and its direct or indirect repercussions on the Colony, particularly as regards emergency relief and two epidemics of disease, were res- ponsible for the large proportion of the increase in expenditure. A new system of accounting, directed by the Secretary of State, and a revision of the method of payment of the Military Contribution also had the effect of weighting the 1939 expenditure in a manner which had not been foreseen when the estimates were prepared, though future liabilities were thereby reduced.
The Public Debt of the Colony at the 31st of December, 1939, was $16,038,000 consisting of two issues: the 4% Conversion Loan of $4,838,000, raised in 1933, the sinking fund of which amounted, on the 31st of December, 1939, to £75,567. 2. 7; and the 31% Dollar Loan raised in July, 1934. This latter loan is redeemable by drawings at par in each of the twenty-five years commencing in 1935 at the annual rate of one twenty-fifth of such issue. The amount outstanding at the 31st of December, 1939, was thus reduced to $11,200,000.
44
The Assets and Liabilities of the Colony on the 31st of December, 1939, are shewn in the following statement :-
LIABILITIES.
ASSETS.
C.
C.
DEPOSITS:-
CASH
Contractors and
Officers
Miscellaneous
$ 588,810.00
1,466,962.07
Current Account
No. 1
$ 1,137,216.16
2,055,772.07
Current Account
No. 2
1,571,097.05
Crown Agents for the
Colonies
40,226.49
ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES "R" ACCOUNT.
1,571,097.05
*Joint Colonial Fund.
2,145,882.36
Imprest Account
10,420.17
SPECIAL FUNDS :-
Subsidiary Coin
35,000.00
King George V
4,939,842.23
Memorial Fund
.$ 158,368.56
FIXED DEPOSITS :—
Chinese Public
Dispensaries Fund
33,160.07
General
$ 1,050,000.00
District Watchmen's
Miscellaneous
105,464.16
Fund
114,851.31
1,155,464.16
Education Scholarships
6,095,306.39
Fund
86,220.41
ADVANCES :-
Pending reimbursement from Loans
Praya East
Reclamation Fund
127.10
3/12%
392,727.45
Dollar
Loan. $11,140,000.00
NOTE SECURITY FUND
6,396,502.44
Pro-
posed
New
NICKEL COINAGE SECURITY FUND
1,622,272.19
Loan. 2,306,262.30
-$13,446.262.30
WATER WORKS RENEWALS AND
IMPROVEMENTS FUND
Miscellaneous
78,218.02
333,675.75
13,524,480.32
Total Cash and Advances
EXCHANGE ADJUSTMENT ACCOUNT
21,713.94
19,619,786.71
12,393,760.89
RESERVE STOCKS OF ESSENTIAL
COMMODITIES
1,571,097.05
INVESTMENTS, &C., ON ACCOUNT OF
SPECIAL FUNDS :-
Investments
$ 112,250.00
Fixed Deposits
30,000.00
142,250.00
INVESTMENTS, &C., ON ACCOUNT OF
NOTE ISSUE :—
Fixed Deposit
.$ 4,000,000.00
Current Account
2,396,502.44
INVESTMENTS, &C., ON ACCOUNT OF
NICKEL COINAGE :-
Sterling Investment ..$ 1,317,987.83
Current Account
GENERAL REVENUE BALANCE
17,091,170.73 SUSPENSE ACCOUNT
TOTAL
29,484,931.62
TOTAL
6,396,502.44
304,284.36
1,622,272.19
133,023.23
*Joint Colonial Fund £133,000. Os. Od.
29,484,931.62
45
The main heads of taxation enforced in the Colony, with the yield of each for 1939, are as follows:-
(a) Duties on Liquor, Tobacco, Motor Spirit and Perfumed
Spirit
(b) Port and Harbour Dues
(d) Estate Duty
(c) Rates (Assessed Taxes)
(e) Stamp Duties
(f) Entertainment Tax
(g) Bet and Sweeps Tax
$11,156,449.01
538,358.44 6,789,104.36 721,527.75 2,531,108.72
(h) Miscellaneous Licences
351,988.95
248,713.01
3,231,022.84
Considerable revenue is, however, derived from sources not strictly classifiable
as taxation, i.e.
Excess Water Supply
Post Office
Kowloon-Canton Railway
Land Sales
$2,212,035.34
3,120,758.60
912,904.86
2,139,818.81
The largest item of revenue is derived from the assessment tax (Rates). The sum collected during 1939 represents 16.37% of the total revenue. There is a general rate of 15% plus a water rate of 2% on assessed rateable value. Properties in outlying districts which have unfiltered water pay a water rate of 1%, and this rate is remitted altogether if no water is available.
There is no general customs tariff in Hong Kong, import duties being confined to liquor, tobacco, hydrocarbon oils and perfumed spirit. There is no export tariff. The sale of opium, is a Government Monopoly, and all importation of opium other than by Government is prohibited. The importation of dangerous drugs is regulated in accordance with the terms of the Geneva Convention. Arms, ammunition, explosives and dangerous goods are subject to the normal Harbour and Police Regulations in regard to storage and movement. A special Foreign Registration fee of 20% of the value of a motor vehicle is payable in respect of any vehicle not. produced within the British Empire.
The duties on imported liquor range from $0.70 per gallon on beer to $1.75 on Chinese liquor and to $26 on sparkling European wines. A reduction in duty is allowed in respect of brandy grown or produced within the British Empire.
The duties on tobacco range from $0.90 per lb. on the lowest taxed unmanu- factured tobacco to $2.60 per lb. on cigars. A reduction in duty is allowed on tobacco of Empire origin and/or of Empire manufacture.
A duty of 60 cents per gallon is payable on all light oils imported into the Colony, and 30 cents per gallon on all heavy hydrocarbon oils used as fuel for any heavy oil road vehicle.
The only form of excise duty is the tax on locally manufactured liquor.
Stamp duties are imposed on various instruments and, where a consideration is involved, are mainly ad valorem. The following are examples of the duties charged :--Affidavits, Statutory Declarations, etc., $3; Bills of Exchange (inward) and Cheques, 10 cents; Bills of Lading, 15 cents when freight is under $5, 40 cents when freight is $5 or over; Bond to secure the payment or repayment of money, 20 cents for every $100 or part thereof; Conveyance on sale, $1 for every $100 or part thereof; Mortgages, principal security, 20 cents for every $100 or part thereof, Life Insurance Policy, 25 cents for every $1,000 insured; Receipts, 10 cents for amount over $20; Transfer of Shares, 20 cents for every $100 of market value.
No Hut Tax or Poll Tax is imposed in the Colony.
46
Chapter XVII.
MISCELLANEOUS.
On the 21st February nine Japanese planes crossed the border into British territory and bombs were dropped at Shum Chun. As a result of the extension of Japanese activities on the border a large influx of refugees entered the Colony and necessitated the re-opening of two refugee camps at North and South Fanling Station on the 21st February. On the following day the Government Medical Department re-opened a third camp at Gill's Cutting. Some 2,000 refugees were accommodated in these camps.
2. In February a restricted steamer service between Canton and Hong Kong was resumed as a result of negotiations between the British and Japanese authorities.
The
3. In April compulsory registration of British subjects was commenced with the passing of the Registration of Persons Ordinance, No. 12 of 1939. Compulsory Service Ordinance, No. 32 of 1939, was passed in July. Medical examination under the Ordinance was commenced in August and the first meeting of the Compulsory Service Tribunal was held on the 28th of that month.
4. In July a Town Planning Board was appointed by the Governor. The functions of the Board were to draw up zone schemes and other town plans as advised by the Housing Commission.
5. The M.S. "Breconshire," the largest vessel to be constructed in Hong Kong dockyards, underwent official trials on the 21st July.
6. On the 27th July the first compulsory blackout exercise took place.
7. On the 15th August a Hong Kong-Manila-Chungking radio telephone service was inaugurated. This service was, however, suspended on the out-break of war.
8. Two committees were appointed by the Governor during the year namely, a Nutrition Research Committee on the 9th January and an Income Tax Committee which held its first meeting on the 3rd November.
9. Rear-Admiral A.J.L. Murray was appointed to the newly created post of Rear-Admiral of the 5th Cruiser Squadron on the China Station as from 14th April.
10. Many war time innovations centre round the declaration of war with Germany on 3rd September. Press censorship was instituted on 26th August. The control of shipping and aircraft was announced on 3rd September. Many local German residents were interned in La Salle College immediately on the outbreak of war.
On 8th September control of foreign exchange was instituted and on 9th September the liquidation of German firms was commenced. The Chinese and Sikh community in the Colony sent loyal messages to the Governor pledging their support of the British Crown. Control of food prices was announced on 5th September.
11. Among the Honours conferred by His Majesty during the year were :—
New Year Honours.
C.B.E.-Hon. Mr. R. M. Henderson, M.I.C.E., C.C.E., M.I.M.E., M.I.W.E.
O.B.E.
(Civil Division)-Mr. M. F. Key.
M.B.E. (Civil Division)-Chief Inspector A. K. Taylor.
Birthday Honours.
O.B.E. (Civil Division)-Prof. K. H. Digby.
M.B.E. (Military Division)-Capt. J. S. Rodrigues.
+
Appendix A.
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1939.
1. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE.
The outstanding feature of the financial year 1939 was a large increase in revenue. The Estimates provided for a deficit of $1,659,898, revenue being put at $36,097,325 (including $839,704 transferred from the Government House and City Development Fund) and expenditure at $37,757,223. The actual revenue was $41,478,052, thus exceeding the estimate by $5,380,727, and the actual expenditure was $37,949,116, thus exceeding the estimate by $191,893. The surplus of assets on 31st December, 1939, was $17,091,170, which may be compared with a figure of $11,867,025 which was contemplated as probable at the time when the 1939 Estimates were originally prepared.
2. Higher duties were imposed in October on liquors of non-Empire origin and on light oils but apart from this the increase in revenue was almost wholly due to the special conditions arising out of the Sino-Japanese hostilities. The special activity in trade, due to the diversion of a much increased proportion of China's trade to Hong Kong, continued throughout the year and the increase of the Colony's population owing to the influx of refugees was maintained. Most of the principal sources of revenue, of which details, are given in the Accountant-General's report annexed, show substantial increases. (The number of vacant tenements was practically nil and owing to an increase in the number of buildings and higher rents the receipts from rates were considerably higher than in 1938. Liquor, tobacco and light oil duties show large increases and many other items, such as opium. sales, stamp duties and royalties payable by transport companies, which are affected by the magnitude of the population, rose correspondingly. The continued demand for building sites for housing and industrial projects was reflected in very high receipts from land sales.)
3. Although the total expenditure was only $191,893 in excess of the amount provided for in the Estimates there were considerable excesses under several Heads which were, however, offset by savings under other Heads. In all supplementary votes for a total of $6,584,007 were approved by the Legislative Council and the Secretary of State. The following analysis of these shows the main categories of this supplementary expenditure
(1) Accounting adjustments, not involving the authorization of new
expenditure
(2) Revotes of provision in previous estimates
$ 320,265
184,871
(3) Post Office-increases due to re-introduction of air mail sur-
charge, changes in transit charges, etc.
60,500
(4) Emergency expenses :—
(a) Epidemics of disease
$ 641,863
(b) Relief of refugees
593,052
(c) Other expenditure due to Sino-Japanese hos-
tilities
273,100
(d) Defence and War expenditure
2,489,565
3,997,580
(5) Typhoon Damage
(6) Resumptions
(7) Other new or additional expenditure
- A 2
91,430
48,853
1,880,508
$6,584,007
It will be seen that a large proportion of these votes resulted, directly or indirectly, from the emergency situation brought about by the Sino Japanese hostilities (e.g., relief of refugees and epidemics of disease which led to a large increase under Head 5, Charitable Services), and by the war with Germany (e.g., expenditure on the Volunteer Defence Corps, the Naval Volunteer Force and Air Raid Precautions under Head 6, Defence, and Special War Expenditure under Head 18, Miscellaneous Services, which covered the cost of the internment of enemy aliens and of the new departments and the expansion of existing departments brought about by the war). Much of the supplementary expenditure under (7) though it cannot be definitely attributed to the emergency was indirectly affected by it, for instance by the general rise in prices, and the supplementary votes included little in the way of new services of permanent benelit to the Colony. The main Heads under which savings were shown were Pensions, the Kowloon-Canton Railway (due to curtailed services) and Military Contribution.
4. As already noted the surplus of assets over liabilities at the end of the year was $17, 091,170. The greater part of this, i.e., $13,446,262, was advanced to loan funds pending reimbursement from the issue of loans (i.e., $11,140,000 against the 34% Dollar Loan, 1934, and $2,306,262 against a proposed new loan). The actual cash resources, after deducting uninvered balances of special funds, amounted to $5.405,689. Against this, however hust be set net liabilities under Deposits amounting to $1,950,308.
2. LOANS.
5. As regards loans the position remains that of the $25,000,000 authorized by the Dollar Loan Ordinance of 1934, $14,000,000 has been issued. The balance of $11,000,000 is available for issue when the funds are required, expenditure being advanced from general surplus balances in the meanwhile. This system was con- tinued during the year as the liquid resources available appeared sufficient to meet immediate needs but the necessity of issuing the remainder of the loan as soon as circumstances require is kept in mind.
3. CURRENCY.
The exchange
6. The currency situation remained stable during the year. rate continued to be controlled by the operations of the Exchange Fund set up under the Currency Ordinance, 1935, and fluctuations in the rate were small. The Treasury average rates for each month were as follows:-
January
February
1/2
1/218
March
1/218
April
May
1/21
1/21/1/0
June
1/23/
+
July
August
September
October
November
December
- A 3
1/21/1
16
1/2/9/
1/23
1/218
1/23
1/2/3/
On 11th September, 1939, it was notified for public information that the Exchange Fund had arranged to sell sterling up to any amount that might be required to the three note-issuing banks at the rate of 1/218d, and to buy sterling up to any amount from those banks at 1/3d. These three banks (i.c., the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China and the Mercantile Bank of India, Limited) undertook to sell sterling to other banks and to the public at not less than 1/235d and to buy sterling from other banks and the public at not more than 1/3d for ready delivery in each
case.
7.
There was a slight decrease in the circulation of bank notes and of Government $1 notes, the figures being as follows:-
31.12.38.
31.12.39.
Government $1 notes
$
5,571,000 $ 6,443,000
Chartered Bank of India, Australia
and China
24,852,657
25,521,624
Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking
Corporation
210,197,678
195,232,228
Mercantile Bank of India, Ltd.
4,441,620
4,843,727
$245,062,955
$232,043,579
8. Statements of the position of the Exchange Fund were made, in accordance with the now established practice, on the 30th June, 1939, and the 5th January, 1940, showing the position of the Fund at 31st December, 1938, and 30th June, 1939, respectively. The figures of the Certificates of Indebtedness outstanding and the total assets of the Fund were as follows:
December 31st, 1938
June 30th, 1939
Certificates of Indebtedness (in sterling, converted at middle market rates).
£11,945,930
£11,907,554
Assets.
£13,035.370
£13,226,195
9. During 1939 the advantages resulting from the steadiness of the exchange and the system of managed currency continued to be enjoyed and little difficulty was experienced in maintaining the Hong Kong dollar at a steady rate of exchange on sterling when the decline in value of the Chinese dollar took place. It would appear to be the general desire of the business community that the Hong Kong dollar should not be allowed to follow the Chinese dollar.
A 4
10. Subsidiary Coinage. The withdrawal of cupro-nickel 10 cents and 5 cents coins and the substitution of the new secarity rim nickel coins introduced towards the end of 1937 has been continued and cupro-nickel coins ceased to be legal tender as from 1st November, 1939. The following amounts of subsidiary coins were “in circulation" on 31st December, 1939, in addition to small quantities of silver coins.
Cupro-nickel 10 cents
* $
192,000
وو
وو
5
دو
18,000
Nickel security rim 10 cents
وو
5 Bailey
2,312,500
# and 2 375,000
11. Exchange Control. Exchange control came into effect a few days after the outbreak of the war with Germany with the publication of the Defence (Finance) Regulations on 8th September 1939. The measures taken are described in the report of the Assistant Financial Secretary (Exchange) which is annexed
4. ADMINISTRATION.
-་་ ?: , ?” ༨
11:
**
* 10
12. Mr. S. Caine, Financial Secretary; left the Colony on recall "to''thể Colonial Office on 6th December, 1939, and Mr. H. R. Butters was appointed Acting Financial Secretary as from that date.
Mr. G. S. Kennedy-Skipton acted as Assistant Financial Secretary from 4th August to 15th October and Mr. R. R. Todd from, 16th October to the end of the year.
mburk J. mist T Bal
Mr. D. Kelvin-Stark acted as Assistant Financial Secretary (Exchange), from 7th September to the end of the year. gar induak? bak
noit apo?)
13. Reports by the Accountant-General on the Accounts for 1939 and by the Assessor, the Superintendent of Inland Revenue,; the Controllerliof: Stores and the Assistant Financial Secretary (Exchange) are appended.
Hong Kong, 29th May, 1940.
H. R.BUTTERS,
Financial Secretary.
"
A 5
REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR 1939.
Expenditure for the year amounted to $37,949,116 and the Revenue totalled $41,478,052.
The Colony's Revenue and Expenditure for the past ten years are charted in a graph appended to this report as Financial Return No. 1.
2. The original Estimates provided for total expenditure of $37,757,223 against revenue expected to produce $35,257,621, thus forecasting a deficit of $2,499,602 for the year 1939.
3. The general Revenue balance at 31st December, 1939, was $17.091,170 as compared with $13,562,234 at the beginning of the year. The surplus on the year's working is $3,528,936 as shown in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities attached hereto as Financial Return No. 2-the Statement is supported by 4 appendices in accordance with accounting procedure laid down by the Secretary of State.
4. Revenue. The actual revenue collected during 1939 was $6,220,431 in excess of the estimate. Of this sum, $2,786,449 was in respect of Head 1, Duties, and is due in part to the increased consumption of tobacco and liquors result- ing from the abnormal increase in population and to higher duties levied on liquors and motor spirit.
Head 3, Licences and Internal Revenue, realised $1,496,835 in excess of the estimate. The main items showing excesses were opium monopoly, assessed taxes, stamp duties, water supply and forfeitures. A notable decrease was shown by Estate Duty which failed to reach the estimate by $528,472.
Under Head 4, Fees of Court, an increase of $234,901 was recorded, this was chiefly due to the result of increased prices and larger sales of sand and the heavy increase in the number of official certificates and passports.
The revenue from Slaughter Houses also showed considerable increase and there were new items for sales of stores which now appear as revenue as a result of revised accounting procedure laid down by the Secretary of State.
Head 5, The increase in postage fees was mainly the result of the re-introduction of sur-charges on Empire Airmail following the outbreak of war.
The decrease under Head 6, Kowloon-Canton Railway, of $871,096 was brought about by the suspension of through traffic during the year.
Head 7, Rent of Government Property was $210,106 in excess of the estimate. This was in the main owing to the higher rentals obtained in the new Central Market.
Head 9, Miscellaneous Receipts, was $853,806 in excess of the estimate. This was chiefly due to the heavy increase in traffic on the public transport system of the Colony from which royalties are drawn by Government.
Head 10, Land Sales, brought an additional sum of $1,389,818 to Revenue in consequence of the great demand for building sites for housing and industrial purposes and the transfer of $839,704 from Government House and City Deve- lopment Fund.
· A 6
5. Expenditure. The expenditure for the year was $191,893 in excess of the amount provided for in the Estimates. Personal Emoluments amounting to $14,047,757 showed a decrease of $472,315 against the Estimates.
Other Charges totalling $7,038,208 represented an excess of $1,249,385 over the sum provided in the Estimates. A notable increase was shown in the Stores Department which expended $383,972 in excess of the provision and Police. Department in which the net increase was $137,937.
Defence expenditure showed a considerable increase as follows:-
Volunteer Defence Force
Naval Volunteer Force
Air Raid Precautions
$312,111.
148,711.
508,291.
The cost of charitable services also greatly exceeded the estimate as the result of the refugee relief measures and additional grants to the Tung Wah Hospital the total excess under this Head being $725,278.
Additional expenditure on Public Works Extraordinary amounting to $128,861 was largely accounted for by work in connection with refugee camps and hospital huts erected at North Point, King's Park and Ma l'au Chung.
The amount provided for pensions proved to be over-estimated by $258,757 and Military Contribution fell short of the estimate by $76,859.
A comparison of expenditure with the original Estimates and the actual expenditure for the preceding year is set out in Financial Return No. 6.
The allocation of expenditure under various Heads during the past five years is shown in Financial Return No. 7.
6. Expenditure on Loan Works, authorised by Ordinance No. 11 of 1934, during the year 1939 amounted to $213,943 which was met by advances from surplus balances. The full amount of the authorised loan of $25,000,000 has now been expended entirely and the details are set forth in Financial Return No. 8.
Expenditure during the year amounting to $1,228,929 was incurred on certain public works which it is proposed to charge to a new loan. This expenditure was also financed by advances from surplus balances and particulars are given in Financial Return No. 9 which shows the total expended on these works up to 31st December 1939 at $2,306,262.
7. Trade Loan Account. During the year one loan was liquidated by the sale of the mortgaged property and the writing-off of the irrecoverable balance and there. is now only one loan outstanding for an amount of $79,771. The position of this account at the end of 1939 is shown in Financial Return No. 10.
8. Public Debt. The annual contribution of $166,911 to the 4% Conversion Loan, Sinking Fund, was invested in sterling securities as usual. A sum of $560,000 was expended on the redemption of 34% Dollar Loan Bonds at par in accordance with the terms of the Ordinance governing this issue.
The general financial position during the year rendered it unnecessary to issue any of the remaining $11,000,000 bonds authorised by the Ordinance-works having been financed without difficulty by advances from surplus balances.
A statement of the Colony's Funded Debt outstanding at 31st December, 1939, is given in Financial Return No. 11.
-
A 7-
The following financial returns are published in order to show the results of 1939 in comparison with the Estimates and the actual figures of previous years:
1. Graph of Actual Revenue and Expenditure for the years 1930 to 1939.
2.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31st December, 1939, with appendices a, b, c and d.
3.
Actual Revenue compared with the Estimates.
4. Principal increases and decreases in Revenue.
5
years.
1939.
Chart showing fluctuations of Revenue under Heads during the past 10
6. Actual Expenditure compared with the Estimates and with previous years.
7. Distribution of total expenditure for the past 5 years.
8.
Statement of Expenditure on 34% Dollar Loan Account as at 31st December,
9. Statement of advances on Loan Works pending reimbursement from proposed new loan.
10. Statement of Trade Loan as at 31st December, 1939.
11. Statement of Funded Public Debt outstanding at 31st December, 1939.
Treasury, March 29th, 1940.
T. BLACK,
Accountant-Genera!.
MILLION
A 8
GRAPH OF ACTUAL REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR
THE YEARS 1930-1939
DOLLARS
41
40
39
38
37
36
35
34.
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
REVENUE
EXPENDITURE
42
1930
1931
1932
1933
1934
1935
t
1936
1937
1938
1939
་
BARANIZ
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 2.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31st DECEMBER, 1939.
LIABILITIES.
ASSETS.
A 9
DEPOSITS:
$ C.
CASH-
$
C.
Contractors and Officers
.$ 588,810.00
Current Account No. 1 ...
$ 1,137,216.16
Miscellaneous
1,466,962.07
2,055,772.07
Current Account No. 2
Crown Agents for the Colonies.. *Joint Colonial Fund
Imprest Account
Subsidiary Coin
1,571,097.05
40,226.49 2,145,882.36
10,420.17
35,000,00
4,939,842.23
ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES "R" ACCOUNT
1,571,097.05
FIXED DEPOSITS-
General
SPECIAL FUNDS :---
King George V Memorial Fund ...$ 158,368.56
ADVANCES
Chinese Public Dispensaries Fund
33,160.07
Pending reimbursement
District Watchmen's Fund Education Scholarships Fund Praya East Reclamation Fund
114,851.31
from Loans 3%
Do'lar Loan..$11,140,000.00
86,220.41
127.10
Proposed
New Loan
Miscellaneous
392,727.45
2,306,262.30
$13,446,262.30 78,218.02
13,524,480.32
Total Cash and Advances
19,619,786.71
Miscellaneous
$ 1,050,000.00 105,464.16
1,155,464.16
6,095,306.39
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 2,-Continued.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31st DECEMBER, 1939.
LIABILITIES.
ASSETS.
NOTE SECURITY FUND
$ C.
6,396,502.44
NICKEL COINAGE SECURITY FUND
1,622,272.19
RESERVE STOCKS OF ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES
INVESTMENTS, &C., ON ACCOUNT OF
SPECIAL FUNDS :-
$ C.
1,571,097.05
Investments
WATER WORKS RENEWALS AND IMPROVEMENTS FUND.
333,675.75
Fixed Deposits
$ 112,250.00 30,000.00
142,250.00
EXCHANGE ADJUSTMENT ACCOUNT
21,713.94
NOTE ISSUE :-
12,393,760.89
Fixed Deposit
Current Account
INVESTMENTS, &C., ON ACCOUNT OF
INVESTMENTS, &c., ON ACCOUNT OF
NICKEL COINAGE :-
Sterling Investment
Current Account
$ 4,000,000.00 2,396,502.44
$ 1,317,987.83 304,284.36
6,396,502.44
1,622,272.19
17,091,170.73
SUSPENSE ACCOUNT
TOTAL
29,484,931.62
TOTAL
*Joint Colonial Fund £133,000. Os. Od.
GENERAL REVENUE BALANCE
133,023.23
29,484,931.62
- A 10
Appendix A.
STATEMENT OF SPECIAL FUNDS &c. DEPOSITED IN THE TREASURY.
District
Watchmen
Fund.
Chinese
Public
Dispensaries Fund.
Water Education Works- Scholarship Renewals & Fund.
King
George V
Nickel
Note
Memorial
Praya East Reclamation.
Security
Coinage
Improve- ments Fund..
Fund.
Fund.
Security
Fund.
Government
House & Insurance City Companies. Development
Total.
Fund.
$
C.
C.
C.
C.
C.
C.
C.
Balance of Deposits at 1st January, 1939 Add :-Receipts
37,952.57 1,740.55 14,600.92
158,368.56
153,036.76
120,736.76 75,732.23
414,007.00
Deduct Payments
190,989.33
76,138.02
122,477.31 90,333.15 414,007.00 158,368.56 89,317.24 3,362.74 80,331.25
76,339.39 7,579,786.70 2,620,422.16 | 2,125,220.49 76,212.29 1,183,284.26 984,615.18 2,125,220.49
74,089.39 5,480,119.62 1,493,069.06 1,678,641.62 2,250.00 2,099,667.08 | 1,127,353.10 446,578,87
839,704.12 | 9,778,286.41
4,439,361.80
839,704.12 14,217,648.21
839,704.12 5,458,185.59
114,851.31 33,160.07 86,970.41 333.675.75 158,368.56
750.00
127.10 6,396,502.44 | 1,635,806.98
13,534.79
Deduct Depreciation of Investment
8,759,462.62
14,284.79
Balance of Deposits at 31st December, 1939
114.851.31
33,160.07 86.220.41 333,675.75 158.368.56
127.10 6,396,502.44 | 1,622,272.19
8,745,177.83
Investment held at Market Price
Cash in hands of Accountant-General
38,000.00 11,000.00 63,250.00
1,317,987.83
1,430,237.83
76,851.31 22,160.07 22,970.41 333,675.75 158,368.56
127.10 6,396,502.44 304,284.36
7,314,940.00
Cash due to Accountant-General
Balance as above
114,851.31 33,160.07 86,220.41 333.675.75 158.368.56
127.10 6.396,502.44 | 1,622,272.19
8,745.177.83
Net Cash Balance in hands of Accountant-General $7.314.940 (C
PREVIOUS YEAR.
C. Deposits:-
A 12
Appen
STATEMENT OF BALANCES EXCLUDING SPECIAL
LIABILITIES.
€
C.
ON THE 31st
$
Eft
C.
519,585.00
Contractors & Officers Deposits
588,810.00
1,486,256.87
Miscellaneous
$1,466,962.07
Less Fixed Bank Deposits
held by Government
x
105,464.16 1,361,497.91
1,950,307.91
26,092.39 Exchange Adjustment Account
158,368.56 King George V Memorial Fund
2,190,302.82
GENERAL REVENUE BALANCE.
$
C.
Balance at 1st January, 1939
13,562,234.97
Revenue 1939
41,478,052.24
Expenditure 1939
37,949,116.48
Add Surplus 1939
3,528,935.76
Balance at 31st December, 1939
17,091,170.73
21,713.94
1,972,021.85
13,562,234.97
General Revenue Balance
17,091,170.73
15,752,537.79
19,063,192.58
dix B.
A 13
FUNDS &c. DEPOSITED IN THE TREASURY
DECEMBER, 1939.
Advances:
ASSETS.
C.
$ C.
PREVIOUS YEAR.
€
C
Miscellaneous
78,218.02
Pending Reimbursements from 34% Dollar
Loan
11,140,000.00
53,443.81
10,926,056.46
Pending Reimbursements from Proposed
New Loan
2,306,262.30
1,077,333.06
13,524,480.32)
Imprest Account
Subsidiary Coin
Suspense Account
10,420.17
90,625.00
133,023.23
26,438.25
13,657,503.55
12,184,316.75
Cash:-
Fixed Deposit General
1,050,000.00
Fixed Deposit on account of Special Funds.
Fixed Deposit Note Security Fund
30,000.00
4,000,000.00
Accountant-General No. 1 Account
1,137,216.16
Accountant-General No. 2 Account
1,571,097.05
Crown Agents
40,226.49
Joint Colonial Fund
2,145,882.86
Note Issue Current Account
2,396,502.44
Nickel Coinage Current Account
304,284.36
:
Imprest Account
10,420.17
Subsidiary Coin
35,000.00
12,720,629.03
Deduct:
Balance of Special Fund &c., in hands of Accountant-General (Appendix A)
7,314,940.00 5,405,689.03 3,568,221.04
19,063,192.58 15,752,537.79
Appendix C.
STATEMENT OF OUTSTANDING LOANS REPAYABLE TO THE COLONY AS AT 31st DECEMBER, 1939.
A 14
INTEREST
LOAN.
DATE OF
LOAN.
AUTHORITY.
PER
ANNUM.
TERMS OF REPAYMENT.
AMOUNT
REPAID.
AMOUNT
OUTSTANDING.
$
$ C.
Shek
O Development Co., Ltd.
$ 38,187.00 Diocesan Boys' School 175,000.00 J. A. Fraser
29. 1.25 C.S.O. 1445/191
4%
2nd February, 1940
38,187.00
28. 1.27 C.S.O.
776/18
3%
$1,000.00 half-yearly
41,000.00
134,000.00
25,000.00
16.11.33
C.S.O.
3001/19
4%
$400.00 monthly
25,000.00
G. S. Kennedy-Skipton 30,000.00
27. 4.34
C.S.O. 3009/32
4%
$300.00 monthly
12,600.00
17,400.00
S. C. Feltham
7,000.00
2. 4.35
C.S.O.
C.S.O. 13/3009/22
4%
$400.00 half-yearly
3,600.00
3,400.00
C. E. Moore
R. H. Woodman
F. J. Farr
L. B. Holmes
R. E. Stott
15,000.00 2.10.35 C.S.O. 19,500.00 8. 1.36 C.S.O. 20,000.00 17. 1.36 C.S.O. 16,000.00 26. 5.36 C.S.O. 13,677.50 29. 8.36 C.S.O.
2/5038/29
4%
$500.00 half-yearly
4,000.00 11,000.00
4/5038/29
4%
$975.00 half-yearly
8,775.00
10,725.00
4778,25
4.%
$1,000.00 half-yearly
7,000.00
13,000.00
9/5046/29
4%
$800.00 half-yearly
4,800.00 11,200.00
5035/29
4%
$150.00 monthly
4,013.23 9,664.27
Hong Kong Travel Association
5,258.84
30. 9.36 C.S.O.
911/35
$100.00 monthly
3,800.00
1,458.84
R. S. Begbie
F. J. T. Locke
20,000.00
12,000.00
28. 5.37 C.S.O. 6/5039/29 16. 6.38 C.S.O. 3/5038/29
4%
$1,000.00 half-yearly
5,000.00 15,000.00
4%
$1,000.00 half-yearly
3,000.00
9,000.00
Total.
$396,623.34
$122,588.23 $274,035.11
A 15
Appendix D.
STATEMENT OF UNALLOCATED STORES ACCOUNT.
GOVERNMENT STORES DEPARTMENT.
KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.
$
¢.
$
C.
Stock on hand at 1st January, 1939
743,020.01
147,952.06
Add Purchases, returns and charges, as charged
to Expenditure Sub-head
3,659,836.81
306,484.64
Deduct Issues to votes and services as credited
to Expenditure Sub-head
4,402,856.82
454,436.70
3,350,330.59
361,733.27
Deduct Proceeds of Stores sold
1,052,526.23
92,703.43
74,285.10
32,157.33
Add Transfers between Stores
978,241.13
60,546.10
56,593.14
Deduct Transfers between Stores
978,241.13
117.139.24
38,232.94
Deduct adjustments for stores not paid for in
year in which received (net)
940,008.19
117.139.24
285.53
1,323.91
939,722.66
Deduct Losses and deficiencies written off
152.71
115,815.33 20.60
Stock on hand at 31st December, 1939
$939,569.95
$115,794.73
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 3.
Heads of Revenue.
Actual 1938.
Estimates 1939.
Actual 1939.
Actual
1938
Percentage of Revenue.
Estimates
1939
Actual
1939
%
%
%
1. Duties
2. Port & Harbour Dues
9,105,121.72
532,539.63
8,370,000
11,156,449.01
24.78
23.74
26.90
600,000
538,358.44
1.45
1.70
1.30
3.
Licences and Internal Revenue Not Otherwise Specified
15,098,620.05
14,958,151
16,454,986.31
41.10
42.42
39.67
4. Fees of Court or Office etc.
2,787,487.90
2,896,970
3,131,871.26
7.59
8.22
7.55
5.
Post Office
2,918,028.82
2,927,000
3,120,758.60
7.94
8.30
7.52
6. Kowloon-Canton Railway
1,782,287.74
1.784,000
912,904.86
4.85
5.06
2.20
7. Rent of Government Property etc.
1,899,215.26
1,834,000
2,044,106.92
5.17
5.20
4.93
8. Interest
104,750.87
110,000
97,491.55
.29
.31
.23
9. Miscellaneous Receipts
1,308,292.22
1,027,500
1,881,306.48
3.56
2.92
4.54
Sub-Total.
35,536,344.21
34,507,621
39,338,233.43
96.73
97.87
94.84
10. Land Sales (Premia on New Leases)..
1,199,510.47
750,000
2,139,818.81
3.27
2.13
5.16
Grand Total.
36,735,854.68
35,257,621
41,478,052.24
100.00
100.00
100.00
A 16
་་
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 4.
THE PRINCIPAL INCREASES AND DECREASES IN REVENUE OVER THE AMOUNTS ESTIMATED WERE AS FOLLOWS:
Heads and Sub-Heads.
1.-DUTIES.
Import Duty on Liquor,
39
""
وو
Motor Spirit, Tobacco,
Duty on Locally Manufactured I iquor,
3. LICENCES AND INTERNAL REVENUE NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.
A.-Licences.
Estimated.
Actual.
Increase.
Decrease.
$
$
$
1,500.000
1,826,797.69 326.797.69
900,000
1,395,516.72 495.516.72
4,600,000
6,362,972.58 1,762,972.58
1,250,000
1,416,855.74 166,855.74
Explanatory Remarks.
Increased duties and population Increased duty and population. Increased population.
do.
Boat,
Ferries,
Liquor,
Marriage,
Opium Monopoly.
Pawnbroker,
Vehicles Motor Drivers, Wireless, Receiving,
B.—Internal Revenue.
Assessed Taxes (Rates),
Bets and Sweeps Tax, Entertainments Tax,
127,000
406,401
139,517.30 12,517.30 434,095.50
27,694.50
325,000
365,552.73
40,552.73
3,500
7,439.00
3,939.00
350,000
1,025,269.76
675,269.76
156,500 174,250.00
17,750.00
20,485.50
16,152.00
Increased Fees.
Higher tender for Western Ferry Service. Increased population.
Popularity of Registry marriages (Chinese). Less traffic in illicit opium; increased population. Underestimated. Increased population.
do.
55,000 75,485.50 135,000 151,152.00
6,200,000 6,776,168.00 576,168.00
200,000 248,713.01 48,713.01 300,000 351,988.95 51,988.95
Fewer vacant tenements and more buildings; increased rentals. Increased population.
do.
A 17
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 4.-Contd.
THE PRINCIPAL INCREASES AND DECREASES IN REVENUE OVER THE AMOUNTS ESTIMATED WERE AS FOLLOWS:-
Heads and Sub-Heads.
Estimated.
Actual.
Increase.
Decrease.
B.-Internal Revenue.
$
SA
CA
Estate Duty,
1,250,000
721,527.75
Stamp Duties,
2,300,000
2,531,108.72
Water Excess Supply and Meter Rents,
2,096,000
231,108.72 2,212,035.34 116,035.34
C.-Fines and Forfeitures.
Fines,
Forfeitures,
4. FEES OF COURT OR OFFICE, PAYMENTS FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES, AND REIMBURSEMENTS IN
AID.
172,694.79
22,694.79
40,000 174,921.54 134,921.54
150,000
A.-Fees.
Explanatory Remarks.
528,472.25
Variable item.
Air Services Fees,
70,000
49,898.58
20,101.42
Analysis,
35,000
20,702.50
14,297.50
China Companies,
210,000
100,663.62
109,336.38
Court,
85,000
67,130.92
17,869.08
Crown Leases,
40,000
25,910.00
14,090.00
Medical Examination of Emigrants
220,000
99,633.70
120,366.30
Official Certificates,
20,000
97,107.00 77,107.00
Passport,
25,000
87,978.40 62,978.40
Possession,
30,000
15,571.25
14,428.75
Survey of Steam Ships,
140,000
113,478.48
26,521.52
Increase in banking and shipping business. More metered services and increased consumption.
Variable.
do.
A 18
Overestimated.
Decrease in commercial work due to Sino- Japanese conflict.
Present situation in China.
Overestimated.
do.
Less emigration.
Smallpox and cholera certificates.
Sino-Japanese hostilities in Kwangtung. Overestimated.
་
Explanatory Remarks.
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 4.-Contd.
THE PRINCIPAL INCREASES AND DECREASES IN REVENUE OVER THE AMOUNTS ESTIMATED WERE AS FOLLOWS:-
Heads and Sub-Heads.
4.-FEES OF COURT OR OFFICE,
PAYMENTS FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES,
Estimated.
Actual.
Increase.
Decrease.
30
A 19
AND
REIMBURSEMENTS
IN
AID.
B.-Receipts.
Medical Treatment,
150,000
183,461.49 33,461.49
Official Receiver's Commission,
20,000
Slaughter Houses,
145,000
9,596.50
197,433.75
10,403.50
Mataukok,
62,000
52,433.75 85,110.00 23,110.00
More paying patients; increased population. No large insolvencies.
Increased population.
do.
33
C.-Reimbursement in Aid.
Use of Motor Vans,
30,000
42,183.00
12,183.00
Underestimated.
D.-Sales.
Police and Other Stores,
1,200
13,225.03
12,025.03
Sand,
210,000
289,773.02
79,773.02
Shing Mun Construction Surplus Plant,
30,977.10
30,977.10
Unallocated Stores, K.C.R.
Store Dept.
32,157.33 32,157.33 74,285.10 74,285.10
Variable.
Increased prices; increased sales.
New item.
do.
do.
5.-POST OFFICE.
Commission on Money and Postal Orders,
Message Fees,
Postage,
10,000
102,000
2,800,000
47,790.42
87,957.70 2,967,207.48 167,207.48
37,790.42
14,042.30
Profit on exchange.
War conditions.
General increase in postal services and reintroduction of surcharges for Empire air mail.
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 4.-Contd.
THE PRINCIPAL INCREASES AND DECREASES IN REVENUE OVER THE AMOUNTS ESTIMATED WERE AS FOLLOWS:---
Heads and Sub-Heads.
Estimated.
Actual.
Increase.
Decrease.
Explanatory Remarks.
A 20
6. KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.
MAIN LINE.
RI. Passenger Service, Passenger, Foreign Line,
450,000
827.59
449,172.41
Through services suspended.
R1. Passenger Service, Passenger, Home Line,
380,000
607,459.95 227,459.95
Increased population of New Territories.
R2. Passenger Service, Others,
Foreign Line,
8,000
8,000.00
Through services suspended.
R2. Passenger Service, Others, Home Line,
3,000
R3. Goods Service, Goods Foreign Line, R3. Goods Service, Goods Home Line, R4. Goods Service, Others, Foreign Line,
600,000
10,557.15 7,557.15 34,763.65
More live stock carried.
565,236.35
20,000
38,162.95 18,162.95
More goods carried.
40,000
5,000.00
35,000.00
R4. Goods Service, Others, Home Line,
10,000
2.50
9,997.50
R7. Profits on Central Mechanical Works, Home Line,
50,000
9,329.38
40,670.62
RS. Rents, Home Line,
100,000
188,987.57
88,987.57
RD Incidental Revenue, Foreign Line,
13,000
13,000.00
Through services suspended.
Outstanding account due in 1938 collected in 1939;
Through services suspended.
No special goods train run, and no demurr- age collected due to restriction of operation to the local service.
Repairs to rolling stock on behalf of Chinese Railways ceased after March 1939.
All available space at the Railway Reclama- tion continued to be occupied during the
year.
Through services suspended.
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 4.-Contd.
THE PRINCIPAL INCREASES AND DECREASES IN REVENUE OVER THE AMOUNTS ESTIMATED WERE AS FOLLOWS:
Heads and Sub-Ileads.
6. KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.
Estimated.
Actual.
Increase.
Decrease.
Explanatory Remarks.
MAIN LINE.
R9. Incidental Revenue, Home Line,
35,000 17,814.12
17,185.88
Reduced services and no revenue from Customs seizures.
R10. Auxiliary Operations, Foreign Haulage,
70,000
70,000.00
Through services suspended.
R11. Interchange of Rolling Stock,
Foreign Line,
5,000
5,000.00
do.
7.-RENT OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY
A 21
LAND AND HOUSES.
Buildings,
160,000
191,723.71
31,723.71
Lands not Leased (Permits for
Encroachment &c.),
300,000
346,295.32 46,295.32
Leased Lands (Crown Rent Exclusive of
N. T.),
645,000
606,984.35
38,015.65
Leased Lands (Crown Rent N. T.),
237,000
248,817.30
Markets,
403,000
11,817.30 567,250.95 164,250.95
More buildings rented and higher rentals. Increased population.
Overestimated.
New Central Market; higher rentals
9.-MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS.
Other Miscellaneous Receipts
100,000
138,199.64 38,199.64
Royalty Payable by the China Motor Bus
Co., Ltd.
175,000
257,874.17 82,874.17
Variable.
Increased population.
Royalty Payable by the Hong Kong
Telephone Co., Ltd.
52,000
62,686.00
10,686.00
More lines installed.
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 4.-Contd.
THE PRINCIPAL INCREASES AND DECREASES IN REVENUE OVER THE AMOUNTS ESTIMATED WERE AS FOLLOWS:-
Heads and Sub-Heads.
7
Estimated.
Actual.
Increase.
Decrease.
Explanatory Remarks.
9.-MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS.
SA
$
Royalty Payable by the Hong Kong
Tramway Co., Ltd.
45,000
57,601.29
12,601.29
Royalty Payable by the Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Co.
175,000
429,119.75 254,119.75
Royalty Payable by the Kowloon Motor
Bus Co., Ltd.
180,000
328,281.56 148,281.56
Contribution by Chinese Government
towards Cost of Internees' Camp,
Repayment of Building Loan,
Repayment of Trade Loan and Interest, Realization of Sterling Fund,
10.-LAND SALES.
86,956.52 86,956.52 39,284.32 39,284.32 78,400.00 78,400.00 90,508.72
Increased rate of Royalty and increased population.
Increased population.
do.
Temporary item. New item.
do.
90,508.72
Profit on realization.
Premia on New Leases, H. K.
200,000 1,388,663.72 1,188,663.72
do.
do.
은은은
Kowloon,
430,000
New Kow.
100,000
432,994.90 2,994.90 291,301.50
191,301.50
do.
N. T.
20,000
26,858.69
6,858.69
Increased demand for building sites for housing and industrial projects.
do.
do.
do.
་
- A 22
A 23
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 6.
IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE THE ACTUAL EXPENditure for THE YEAR 1939 IS COMPARED
WITH THE EXPENDITURE FOR THE PREVIOUS YEAR AND WITH THE ESTIMATES FOR 1939,
Heads of Expenditure.
Actual 1938
Estimates 1939
Actual 1939
$
C.
$
$
C.
H. E. the Governer
177,614.91
174,801
173,725.15
Colonial Secretary's Office and
Legislature
289,148.64
557,221
482,203.72
Audit Department
115,934.51
122,868
112,445.74
Botanical and Forestry
Department
139,078.07
151,953
145,061.41
Charitable Services
460,329.47
458,264
1,183,542.90
Defence:-
(a) Hong Kong Volunteer
Defence Corps
177,614.40
(b) Hong Kong Naval Volun-
177,491
489,602.22
teer Force
47,788.10
58,575
207,286.91
(c) Air Raid Precautions
(d) Military Contribution District Office, North
Do.,
Education Department
104,501.04
338,065
846,356.65
6,880,723.81
7,097,898
6,051,926.07
69,799.63
78,948
76,694.85
South
70,731.05
• 48,474
44,509.26
2,139,241.01
2,336,865
Fire Brigade
2,148,296.72
400,269.05
324,307
329,561.91
Harbour Department and Air
Services:-
(a) Harbour Department (b) Air Services
Kowloon-Canton Railway
1,246,853.86
1,324,320
1,221,439.92
101,138.38
101,357
100,184.91
Imports and Exports Office
457,669.38
477,986
511,084.72
1,163,614.28
952,103
727,687.78
Legal Departments
494,978.76
482,855
486,122.65
Magistracy, Hong Kong
111,072.36
74,739
74,380.32
Do., Kowloon
68,049.36
55,704
59,895.10
Medical Department
2,407,347.92
2,516,267
2,486,598.81
Miscellaneous Services
3,040,662.53
1,633,393
1,636,825.99
Pensions
Police Force
2,706,392.00
2,970,000
2,711,242.65
3,289,490.32
3,441,851
3,579,788.90
Post Office, Wireless and Broad-
casting:-
(a) Post Office
(b) Wireless
942,717.00
951,030
916,817.92
412,651
322,045.17
Radio Traffic Office
80,768.13
Wireless
(c) Broadcasting
211,020.71
Prison Department
84,952
77,921.10
908,863.71
921,140
920,245.69
Public Debt
Public Works Department and
1,351,631.00
1,332,031
1,332,031.00
Water Works :-
(a) Public Works Department
(b) Water Works
2,213,667.71
1,912,677
1,856,258.64
Public Works Recurrent :-
288,393
293,540.14
(a) General
1,811,168.55
1,300,600
1,279,837.52
(b) Water Works
967,907
850,647.82
Royal Observatory
92,941.16
91,440
110,373.28
Sanitary Department
1,050,283.55
1,148,034
1,183,030.29
Secretariat for Chinese Affairs
Stores Department
141,520.94
125,653
157,157.24
312,241
696,213.06
Treasury, etc.
311,370.12
263,934
249,435.84
35,275,995.42
36,068,988
36,132,019.97
Public Works Extraordinary
1,899,902.40
1,688,235
1,817,096.51
TOTAL.....
$ 37,175,897.82
37,757,223
37,949,116.48
$
MILLIONS
16
15
14
13
12
"
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
– A 24
―
CHART SHOWING
FLUCTUA
UNDER VARIOUS
VARIOUS HEADS DURI
REVENUE HEAD
2
YEAR
33
M
1930-193
4.
5
6
୫
A 24
SHOWING FLUCTUATIONS OF REVENUE
ARIOUS
HEADS DURING THE PAST TEn years
1930-1939
REVENUE HEADS
INTER
SPEC
JMB
AND HOUSES
ANEOUS RECEIPTS
SALES PREMIA ON NEW LEASES.
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
5 8
22
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A 25 -
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 7.
DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE FOR 5 YEARS 1935-1939.
Head.
Service.
1935
1936 1937
1938
1939
%
%
% %
%
1.
His Excellency the Governor
.51
.50
.61
.48
.46
2.
Colonial Secretary's Office and
Legislature
.93
1.01
.93
.78
1.27
3.
Audit Department
.32
.35
.38
.31
.30
4.
Botanical and Forestry
Department
.42
.42
.41
.37
.38
5.
Charitable Services
.81
.62
.67
1.24
3.12
6.
Defence
17.34
15.08
18.00
19.40
20.01
7-8.
District Offices
.37
.42
.38
.38
.32
9.
Education Department
6.02
6.31
6.34
5.75
5.66
10.
Fire Brigade
.94
.99
1.02
1.08
.87
11.
Harbour Department and Air
Services
3.61
3.77
3.39 3.63
3.48
12.
Imports and Exports Office
1.15 1.45
1.43
1.23
1.35
13.
Kowloon-Canton Railway
3.26
2.46 2.59
3.13
1.92
14-16. Legal Departments
1.60 1.81 1.83
1.81
1.64
17.
Medical Department
4.96
5.37 6.28
6.48
6.55
18.
Miscellaneous Services
6.01
5.04 5.07
8.18
4.31
19.
Pensions
5.49
7.75 7.97
7.28
7.14
20.
Police Force
8.61
9.60
9.68
8.85
9.43
21.
Post Office, Wireless and
Broadcasting
2.11
2.24 3.02 3.32
3.47
22.
Prison Department
2.64
3.00 3.18 2.44
2.43
23.
Public Debt. ....
4.99
4.71 4.27
3.64 3.51
24.
Public Works Department and
Water Works
6.84
7.61
7.59
5.95 5.67
25.
Public Works Recurrent
4.91
4.44 5.51
4.87 5.61
26.
Royal Observatory
.20
.24
.26
.25
.29
27.
Sanitary Department
3.26
3.15
3.14
2.82
3.12
28.
Secretariat for Chinese Affairs
.45
.47
.41
.38
.41
29.
Stores Department
1.83
30.
Treasury etc.
.73
.85
.94
.84
.66
31.
Public Works Extraordinary
9.90 10.34 4.70 5.11 4.79
..
Naval Arsenal Yard and Kellett
Island
1.62
Total
100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
A 26
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 8.
34% DOLLAR LOAN ACCOUNT.
AUTHORIZED BY ORDINANCE No. 11 OF 1934.
STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AT 31ST DECEMBER, 1939.
Head.
Expended up to 31st December,
Expended
during 1939
1938
$
CA
1. Aberdeen Valley Water
Scheme
2,555,702.78
Total Expenditure
up to 31st December, 1939
2,555,702.78
2. Shing Mun Valley Water
Scheme :
(a) 1st Section
636,765.59
636,765,59
(b) 2nd Section :—
(1) Preliminary Works ..
36,718.84
36,718.84
(2) Filters
120,045.23
120,045.23
(3) Gorge Dam
8,663,919.95 3.37,039.93
8,626,880.02
(4) 2nd Cross Harbour
Pipes
173,348.32
173,348.32
(5) 2nd 24" Trunk Main
271,719.37
271,719.37
(6) 3rd Rapid Gravity
Filters
273,665.55
273,665.55
3. Vehicular Ferry
1,911,450.97
1,911,450.97
4. New Gaol at Stanley
3,912,971.41
3,912,971.41
5. Tytam Tuk Catchwater
689,386.55
689,386.55
6. Air Port :-
(a) Aerodrome
20,485.92
20,485.92
(b) Airport and Sea Plane
Slipway
753,442.34
Cr. 29,000.00
724,442.34
(c) Wireless Telegraph
Station
120,836.71
120,836.71
7. Redemption of 34%
Inscribed Stock
3,864,942.97
3,864,942.97
8. New Markets :-
(a) Central Market
(b) Wholesale Market
580,142.63 279,983.47
200,511.33 i
860,126.10
200,511.33
Total..
$ 24,786,056.46
213,943.54
25,000,000.00
:
A 27
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 9.
LOAN WORKS.
ADVANCES PENDING RE-IMBURSEMENT FROM PROPOSED NEW LOAN.
Works.
DIGANDS ON
Expenditure
up to 31st December, 1939.
Head 1.
Head 2.
NEW MARKETS:—
(a) Central Market
WATER WORKS:-
(a) Supply to Albany
(b) Supply to Peak Road
¢
38,228.07
88,740.74
129,657.57
(c) Cross Harbour Pipe
808,009.53
(d) Rapid Gravity Filters, Eastern
11,651.24
(e)
Kowloon Chai Service Reservoir
149,307.22
(f) Supply Main to Kowloon Chai Service Reservoir (g) Distribution Island
41,212.51
40,813.47
(h) Distribution Mainland
66,663.23
(i) Shing Mun Valley Scheme Catchwaters
586,218.57
(1) Rapid Gravity Filters, Shing Mun Valley Scheme
106,192.42
(k) Tai Lam Chung Scheme, Preliminary Works
41,957.64
(New Meters
93,684.38
n) Waste Detection Equipment
(n) Reconstruction at Albany
(o) Miscellaneous Works
Head 3. EXTENSION OF AERODROME
PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION
Total
54,256.77
48,548.02
1,120.32
$2,306,262.30
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 10.
STATEMENT OF TRADE LOANS AS AT 31ST. DECEMBER, 1939.
Loans issued since 16th November, 1925, on approved
securities
Less redemptions effected up to
31st December, 1938
1939
Less amount written off as irrecoverable
Loans outstanding on 31st December, 1939
$15,633,582.97
$14,994,397.82 73,500.00
15,067,897.82
565,685.15
485,913.73
$
79,771.42
Total number of Loans issued since 16.11.1925
302
Less number redeemed up to 31.12.1939
Number of Loans outstanding on 31.12.1939
301
U
1
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 11.
STATEMENT OF FUNDED PUBLIC DEBT OR LOANS BORROWED FOR FIXED PERIODS OUTSTANDING ON THE 31ST DECEMBER, 1939, AND OF THE ACCUMULATED SINKING FUND AT THE SAME DATE.
Designation
SINKING FUND.
of Debt or
Loan.
Legal
Authority.
Amount
Outstanding.
Nominal Value.
Cost Price.
Market Value.
Amount of Stocks, &c.
$
£
d.
Hong Kong
4%
Conversion
Loan.
Ordinance
No. 15 of
1933.
4,838,000
British Guiana (1960)
3% Stock.
19,009 9
2
£ 8. d.
18,724 6 4
£
s. d.
*18,724 6 4
Commonwealth of
Australia (1950/52)
3/1/%
""
Northern Rhodesia (1950/70) 5%
Sierra Leone (1954)
3%
""
New Zealand (1949)
5%
5,000 0 0
5,188 13 3
13,015 9 7
5,745 16 3
4,575 0 0
5,683 15 0
12,039 6 4
(921)
4,625 0 0
(108) 5,629 14 0
(88) 11,518 14 0
5,638 14 0
""
(101) 5,832 00
Kenya (1950)
.41%
11,212 5 5 3
12,232 17 6
""
(1042) 11,716 16 3
India (1948/53)
4%
11,109 10 1
11,438 0 5
(101)
11,220 12 ()
""
Fife (1951/61)
4/12%
6,000 0 0
6,307 10 0
(105)
6,300 00
£76,281 3 7
£76,639 9 7
£75,567 27
Hong Kong
31/%
Dollar Loan.
Ordinance
No. 11 of
1934.
11,200,000 Repayment annually at the rate of 1/25th of the total nominal value of $14,000,000 of the bonds issued.
* No quotation.
?
A 28
TOTAL
VACANCIES.
30007
1937
2,000
1000!
1938.
GRAPH NO1 SHOWING
VARIATION OF
VACANT TENEMENTS.
1939
JAN.
FEB.
MAR.
APL.
MAY.
JUN.
JLY.
AUG.
SEP.
OCT.
NOV.
DEC.
ASSESSOR'S OFFICE
1939.
A 29
的
INTERIM VALUATIONS IN $1000,000.
5
RATEABLE VALUE IN $1,000,000.
44.
40
38
GRAPH NO. 2 SHOWING
(A) VARIATION OF THE RATEABLE VALUE OF THE COLONY.
CAPART FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES).
(B) VARIATION OF INTERIM
(A) RATEABLE VALUE.
32
(B) INTERIM VALUATIONS.
1939-1930.
1930-1931.
VALUATIONS.
·
1931-1938. 1932-1933. 1933-1934. 1934-1935. 1935-1936. 1936-1937. 1937-1938. 1938-1939. 1939-1940, DEC. 3147.
-YEAR-
1939.
ASSESSOR'S OFFICE
1939.
A 30
'
་
A 31
REPORT OF THE ASSESSOR FOR THE YEAR 1939.
1. The total Rateable Value of the Island of Hong Kong (including Aplichau), Kowloon and New Kowloon on the 31st December, 1939, was $43,077,122 as compared with $36,120,381 on the 31st December, 1938, representing an increase of $6,956,741 or 19.26% during the year under review.
2. The following table shows the distribution of the Assessments on December 31st, 1939, as compared with December 31st, 1938:-
Valuation
Valuation
District.
Dec 31st, Dec. 31st,
1938. $
Increase.
Increase.
1939. $
%
City of Victoria
21,501,151
24.724.303
3,133,152
14.51
H. K. Villages
3,868,149
4,589 059
720,910
18.64
Kowloon
8,326,660
10,600,096
2,273,436
27.30
New Kowloon
2,334,421 3,163,664
829,243
35.52
Total
36,120,381
43,077,122
6,956,741
19.26
3. During the year under review the net revenue from rates was $6,776,168.00 as compared with $5,987,126.31 the previous year, an increase of $789,041.69 or 13.18%.
The refunds of rates in respect of vacant tenements, assessments cancelled, and tenements not rateable amounted to $31,033.28, compared with $52,788.39 in 1938, a decrease of $21,755.11, which figure, however, cannot be directly compared with the increase in the revenue from rates given above, owing to the effect of a preponderance of early or late payments at the beginning and end of the year and a number of other varying factors.
4. By order of His Excellency the Governor in Council a new valuation of the tenements in Hong Kong, Aplichau, Kowloon and New Kowloon was made during the year, being commenced at the beginning of the year and completed by the 1st June, 1939, on which date the List was declared before the Honourable the Colonial Secretary as required by law. The result of the new valuation was an increase of $6,412,450 or 18.06% over the Rateable Value obtained by the re-valuation made in 1938.
The details being as follows:
District.
Valuation Valuation 1938-1939. 1939-1940.
$
$
Increase.
Increase.
%
City of Victoria
H. K. Villages
Kowloon
New Kowloon
21,346,621 24,657,053 3,828,927 4,279,463 8,118,336 10,085,784 2,208,738 2,892,772
3,310,432
15.51
450,536
11.77
1,967,448
24.23
684,034
30.97
Total
35,502,622 41,915,072
6,412,450
18.06
A 32
This increase of $6,412,450 is the greatest ever made at the annual re-valuation, the next highest being an increase of $5,139,911 at the 1925 1926 re valuation.
Of the increase in 1925-1926, however, $3,603,343 was due to interim vàlua- tions of new and improved buildings made during the year prior to the re-valuation, while at the 1939-1940 re-valuation only $960,349 was due to interim valuations. Thus the bulk of the increase of $6,412,450 was due to higher rental values.
In the City of Victoria the increase in the valuation was mainly due to the higher level of rents obtaining for practically all classes of property.
The increase in the case of Hong Kong Villages was due largely to increased rents, but partly also to new houses and flats.
In the case of Kowloon the increase was accounted for by the higher rents prevailing for dwellings, godowns, factories, etc., and also to new Chinese tenement houses and semi-European and European flats and houses.
The New Kowloon increase was due to higher rents of dwellings and shops, and to some extent to new Chinese tenement houses and semi-European flats.
5. The number of floors reported and found vacant during the year averaged 32 per month compared with 120 per month in 1938, while the number of all classes of tenements each under one assessment reported and found vacant averaged 52 per month compared with 117 per month in 1938. Thus the total vacancies averaged 84 per month compared with 237 per month in 1938. (See graph No. 1).
6. Throughout the year, refunds of rates were granted for vacant floors of tenements where the owners had elected at the last re-valuation to obtain this concession.
7. The number of Interim valuations carried out during the year under review was 1,856 made up as follows :—
No.
City of Victoria
Rateable Value
Rest of Colony
Rateable
No.
Value
$
New or rebuilt tenements and
tenements structurally altered
215
425,853
1,302
1.598,160
Assessment cancelled, tenements
resumed, pulled down or being in other respects not rateable
126
293,521
213
273,465
Number and Increase
341
132,332
1,515
1,324,695
(See graph No. 2).
8. During the year 392 new street numbers were allotted.
9.
The following table shows a comparison of the total assessments resulting from the annual re-valuations for the years 1929-1930 to 1939-1940.
A
A 33
As compared with
Year.
Rateable Value
previous year.
Increase.
Decrease.
$
Increase. $
Decrease.
$5
%
%
1929-1930
31,617,566
1930-1931 33,069,602 1,452,036
1931-1932 35,071,566 2,001,964
4.59
6.04
1932-1933 37,457,725 2,386,159
6.80
1933-1934 38,941,273 1,483,548
3.96
1934-1935 38,641,856
299,417
0.77
1935-1936 36,374,100
2,267,756
5.87
1936-1937 34,643,760
1,730,340
4.76
1937-1938 34,208,734
435,026
1.26
1938-1939 35,502,622 1,293,888
3.78
1939-1940 41,915,072
6,412,450
18.06
(See graph No. 2).
10. Since the 1929-1930 re-valuation the total Rateable Value has increased by $11,459,556 or 36.24%, taking the value at the 31st December 1939.
11. The shortage of accommodation of all kinds continued, but became a shade less acute towards the end of the year, due no doubt partly to the considerable building that was carried out outside the City limits. The only noticeable effect, however, was a tendency for exceptionally high rents to fall somewhat.
12. The Prevention of Eviction Ordinance, 1938, which on 26th May, 1939, was extended for a year, was consolidated and amended on 15th December, 1939, and continued to exercise its steadying effect. Under this amended Ordinance a landlord or tenant may, on payment of a fee, obtain a Certificate from the Assessor stating what in his opinion is the fair and reasonable rent of any dwelling to which the Ordinance applies.
13. On the 30th June, by Ordinance No. 26 of 1939, the Rating Ordinance, No. 6 of 1901, was amended so as to exempt from rates any buildings etc. constructed and used solely for the purpose of affording protection in the event of hostile attack from the air, or for purposes auxiliary thereto if approved by the A. R. P. Officer and Assessor.
14. The Rating Ordinance was further amended on 15th December, by Ordinance No. 42 of 1939, which had the effect of changing the rating year, in order to make it coincide with the new financial year. Thus the rating year which formerly began on 1st July now begins on 1st April.
15. On December 14th the offices of the Assessment Department were moved from the G. P. O. Building to Marina House, No. 17 Queen's Road Central, Ground Floor.
Assessor's Office,
7th March, 1940.
J. RING,
Assessor.
A 34
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF INLAND REVENUE
FOR THE YEAR 1939.
The four heads of Inland Revenue are Betting Duty, Entertainment Tax, Estate Duty and Stamp Duties.
to:
After allowing for refunds, revenue for the years 1938 and 1939 amounted
1938.
1939.
Betting Duty
238,274.89
248,713.01
Entertainment Tax
320,027.86
351,988.95
Estate Duty
1,220,854.17
721,527.75
Stamp Duties
2,324,948.76
2,531,108.72
$4,104,105.68
$3,853,338.43
No new enactments affecting Inland Revenue were passed during the year.
Regulations were made under Section 4 of the Stamp Ordinance, 1921, to enable forms of receipt (bound and serially numbered and bearing the address of the maker) to be stamped with an impressed and dated receipt stamp. The response to the facility so provided has been very small, though revenue from receipt stamps generally showed a considerable increase over that of previous years.
During the year there was one prosecution for failure to pay Entertainment Tax, a fine of $15.00 being inflicted.
There were 79 convictions in connection with Stamp Duties, as compared with 213 during 1938. Fines imposed amounted to $950.60.
Penalties for late stamping inflicted by the Collector of Stamp Revenue during 1939 amounted to $747.60. Details are given below:-
Agreements and Guarantees
$235.00
Receipts
4.40
Promissory Notes
140.00
Charter Parties
119.20
Chinese Shippers' Books
32.30
Mortgages
172.00
Conveyance on Sale
20.00
Bills of Exchange
24.70
$747.60
A 35
The Estate Duty Commissioner imposed penalties amounting to $19,575.80 as compared with $7,693.35 during 1938.
There were no appeals to the Governor-in-Council, under Section 16 of the Estate Duty Ordinance, during the year.
The total number of Estates in respect of which accounts were filed was 654 (including estates which proved to be exempi) as compared with 605 in 1938. Net estates as originally sworn totalled $9 878,117.81 and as finally assessed by the Commissioner and taxed $10,911,485.70, which compares with $13,440,671.13 as sworn, and $13,867,475.40 as finally ass ssed, in 1938.
Statistical summaries of Stamp Duty and Estate Duty receipts are shown in the appendices to this report.
W. ANEURIN JONES, Superintendent of Inland Revenue.
1st April, 1940.
- A 36
STAMP DUTIES STATISTICS.
CLASSIFICATION.
1938.
1939.
*Emigration Papers
635.00
Charter Parties
16,271.65
21,291.50
Share Contract Notes
47,052.25
51,110.35
Share Transfers
107,511.75
68,899.95
Policies of Insurance
77,791.45
86,172.30
Bills of Lading
93,007.00
110,376.55
Certificates to Practise.
18,200.00
19,500.00
Promissory Notes
12,922.70
41,879.59
Dividend Warrants
3,584.20
3,518.80
Cheques
121,809.50
130,906.65
Registrar of Companies, Shanghai
988.99
1,160.00
Bank-note Duty
729,357.57
738,807.13
Bill of Exchange Stamps
314,035.20
424,913.70
Receipt Stamps
401,904.00
443,586.90
Legal Documents
379,926.65
388,350.30
Unclassified
585.85
Totals
$2,324,948.76
*No statistics kept prior to 1939.
$2,531,108.72
•
+
+
=
Allowances.
Gross Estate.
- A 37
ESTATE DUTY STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR 1939.
Note. FIGURES IN BRACKETS RELATE TO THE YEAR 1938.
$604,628.64
(502,148.99)
Classification
Bank deposits
Estates under $200,000.00. Presumed origin of deceased- British Isles.
$189,749.57
(436,951.60)
Estates under $200,000.00. Presumed origin of deceased- China.
Estates under $200,000.00. Presumed origin of deceased- Other.
Estates over $200,000.00. All races.
Total.
$51,221.03
(89,560.48)
$184,182.44
(421,165.59)
$1,029,781.68
(1,449,826.66)
4,844.56
113,394.78
Business deposits
(5,509.28)
(211,647.63)
790.74 (4,833.42)
33,061.60 (10,075.00)
152,091.68 (232,065.33)
Money out on mortgage of land
9,182.06
(82,045.07)
86.475.42 (170,247.70)
29,558.95
39,118.00 (1,032,912.98)
164,334.43 (1,285,235.75)
Other debts due to deceased
-3,512.45
30.080.37 (48,633.94)
10,271.69 (-)
33.092.11 *(-1,296.00)
69,931.72 (47,337.94)
Shares quoted on Stock exchange
1,906,595.55
(1,584,810.25)
494,102.72 (528,560.74)
456,197.15
(267,457.09)
2.043,282.65 (3,254,288.26)
4,900,178.07 (5,635,116.34)
26,413.92
659,281.80
Other Shares
(37,907.90)
(827,159.28)
67,000.00 (13,945.16)
211.970.58 (997,535.00)
964,666.30 (1,876,547.34)
87,151.17
164,507.17
Life Insurance
*(-15,227.27)
(147,875.39)
17,702,58 (17,684.23)
5,000.00
274,360.92 (150,332.35)
Immovable
950.00
2,148,347.69
2.552,610.19
property
(43,400.00)
(2,319,797.85)
(29,150.00)
(827,219.08)
4,701,907.88 (3,219,566.93)
101,936.02
155,822.01
22,560.12
Other property
(62,150.26)
(236,278.74)
(26,909.06)
63,065.86 (914,457.97)
343,384.01 (1,239,796.03)
Gross Estates
2,323,310.40 (2,237,547.09)
4,456,640.60
655,302.26
(4,992,350.26)
(449,539.44)
5,165,383.43 (7,456,387.88)
12,600,636.69 (15,135,824.67)
Mortgage debts
(9,551.01)
457,568.23 (451,545.22)
-)
164,219.17
-)
621,787,40 (461,096.23)
Other debts
21,634.64 (23,481.44)
178,736.30 (475,458.55)
7,657,20 (54,260.65)
793,573.62 (200,289.47)
1,001,601.76
(753,490.11)
Funeral expenses
Net estates as finally assessed by Commissioner
4,115.57 (4,352.33)
51,880.95 (43,753.60)
3,448.81 (1,775.00)
6,316.50 (3,882.00)
65,761.83 (53,762.93)
2,297,560.19 (2,200,162.31)
3,768,455.12 (4,021,592.89)
644,196.25 (393,503.79)
4,201,274.14 (7,252,216.41)
10,911,485.70 (13,867,475.40)
Net estates as originally sworn
2,256,381.28 (2,193,476.34)
3,348,149.21 (3,656,610.09)
638,962.97 (385,795.16)
3,634,624.35 (7,204,789.54)
9,878,117.81 (13,440,671.13)
Revenue
111,676.85 (104,842.28)
149,032.25 (171,124.57)
32,846.24 (16,558.19)
427,972.41 (928,329.13)
721,527.75 (1,220,854.17)
73
Number of estates (male)
365
27
17
482
(62)
(311)
(27)
(10)
(410)
Number of estates (female)
34
54
7
(22)
(66)
(6)
13)
96
(3)
(97)
Number of cases
35
298
20
13
where deceased
(19)
(224)
(16)
(6)
30
366
(265)
died in Colony
*Refunds in respect of previous years' exceeded receipts
A 38
STORES DEPARTMENT.
PORTAIR YOU
REPORT OF THE CONTROLLER OF STORES FOR THE YEAR 1969.
:
I. PREFACE.
Central Purchasing was started in 1937 as the result of an investigation by Committee appointed to enquire into the methods by which the supplies of the various Government departments were parchased and distributed.
8.131.60.12. Central Purchasing was undertaken, in the first instance, by the Director of Public Works through his authorized deputy the Superintendent of Accounts and Stores.
$8.500.85%
3. As from the 23rd February, 1937, all matters relating to Stores and ⠀⠀ Indents, (including all correspondence with the Crown Agents for the Colonies, previously undertaken by the Colonial Secretariat) were transferred to the Director of Public Works, with the exception of those pertaining to the Kowloon- Canton Railway.
4. After the scheme had been in operation for about fifteen months Government decided, with the approval of the Secretary of State, that the work in connection with the purchase of stores should be removed from the Public Works Department and taken over by a separate Stores Department under the immediate charge of an officer bearing the title "Controller of Stores" and under the general supervision of the Financial Secretary.
-5. The Stores Department, composed of the former Store staff of the Public Works Department, commenced to function on the 1st June, 1938, with headquarters at Bullock Lane, Wanchai.
6. The main depot at Wanchai-originally situated on the waterfront but now, through reclamation work, far removed from it--has in the course of time become hopelessly inadequate to meet the demands of the greatly increased public undertakings during the past decade. The need for more warehouse ac- commodation has been for a long time a matter of serious concern.
AT.108.100
HOCKEY 7. During the past few years part of a warehouse has been used for the administrative offices; the overcrowding and unsanitary conditions there have **caused much sickness amongst the staff, whilst working conditions during the
summer have been almost intolerable.
8. Funds were in fact provided in the 1929 Estimates for new Stores buildings at Hung Hom, but on account of financial stringency the scheme was deferred. pas
9. 9. Funds were again provided in the 1936 Estimates for new Stores premises at Hung Hom. In the meantime, however, this area, where a Broadcasting Station had been temporarily erected, was found particularly suitable for Wireless transmission. It was decided, therefore, that the Hung Hom area should be allotted for wireless services and as a result of this decision the provision for a new Store made in the 1936 Estimates lapsed.
10. A new site at North Point, which is in an industrial area, was proposed after careful investigation and was finally approved by Government, the necessary funds being voted by the Legislature in the 1938 Estimates.
11. Owing to pressure of other architectural work it was not found possible to commence work on the new Central Store buildings during 1938; the work on the pier and piling was, however, completed.
。
A 39
12. The contract for the new Central Store was let in April, 1939, and the building was due for completion in December following, but due to the delay in the arrival of materials from England on account of the war the premises were not ready for occupation at the end of the year under review though it was expected that they would be ready in February, 1940.
13. There has been an appreciable expansion in the work of the De- partment since its inauguration and this will be readily apparent from the particulars of the turnover during 1939. This expansion has necessitated a considerable amount of internal re-organisation, and with the improved accom- modation soon to become available the Department will be materially assisted in the direction of greater efficiency and economy in the purchase and distribution of stores.
II. UNALLOCATED STORES.
14. In the past purchases of stores were normally debited to the Unallocated Stores (Suspense) Account and only charged to Heads of Expenditure when allocated to the use of particular departments or services. The effect was that part of the Colony's nominal surplus balance was used in the purchase of stores. The funds which could be so allocated were limited under instructions from the Secretary of State to approximately six months' supply but did not come directly under the control of the Legislature.
15. Certain changes in accounting procedure set out in the Secretary of State's circular despatch of the 25th November, 1937, (published in Sessional Paper No. 9 of 1938) were brought into effect in the year under review.
16. These changes in financial procedure were designed to secure that the accounts correctly disclose the funds available to meet approved expenditure and also to serve the even more important purpose of preserving to the Legis- lature the fullest control over appropriation.
17. The purchase of stores during 1939 has been met from voted moneys and not from surplus funds. The actual amount spent on the purchase of stores is authorised in a separate sub-head-Unallocated Stores-in the Estimates as part of the Expenditure Head of the Stores Department. All purchases, returns and charges during the financial year have been debited to this sub-head, and the value of stores issued to departments or services during the same period was charged to the proper sub-head in the Estimates of the departments concerned. Cash receipts from the sale of stores were credited to a sub-head of Miscellaneous Revenue.
18. The sanction of the Secretary of State is required, as before, to establish a stock of Unallocated Stores within a defined maximum. The amount approved by the Secretary of State for the year 1939 was $1,000,000, as com- pared with $750,000 for the year 1938. The increase in the maximum standard stock for the year 1939 was due to the increased cost of stores and to the necessity for holding ample reserve stocks as a precaution against interruption of supplies.
19. The bulk of the requirements of locally purchased stores were obtained under contracts which were let for periods of six or twelve months according to the nature of the commodity required. Contracts for the general stores are detailed in Appendix I.
20. In addition to the general stores contracts special contracts were made on behalf of departments for the following services:-
Uniform Clothing; Boots and Shoes; Gestetner Materials; Typewriters; Asphaltum; Oils and Greases; Coal; Sand and Transportation of Stores.
- A 40
21. Miscellaneous purchases were infinite in variety and were in respect of many sundries which were required from day to day by the various depart- ments but which were not covered by contract. Requisitions were scrutinised for items which might appear extravagant or for which there was a suitable substitute in stock or in contract, such instances being reported to the re- quisitioning department. It was, in all cases, the practice to invite competitive quotations for all miscellaneous purchases.
22. The total value of stores purchased during the year was $3,660,614.93, as compared with $3,134,773.67 in 1938. Supplies were obtained from the following
sources:-
1939
1938
$
$
*
(i) Crown Agents for the Colonies
(excluding Allocated Stores)
(ii) Local.
(a) Miscellaneous stores and
locally made articles
(b) Oils and Greases
1,672,552.20 1,569,187.97
1,257,930.82 1,478,280.47
405,023.45
(c) Asphaltum
86,016.79
(d) Coal
*
28,223.63
(e) Iron and Steel (Imported
from Australia)
(iii) Other Government Departments..
174,464.06
693,727.93
Total
36,403.98 87,305.23
3,660,614.93 3,134,773.67
23.
* Includes special purchases.
11,471 demands for stores were received from departments, being an increase of 3,033 demands compared with the year 1938.
24. 856 Bills of Lading and 675 Parcel Receipts were cleared during the year and 2,304 tons of stores were landed from ships and delivered to warehouses and
consumers.
25. Claims made in respect of loss or damage to stores in transit amounted to $2,896.48 of which sum $2,404.41 was recovered during the financial year. The balance outstanding has been accepted for settlement in next year's account.
26. The headquarters staff occupied temporary premises at Wanchai throughout the year. Stores were accommodated at the Main Store at Bullock Lane and at the Branch Stores at Arsenal Street, Hung Hom, and also from September, 1939, at Yaumati Slipway which was taken over from the Harbour Department.
27. The stores held on charge by the Department were surveyed by a Board appointed by Government and the stocks were reported to be correct and in good
order.
28. The accounts have been audited continuously throughout the year by the Audit Department.
7
29.
A 41
The following is a Statement of the Unallocated Stores Account for the years 1939 and 1938:-
1939
$
1938
Stock in hand at 1st January
743,020.01
$
486,938.40
Add Purchases, Returns and Charges, as
charged to Expenditure Sub-head
3,659,836.81 3,134,773.67
4,402,856.82 3,621,712.07
Deduct Issues to Votes and Services as
credited to Expenditure Sub-head
3,350,330.59 2,775,611.46
1,052,526,23 846,100.61
Deduct Proceeds of stores sold
74,285.10
60,076.66
978,241.13
786,023.95
Deduct Transfers between Stores (net).
38,232.94
40,594.16
940,008.19
745,429.79
Deduct Adjustments for stores not paid for
in December, in which received (net)
285.53
256.33
939,722.66
745,173.46
Deduct Losses and Deficiencies written off
152.71
2,153.45
Paid up stock in hand at 31st December
939,569.95
743,020.01
III. STATIONERY-ALLOCATED STORES.
30. The bulk of the stationery requirements of the Service was purchased through the Crown Agents for the Colonies. Gestetner materials were bought locally on favourable terms which included the free servicing of Gestetner machines in use in all departments.
31. The cost of Stationery issued to all departments, excluding the Kowloon Canton Railway, for the year 1939 was $39,692.23 and was charged to the Stores Department sub-head of Expenditure "Stationery".
32. A few of the main items of stationery required during 1939 were as follows:-
Paper, various
Ink
Pencils
10,000 reams.
500 galls.
Carbon Paper Typewriter Ribbons
450 boxes.
1,200 Nos.
150 gross.
Pens
500 gross.
A 42
33. The Department maintains stocks of standard printed forms, obtained from the Printing Department of the Hong Kong Prison, to meet the demands of all departments.
34. Undoubtedly a large saving has been effected since stationery supplies were centralised, due in part to the standardisation which took place involving a reduction in the number of items and in the many varieties and weights of paper. Investigations are proceeding in other directions which will effect still further economies.
IV. GOVERNMENT FIREWOOD SUPPLY.
35. The Botanical and Forestry Department has supplied this Department during the past two years with timber from forest areas damaged by typhoons and the ravages of insects. This timber was sold in previous years to the highest tenderer, usually at prices considerably below the market rate for firewood whilst Government purchased its firewood requirements in the open market.
36. The requirements of Government's services are now fully met from the timber supplied by the Botanical and Forestry Department. The timber is delivered in logs to the Furniture Workshop where it is cut into suitable lengths for issue.
37. The scheme has proved both practical and economical and the monetary saving during the period of operation has been considerable.
38. Timber received and issued as firewood during 1939:-
Stock in hand at 1st. January
Add. Receipts from B. & F. Dept., and timber confiscated by order of Magistrates (less shrinkage allowance) ..
tons.
922.97
761.76
Deduct Issues to
All Departments
Kowloon-Canton Railway
Refugee Camps
Total
Stock in hand at 31st December
1,684.73
tons.
788.00
5.05
441.09
1,234.14
450.59
V. FURNITURE.
39. There were 60 men on the pay roll of the Furniture Workshop, Arsenal Street, at the beginning of the year and this number was increased to 165 from September onwards. The monthly average number of workmen employed was 110.
40. Due to the many and urgent demands for emergency services, the Workshop production was strained to the utmost during the last four months of the year. At one period in September it was found necessary to employ the workshop staff in three shifts of eight hours each daily and during this time the machines were in operation continuously for twenty four hours daily.
41. The furniture in the residences of His Excellency the Governor, Hospitals, Schools, Police Stations, Offices and Quarters was maintained in good repair and where necessary unserviceable articles were replaced.
-
%
•
42.
A 43
Inventories of furniture in Government buildings, offices and quarters were checked at intervals throughout the year.
43. The workshop plant and equipment was checked with the inventories at the end of the year and found correct and in good order.
44.
The total value of the furniture work executed by the Department during the year was $148,519.34, detailed as follows:-
(i) Recurrent Expenditure.
Maintenance and supply of furniture to all Departments
and Government Quarters, etc.,
$47,683.64
(Charged to Head 29, Stores Department, sub-head 17, Furniture).
(ii) Furniture and Equipment for new services
$90,654.75
(Charged to separate Heads in the Estimates).
Hospitals
$11,449.08
Police Stations
$11,333.80
Schools
15,829.71
Refugee Camps
11,441.36
Central Store
9,859.96
Internment Camp
17,571.87
Central Market
2,894.23
New Offices, P.W.D.
2,541.20
A.R.P. Services
1,048.89
Fire Stations
988.24
Prison Services
1,331.01
K.C. Railway
286.37
Government House
1,220.88
Urban Council
595.99
Treasury Dept.
363.12
Harbour Dept.
239.39
Postal Services
221.52
Miscellaneous Services ...
1,438.13
(iii) Extraordinary Expenditure.
Furniture for the Government of Fiji
$10,180.95
This furniture was made at the request of the Government of Fiji for shipment by the M/V "Viti" now being built in Hong Kong. The cost of the furniture will be recovered from the Government of Fiji through the Crown Agents for the Colonies.
VI. SAND MONOPOLY.
45. The Sand Monopoly operates under the Sand Ordinance, No. 50 of 1935, and the Sand Amendment Ordinance, No. 12 of 1938, which are designed to prevent the theft of sand from land, foreshore or sea bed not under lease from the Crown and to control the importation and the removal of sand by junk, lighter, truck or lorry.
46. The price of all sand purchased under permit from 1st. January, 1939, to 30th June, 1939, was at the rate of $1.50 per cubic yard. As from 1st July, 1939. the price of sand purchased from Government Sand Depôts was fixed at the rate of $1.50 per cubic yard, and from places other than the Depôts at the rate of $2.00 per cubic yard. The increase in the price for sand delivered direct to consumers was necessary owing to the prevailing local conditions.
A 44
47. Depôts for the sale of sand were maintained on the Island at Gloucester Road and North Point, and on the Mainland at Hung Hom and Tsun Wan. Reserve dumps were built up for emergency purposes at Quarry Point, Hung Hom and Mau Tau Kok.
48. Sand was collected prior to September, 1939, from 25 beaches, the majority of which were situated on Lantau and Lamma Islands. Specified quantities of sand were taken from each beach and thereafter the beach was rested until sufficient fresh deposits of sand had accumulated.
49. From September onwards the collection of sand had to be restricted mainly to the sea bed at Gin Drinkers Bay and Tai Lam Chung because of the difficulty of access to beaches within dangerous and prohibited areas.
50. Sand was also collected from nullahs and streamcourses although suitable deposits from this source were considerably less than in the previous year.
51. An investigation of direct deliveries of sand from beaches to consumers confirmed the belief that there was considerable illicit traffic in sand. Deliveries of sand direct to purchasers on the Harbour waterfront were discontinued except to bona fide firms with premises thereon. This action proved satisfactory and there was an immediate increase in the demand for sand from depôts.
52. Action was taken in 13 cases against persons contravening one or more sections of the Sand Ordinance. 19 persons appeared before the Magistrates; 12 were convicted, 2 bound over and 5 discharged.
53. The depôt stores and equipment were checked with the inventories at the end of the year and found correct and in good order.
54. Statement of quantities of sand collected and sold :-
Stock in hand on 1st. January
1939 cub. yds.
1938 cub. yds.
4,376.25
691.02
Add.
Collected from Beaches
246,048.78 167,438.87
do.
Streamcourses & Nullahs
6,615.72 18,152.93
Total
257,040.75 186,282.82
1939
1938
Deduct.
Sold to Public
192,463.28 181,143.65
Issued to Govt. Services
1,206.81
762.92
Losses (Typhoon)
Stock in hand at 31st. December
4,313.19
197,983.28 181,906.57
59,057.47 4,376.25
ᎠᎡ .
Stock in hand 1st. January
SAND MONOPOLY WORKING ACCOUNT.
1939
1938
$ 3,063.38
ff
吊 342.05
Sales of Sand
Stock in hand (Book value) at 31st December.
1939
$289,773.02 $230,348.26
CR.
1938
41,340.23
3,063.38
Personal Emoluments.
Salaries & Wages
$13,347.87
Rent Allowances
$12,727.29
1,431.96 14,779.83 1,650.06 14,377.35
Other Charges.
Purchase of Sand
186,381.57
100,799.86
Conveyance Allowance
46.56
700.27
Maintenance of Equipment
486.29
118.95
Electric Fans & Light
23.08
26.04
Rent of Telephone
34.66
78.00
Transport & Travelling
Expenses
540.24
349.00
Uniform
1,130.83
20.00
1,292.26
Part salaries of general staff.
1.238.19
1,076.64
Passages & Pensions
1,847.48
3,085.67
1,797.17
2,873.81
Balance, being net profit
122,671.97
113,726.31
$331.113.25
$233,411.64
$331,113.25 | $233,411.64
A 45
་
VII.
A 46
MUSEUM COLLECTIONS.
56. The City Hall Museum Collection consists of an interesting assortment of named fresh water shells, a number of marine shells and corals, minerals, a few specimens of mammals, birds and reptiles, and a miscellaneous assortment of specimens, all of historic interest to the Colony or to countries adjacent to the Colony.
57. The Collection has been placed in storage pending the erection of a building suitable for its public exhibition. A Report on a new Museum for Hong Kong was published in Sessional Paper No. 1 of 1938.
58. The Chater Collection of Porcelain, bequeathed to the Hong Kong Government by the late Sir Paul Chater, consists of 17th, 18th and 19th century wares, imitating a small group of Chinese ceramics of the K'ang-hsi period of the Ch'ing dynasty and, in the opinion of an expert Committee, is by no means representative of Chinese Ceramic art. There are two dishes of the Chengte period of the Ming dynasty.
59. The Collection of Porcelain has been stored during the year in the remaining part of the old City Hall. Arrangements have been made to transfer the Porcelain to the Central Store at North Point early in 1940 when the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club vacates its present premises.
60. The Chater Collection of Pic ures, also bequeathed to the Hong Kong Government by the late Sir Paul Chater, comprises oils, water colours, ink and pencil drawings and etchings, mezzc-tints, aqua-tints, engravings, lithographs and photographs, all of great interest to the Colony and many of historical value.
61. In the absence of any suitable repository for the whole Collection, those pictures which could not be given wall space at Government House have been distributed to the University and the Colonial Secretariat.
62. Expert examination of the pictures in the Collection revealed serious deterioration in their condition which was attributable to the ravages of the climate, insects, moulds, etc.
63. Government was advised that the pictures could be restored and with expert care and maintenance saved from further deterioration.
64. The work of restoration was carried out by Mr. E. A. von Kobza-nagy at a cost of $3,500 and the pictures are now in excellent condition.
65. Mr. E. A. von Kobza-nagy was appointed Honorary Curator of the Chater Collection of Pictures; his duties are to visit and inspect the Collection four times in every twelve months, making one inspection between October and March and three inspections between April and September and, after each visit, to present a report to Government of the result of his inspection, including therein. any recommendations with a view to the proper preservation of the Collection.
66. Provision has been made in the 1940-41 Estimates for an underground concrete shelter to be built in the Stores compound at North Point to store these Collections in the event of an emergency.
:
A 47
VIII. STAFF.
67. Mr. W. J. Anderson, Controller of Stores, returned from long leave and resumed duty on the 26th April, 1939.
68. I desire to express my appreciation of the services of the staff whose help was at all times invaluable, and who were frequently called upon to work overtime on account of the abnormal conditions.
IX. CONCLUSION.
69. Whilst an endeavour has been made to cover every section of the Stores organisation, the varied and voluminous nature of the duties involved docs not permit of more than a passing reference to many phases of the work. It is hoped, however, that the information provided will enable the value of the Central Government Store to be properly assessed.
W. J. ANDERSON, Controller of Stores.
25th April, 1940.
Fi
4
CONTENTS.
A.-Manner in which the Accounts have been kept and Rendered
Paragraphs
2-14
2
Date of closing accounts
Draft Appropriation Account
Assistance given by Audit Officers
Misallocations
Queries
Recoveries due to Audit action
Co
3
1
5
6-10
8- 9
Departures from Regulations
B.-Sufficiency of Existing Checks Against Fraud
Adequacy of regulations
Cash Balances-Annual Survey of
Internal Checks
11-14
15-25
15
16
17-18
Cheque Registers
19
Securities furnished by Public Officers
20-23
Frauds
24
Losses of Cash and Stamps
25
C.-Annual Abstract Account
Receipts
Payments
D.-Authorities for Expenditure, 1939
Recurrent
Estimates
26-32
26-28
29-32
33-45
33-37
33
Appropriation Ordinance
34
Schedules of additional provision
35-36
Supplementary Appropriation Ordinance
37
31% Dollar Loan, 1934
38-40
Estimates and Revised Estimates
39
Revisions of Loan Schedule
40
Proposed New Loan-Expenditure on works to be met from
41-43
Estimates and 1st and 2nd revision of
Actual expenditure during 1939
Estimated cost, 1st and 2nd revisions of
11
42
43
CONTENTS,-continued.
Paragraphs.
31% Loan
Waterworks Renewals and Improvements Fund
Estimates
Supplementary Estimates
Appropriation Ordinance
Actual expenditure during 1939
E. Authorities for Expenditure, 1938
Recurrent
Expenditure chargeable to New Loan
F.-Collection of Revenue
44-45
44a
446
44c
45
46
46a
46b
46c
3
47-59
Efficacy of Systems
47
Receipt Forms
Harbour Department-Miscellaneous fees
Use of adhesive stamps
Police Department-Cash Book
48
49
50
51
Post Office-Broadcast Receiving Licences
52
Legal Department-Filing fees on Estate Duty Certicates
Legal Department-Accounting for Bailiffs' fees, etc.
Arrears of Revenue
53
54
55-58
"Writes off" of Revenue
59
•
G.-Expenditure
60-70
Control over expenditure
60-61
Special Warrants....
62-63
Awards of Pensions and Gratuities, etc.
64
Military Contribution
65
Harbour Department-Coal and Oil fuel purchases
66-67
Public Works Department-Camp for Chinese interned
soldiers
·
68
Fruitless expenditure
69-70
H.-Loan Accounts
71-74
Public Debt
71
Sinking Fund. 4% Conversion Loan Hong Kong 34% Dollar Loan
72-73
74
1.-Statement of Assets and Liabilities
75-92
Excess of Assets over Liabilities
75
Assets
Cash
76-82
76
Verification of Cash Balances, etc.
77
CONTENTS,-continued.
Advances
Miscellaneous
Reserve Stocks of Essential Commodities
Revaluation of Investments
Liabilities
Deposits :-
Contractors' and Officers' deposits
Outstanding more than 5 years
Poor Box
Reconciliation with departmental accounts
Government House and City Development Fund
Special Funds
Waterworks Renewals and Improvement Fund
Paragraphs.
78-79
80-81
82
83-92
83-88
83
84
85-87
88
89-90
91
92
J.-Store Accounts
93-128
Losses and deficiencies of stores--authority for writing off.
93
Losses and depreciation of stores--writes off
94
Losses of stores due to theft
95
Manner in which stores accounts have been kept
96
९
Indenting for Unallocated Stores Shing Mun Stores-disposal of
Petrol Sales
Government Motor Vehicles
Standard Forms for storekeeping
Indenting for Stores. Issue Vouchers
Receipting of Issue Vouchers
97-98
99
100
101
102-103
104
105-106
Central Stores (Unallocated)
Maximum stock for
107-109
107
Stock Cards-use of
Closing of store for stocktaking
Tools and Plant-Public Works Department-Records for
108
109
110
Tools and Plant ledgers
111-112
Tools and Plant records-Kowloon-Canton Railway
113
Tools and Plant records-Harbour Department
114
Medical Department Equipment-Main Inventories for...
115-117
Medical Department-Main Store Accounts
118
Railway Department-Sales of Coal
119
Harbour Department-Yaumati Slipway Stores
120
Police Department-Manufacture of Uniforms for
121-123
Air Raid Precautions Department—Publications Annual Boards of Survey on Stores
124
125
CONTENTS,-continued.
Tools and Plant and Office equipment-Departmental
survey of
Reconciliation of Unallocated Store balances with
Accountant-General's accounts
Paragraphs.
126-127
128
K.-Kowloon-Canton Railway
129-135
Manager's Report
129
Manner in which accounts have been kept
130
Surprise Audit surveys
131
Profit on Operating Account
132
Traffic handled--local only
133
Suspense Account
Railway Unallocated Stores-Maximum stock of
134
135
L.-General
Trade Loans
136-158
136-139
Building and other Loans
140
Diocesan Boys School-Sinking Fund
141
Exchange Fund
142
Currency Accounts
143
China Companies Fees
144
Custodian of Enemy Property Accounts
145
Local Audit Inspections and Surprise Surveys
146-147
Government launches-Use of
148-149
Police Pay Sheets
150
Continuous Audits
151
Audit Report on 1938 Accounts
152
Colonial Development Fund
Alteration of Financial Year
153
154
Programme of Work
Outstanding questions
Date of Report
155-156
157
158
M.-Staff
159-160
Appendix A (2).
REPORT TO THE DIRECTOR OF COLONIAL AUDIT ON THE AUDIT OF THE ACCOUNTS OF HONG KONG
FOR THE YEAR 1939.
1
1. The accounts of the Colony of Hong Kong for the year ended 31st December, 1939, have been examined by the local Audit Department.
A. MANNER IN WHICH THE ACCOUNTS HAVE BEEN KEPT AND RENDERED.
2. Subject to the observations contained in this report the accounts were satisfactorily kept and rendered and were submitted promptly for Audit. The accounts of the Colony were closed on the 14th March, 1940.
3. The annual statements prepared by the Accountant-General were promptly rendered. The Draft Appropriation Account (detailed Statement of Expenditure) was submitted for Audit on the 11th June. 1940.
4. A considerable amount of Audit officers' time has been devoted to instruct- ing, and giving advice to, officers of other departments on accounting and storekeeping matters, more particularly in the case of newly established departments. The accounts and records of certain departments required much attention to put them on a satisfactory footing.
5. Misallocations and errors of classification.
Fifteen misallocations affecting sub-heads of revenue. and thirteen misallocations of expenditure were discovered by Audit. All misallocations were adjusted before the accounts were closed.
6. Queries.
Three hundred and fifty eight queries were raised on the 1939 accounts, of which 180 related to Expenditure and 178 to Revenue. This is an increase of 77 over the 1938 figures.
7. Six queries remain unsettled at the date, of this report. Details of these appear in Appendix "A" attached. There are no unsettled queries relating to the Appendix “A” accounts of the previous year.
8. Audit queries resulted in the recovery of $977.82 in respect of under- collection of revenue and overpayments of expenditure, and in addition recoveries totalling $3,338.51 were effected in consequence of Audit submissions.
9. Details of the more important recoveries are:
Audit Submission-Non collection of rent for Govern-
ment Quarters
Audit Submission-Overpayment of rent allowance Audit Submission-Tailoring Conversion Vouchers
Query No. 1/R - Undercollection of Foreign
Foreign Car
Registration fees
$ 726.04
48.00 2,554.67
126.30
Query No. 10/R
Undercharge Water fees
205.50
Query No. 12/R
Undercharge Water fees
29.50
Query No. 27/R
Undercharge Entertainment Tax
105.55
Query No. 111/R- Boat licences not billed for
45.00
م
Query No. 158/R- Undercollection Entertainment Tax Query No. 159/R- Undercollection Entertainment Tax
100.00
13.50
A (2) 2
10. Audit queries have usually been replied to promptly and in a satisfactory
manner.
11. Departures from Regulations.
The following unauthorized departures from the approved Regulations came to notice :-
Police Department-The sum of $7,000, received by the Commissioner of Police as a gift for a charitable purpose, was not deposited in the Treasury in accordance with Colonial Regulation No. 230, neither was a proper printed form of receipt issued to the donor as required by Colonial Regulation No. 227. Although there is no suggestion whatever that improper use was made of this money, the accounting procedure followed in this instance was irregular.
12. A cheque for the sum of $1,741.64 was issued by the Accountant-General to the Police Department towards the latter part of the year, for the payment of salaries of certain members of the Police force, and the expenditure was rellected in the Colony's accounts of that year. The existence of the cheque was overlooked by the Police Accountant and the payments were not actualy effected until January, 1940, thereby contravening Colonial Regulation No. 272.
13. Retirement Allowances of clothing to Indian Police Officers :—
The retention of certain articles of uniform by retiring Indian Police Officers was queried by Audit. It has for many years been customary to allow the more senior Indian Police Officers to retain, for their personal use after retirement, certain items of equipment, and this was described as a "Retirement Allowance." As this allowance did not appear to be authorized by Police Regulations. I expressed the opinion that covering approval of the Government should be obtained. The Com- missioner of Police thereupon agreed to obtain the sanction of Government in all future cases where it was desired to make such an allowance.
14. Withholding of payments.
(a) Two instances came to notice in which the Heads of Departments con- cerned withheld accounts due for payment until the following financial year, contrary to Colonial Regulation 272, on the ground that insufficient funds existed under the appropriate sub-heads of the current year to meet the expenditure. Details are as follows: Department
Amount
Nature of Exp.
Air Raid Precautions.
Cost of
179.90
Advertisement.
Magistracy
Kowloon.
65.37
Magistracy
Electric Light A/c. Incidentals.
Kowloon.
24.30
Magistracy
Kowloon.
7.88
Transport Expenses.
Head & Sub-head
of 1939 Exp. chargeable to. Head 6. Defence -C-A.R.P.
Item 9. Incidental Expenses.
Head 16. Sub-head 2.
Head 16. Sub-head 5.
Head 16.
Sub-head 6.
The departments were warned against repeating this irregularity. (b) A further disregard of Colonial Regulation No. 272 is under enquiry. The Police Department purchased furniture and electrical equipment amounting to $93.00 in September, 1939, without the approval of Government, the account not being rendered to the Treasury for payment until May of this year.
A (2) 3
B. SUFFICIENCY OF EXISTING CHECKS AGAINST FRAUD.
15. Subject to the comments made in this report the existing regulations and accounting instructions, if adhered to, would appear to afford adequate security against fraud.
16. Cash Balances, etc. Annual Survey of.
In accordance with Colonial Regulation No. 300, Boards of Survey appointed by Government at the close of the year examined the cash and stamps in the hands of the Accountant-General and at the more important Government Offices in the Colony. Cash Balances shown as having been deposited with local banks were checked with certified bank statements. The reports of these Boards were
satisfactory.
17. Internal Checks.
The check exercised in the Accountant-General's Office, with the exception of that on Entertainment Tax Returns, continued to be satisfactory, and vouchers included in the cash accounts usually bore signs of scrutiny and check.
18. The internal check in other departments appeared generally to be adequate but exceptions came to notice, some of which are indicated in this report. In all such instances appropriate action was taken to ensure more effective departmental supervision.
19. Cheque Registers.
In accordance with instructions contained in Colonial Audit Department Re- ference Sheet No. 221 of 24th May, 1939, Cheque Registers were introduced in all revenue collecting departments where such a record was not already in use. Detailed instructions regarding the keeping of these registers were issued by means of a Treasury Circular.
20. Securities furnished by Public Officers.
The Security Bonds lodged with the Accountant-General by public officers, in respect of the pecuniary responsibility attached to their offices, furnished in accord- ance with General Orders No. 70 and 364, and Colonial Regulation No. 301, were, as usual, inspected by Audit in collaboration with a legal officer.
21. In all cases where it was stated that cash had been deposited as security, the relative deposit was verified in the books of the Accountant-General.
22. A few instances were brought to notice in which it seemed that the holders of certain posts should be required to provide security, and suitable action was taken to obtain securities where further enquiries showed this to be necessary.
23. With regard to the provision of security by storekeeping officers, which question was raised by Audit and referred to in paragraph 22 of the 1938 Audit Report, this is now covered by General Order No. 70. (revised on 12.6.39). The amended order requires security to be furnished by officers who handle either cash
or stores.
24. Frauds.
One case only of frand came to notice during the year, and this did not result in any financial loss to Government. In this instance a Clerk, employed in the Fire Brigade Department, misappropriated sums amounting the $251.14. He was charged with embezzlement, sentenced to a term of imprisonment and dismissed the service.
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The money was voluntarily made good. The case indicated that there had been slackness in the matter of handling cash in that Department, and as a result, the system was overhauled and attention was again drawn to the necessity for officers to obtain receipts for all moneys handed over by one person to another.
25.
Losses of Cash and Stamps.
The following losses of cash and stamps, not attributable to fraud or negligence on the part of any Government Official, were reported during the year under review:
As the
(a) Harbour Department-A bag containing $16.70, being Junk Licence
fees collected, was lost overboard from a Police launch. amount had not been credited to revenue no charge to expenditure was necessary. The "write off" was sanctioned by the Financial Secretary.
(b) Post Office-$100.00 in cash and stamps was stolen from a Post Office kiosk, also a set of letter scales and a cash box. No trace of the culprit was discovered. The Financial Secretary approved of the "write off."
(e) Post Office-A sheet of Revenue Stamps of the ten cents domination was reported missing from a package kept at Post Office Head- quarters. As no satisfactory explanation of the apparent shortage was forthcoming the face value of the missing sheet. viz. $12.00. was written off with the approval of the Financial Secretary.
C. ANNUAL ABTRACT ACCOUNT.
26. Receipts.
1939
(1938)
The total revenue including Land Sales *etc. was
$41,478,052
($36,735,854)
compared with an estimated amount of
Thereby exceeding the Estimates
by
$35.257,621
$ 6,220,431
($30,254,920)
($ 6,480,934)
*This includes the balance of the Government House and City Development Fund ($839,704.12) and Diocesan Boys' School Sinking Fund (13,059.27) which were transferred to Revenue vide paragraphs 89 and 141 respectively of this report.
27. The main variations, as compared with the Estimates, occur under the following Heads :-
Head.
More than estimated
Less than estimated.
$
CP-
Duties
2,786,449
Port and Harbour Dues
61.641
Licences and Internal Revenue, etc.
1,496,835
Fees of Court
234,901
Post Office
193,758
Kowloon-Canton Railway
871,095
Rent of Government Property
210,106
Miscellaneous Receipts.
$53,806
Land Sales
1,389,818
*
་
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28. The revenue for the year 1939 exceeded that of the previous year by $4,742,198.
29. Payments.
1939
(1938)
The expenditure, including the Military Contribution, was .. while the Estimates provided for
$37,949,116
($37,175.898)
$37,757,223
($33,379,549)
Thereby exceeding the Esti- mates by
$ 191,893
($ 3,796,349)
30. Savings, as compared with the Estimates, occurred under 22 Heads, while the estimated provision was exceeded under 15 Heads, the more important of the latter being:-
Head
More than estimated
Charitable Services
A.-Volunteer Defence Corps
C.-Air Raid Precautions.
B.-Hong Kong Naval Volunteer Force
Stores Department .
725,278
312,111
148,711
508,291
383,972
31. Reasons for the variations between the actual and estimated figures of both revenue and expenditure are given in the detailed statements prepared by the Accountant-General (Enclosures 7 and 8 of this report refer).
32. The actual expenditure for 1939 exceeded that of the previous year by $773,218, but it should be noted that 1938 expenditure was swollen by the inclusion of the balances of the Building Loan and Unallocated Store Accounts, amounting to $1,203,614.
33.
D. AUTHORITIES FOR EXPENDITURE, 1939.
Details of the various authorities obtained to cover the expenditure for the vear 1939 are given below:-
Estimates. ($37,757,223).
(a) The expenditure of $29,327,294, representing the probable requirements of the Colony for the year 1939, but excluding $7,097,898 on account of Military Contribution, and the estimated charges on account of Public Debt ($1,332,031) was approved by the Legislature on the 10th November, 1938. (Hansard p. 175).
(b) The General Warrant was signed by the Governor on the 9th of
January, 1939.
(e) The Secretary of State's approval was conveyed to the Governor vide his telegram No. 2 of 6th January, 1939 confirmed by Colonial Office Despatch No. 23 of 17th January, 1939.
34. Appropriation Ordinance (No. 22 of 1938).
Legalised the expenditure of $29,327,294 on the Public Services of the Colony for the year 1939. This, as usual, excluded the estimated expenditure on account of Military Contribution and Public Debt charges. Details of the authorities obtained for this Ordinance are as follows:-
(a) Passed by Legislative Council-24th November, 1938 (Hansard p. 187). (b) Notice of Non-disallowance published as Government Notice No. 830
in Official Gazette dated 22nd September, 1939.
35.
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Schedules of additional provision.
(a) First Quarter:
($851,592)
(b) Second Quarter.
($3,506,845)
(c) Third Quarter.
($702,800)
(d) Fourth Quarter.
($977,953)
(e) Supplementary.
($544,817)
Financial Messages 1 and 2. Items 1-42. Approved by the Secretary of State vide despatch No. 277 of 25th July, 1939.
Financial Messages 3-6. by the Secretary of State 2nd December, 1939.
Financial Messages 7-8.
Items 43-130. Approved vide despatch No. 466 of
Items 131-178. Approved
by the Secretary of State vide despatch No. 498 of 22nd December, 1939.
Financial Messages 9-11. Items 179-296. Approved by the Secretary of State vide despatch No. 155 of 29th April, 1940.
Financial Messages 1, 2 and 4.
Items 297-318.
Financial Messages 1 and 2. (Items 297-315) were forwarded to the Secretary of State under cover of Hong Kong Despatch No. 215 of 25th April, 1940. Financial Message 4. (Items 316-318) Reported to the Secretary of State in Hong Kong Despatch No. 283
of 10th June, 1940.
The Secretary of State's authority for Messages 1, 2 and 4 has not vet been obtained.
(NOTE :-Financial Message No. 3 did not include any item in respect of 1939
expenditure).
36. All items included in the Financial Messages referred to above were covered by Special Warrants, and have been sanctioned by the Legislature.
37. Supplementary Appropriation Ordinance.
(a) The net excesses on Heads of Expenditure for the year 1939, totalling $2,484,991.47, were included in a Bill which was read a first time at a meeting of the Legislature on the 25th of July, 1940.
38. Loan Expenditure-31% Dollar Loan 1934.
(Ordinance No. 11 of 1934).
The expenditure incurred during 1939 chargeable to this Loan amounted to $306,726.26 while $92,782.72 was credited to the Loan on account of sales of stores and reimbursements, bringing the total net expenditure to $25,000,000, which is the full amount authorized by the Ordinance.
39. The authorities for the expenditure charged to this Loan during 1939 are as follows:-
(1) Estimates (Item 8(a) Central Market $50,000)
(a) Approved by the Legislature on the 10th November, 1938. (Hansard
1938 p. 176).
(b) Sanctioned by the Secretary of State, vide his telegram No. 2 of 6th January, 1939, confirmed by Colonial Office despatch No. 23 of 17th January, 1939.
(2) Revised Estimates. (Item 8(a) Central Market $279,983.47)
(a) Resolution of Legislature on 22nd June, 1939. (Hansard 1939 p. 57). (b) Sanctioned by the Secretary of State vide his despatch No. 501 of 29th
December, 1939.
✔
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40. Revision of Loan Schedule.
The schedule to the Loan Ordinance was revised once during the year, on the 22nd June, 1939, the authorities for the revision being the same as those given in 2(a) and (b) above.
41, Expenditure on additional works to be charged to a proposed new loan. Resolutions approving the expenditure, during the year 1939, of money, to be obtained by means of advances from the Colony's surplus funds pending the raising of a new loan, were passed by the Legislature on the following occasions:
(a) Estimates.
($1,630,927.18).
Approved by Legislature on 10th November, 1938 (1938 Hansard p. 177) Sanctioned by the Secretary of State vide his telegram No. 2 of 6th January, 1939, confirmed by Colonial Office Despatch No. 23 of 17th January, 1939.
(b) First Revision of Estimates. ($1,731,976,30).
Approved by the Legislature on 22nd June, 1939. (1939 Hansard p. 65). Sanctioned by the Secretary of State vide despatch 501 of 29th December, 1939.
(c) Second Revision of Estimates. ($1,733,576.30).
Approved by the Legislature on 16th November, 1939. (1939 Hansard p. 231) Sanctioned by the Secretary of State vide despatch No. 60 of 6th February, 1940.
42. The actual expenditure incurred on these works during 1939 was $1,228,929.24.
43. Revision of total estimated cost of works chargeable to New Loan.
The following revisions of the total estimated cost of the various items to be charged to a new loan were made during the year :-
(a) First Revision. ($4,312,500).
Approved by the Legislature on 22nd June, 1939. (1939 Hansard p. 65).
Sanctioned by the Secretary of State vide his despatch No. 501 of 29th December, 1939.
(b) Second Revision.
($4,436,500).
Approved by the Legislature on 16th November, 1939. (1939 Hansard p. 231).
Sanctioned by the Secretary of State vide despatch No. 60 of 6th February, 1940.
41. Waterworks Renewals and Improvements Fund.
The following are the authorities for expenditure charged to the Waterworks Renewals Fund during 1939:-
(a) Estimates. ($190,000).
Approved by Legislature on 10th November, 1938. (1938 Hansard p. 178).
Sanctioned by the Secretary of State vide telegram No. 2 of 6th January, 1939, confirmed by despatch No. 23 of 17th January, 1939. (b) Supplementary Estimates. ($5,000-Pokfulam District Supply).
Approved by Legislature on 16th November, 1939. (1939 Hansard
p. 232).
Sanctioned by the Secretary of State vide telegram No. 26 of 23rd January, 1940, despatch No. 60 of 6th February, 1940.
45.
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(c) Appropriation Ordinance in respect of expenditure from Waterworks
Renewals and Improvements Fund.
According to advice received from the Colonial Office the formal statutory authority of an Appropriation Ordinance is required for expenditure from funds of this nature. The total net expenditure for the year from this fund, viz. $80,331.25, was included in a Bill which was read a first time at a meeting of the Legislature on the 25th of July, 1940, referred to in paragraph 37 of this report..
A statement of expenditure from the Waterworks Renewals and Improve- ments Fund is attached as Enclosure 14.
E. AUTHORITIES FOR EXPENDITURE, 1938. -
46. The following authorities for expenditure incurred during the previous financial year, which were outstanding at the date of the 1938 Audit Annual Report, have since been obtained :—
(a) Recurrent Expenditure.
Paragraph 41 (e). Schedule of additional provision.
Supplementary ($1,261,126).
Approved by the Secretary of State vide despatch No. 184 of 25th May, 1939.
Paragraph 42 (b). Supplementary Appropriation Ordinance (No. 15
of 1939).
Notice of non-disallowance was published by means of Government Notice No. 581 in Official Gazette dated 21st July, 1939.
(b) Loan Expenditure-31% Dollar Loan 1934.
Paragraph 45 (b). Second Revision of Schedule.
Sanctioned by the Secretary of State vide despatch No. 239 of 6th July, 1939.
(c) Expenditure on works chargeable to New Loan.
Paragraph 50.
Schedule.
Excesses of expenditure on items (d), (f) and (h) in
Approved by Legislature on 22nd June, 1939.
Sanctioned by the Secretary of State vide despatch No. 501 of 29th December, 1939.
F. COLLECTION OF REVENUE.
47. Subject to any observations made in this report, the systems employed for the collection of revenue proved satisfactory and moneys becoming due to Govern- ment were promptly and efficiently collected. The Accountant-General assumed responsibility for the collection of Market Rents Revenue Head 7 as from the commencement of the year. These were formerly collected by the Sanitary Depart-
ment.
48. Receipt Forms.
Reference was made in paragraphs 25 and 26 of the 1938 Audit Report to the excessive number of different types of receipt forms in use in the Colony. A careful investigation into the question of the use of non-statutory forms resulted in a decision to discard over one hundred different types and to introduce a standard form of Miscellaneous Receipt. Existing stocks of the condemned forms will however con- tinue to be used until exhausted. As each department possessed its own specially printed forms and further special types of receipts were sometimes used for each section of a department-e.g. In the Education Department each school used its
A (2) 9
own receipt forms-it will be seen that the introduction of a standard Miscellaneous Receipt Form will result in considerable economy in printing and of stationery, and also in the keeping of receipt book records.
49.
Harbour Department
Miscellaneous Fees.
The authority of the Harbour Master to determine the amount of fee payable for services not covered by the Regulations (Table C), made under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance No. 10 of 1899, was questioned by Audit. The matter was referred to the Law Officer for the Crown who upheld the Audit contention and advised that the Regulations should be amended so as to permit the Harbour Master to prescribe a fee to correspond, where possible, with that appearing in the Board of Trade List in cases where no fee appropriate to the circumstances is already provided for under the existing regulations. This was done by means of Government Notice No. 712 in Official Gazette of 1st September, 1939.
50.
Use of adhesive stamps in the collection of revenue.
(a) Police Department-Motor drivers' licence fees. In order to dispense with the considerable amount of clerical work involved in the making out of receipts for motor drivers' licence fees collected, it had for some time been customary to affix Revenue stamps on the licence forms of the payers, and to cancel these stamps effectively. During the year under review it was decided to employ Postage in lieu of Revenue stamps for this purpose. Audit expressed the view that the change was unnecessary and a retrograde step, since Postage stamps have a greater field of use than Revenue stamps, and if improperly cancelled they could be more easily utilized for improper purposes than the latter. The general question of the use of both Postage and Revenue stamps for the collection of revenue was discussed at a meeting of Government Officers con- cerned, and it was agreed that the use of Postage stamps should be reduced to a minimum, at the same time it was felt unnecessary to disturb, for the present, the very longstanding practice by which stamps were used in connection with certain land documents, but it was decided that if possible the use of stamps to denote the payment of fees for motor driving licences should be discontinued. Two alternatives were suggested:--The use of (a) specially printed fixed fee receipts, or (b) a special machine of the type used for franking certain postal matters. It was finally decided, after tests had been made, that the system of franking would be likely to prove the more satisfactory method, but that the matter would be held in abeyance.
(b) Medical Department--Inoculation Fees. To meet an emergency it was decided to utilize adhesive stamps for the collection of fees charged for inoculation certificates. On the matter coming to the notice of Audit this arrangement was immediately challenged. It appears that from the 29th June to 6th July, 1939, both Postage and Revenue stamps were utilized for this purpose. At first the stamps affixed to certificates were cancelled by initialling only, and not by perforation as required by the Secretary of State's instructions, further no arrangements had been made to allocate correctly the revenue (estimated at some $8,000) obtained from this source during that period-Revenue Head 3, Licences, Stamp Duties, and Head 5, Post Office-Postage receiving the credit, whereas Head 4, Fees of Court, "Official Certificates" should have been credited with all moneys collected. As a result of Audit representations these arrangements were promptly cancelled and special fixed fee certificates were printed and were issued by the Accountant-General. It then became possible to credit the appropriate Sub-head of revenue with the sums received for certificates sold.
51.
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Police Department Cash Book.
As the type of Cash Book and Abstract used by the Police Department was con- sidered to be cumbersome and unsatisfactory, Audit proposed the introduction of, and drew up a specimen form for, a record which would fulfil the dual rôle of Cash Book and Revenue Abstract. The new form of record was introduced and after having been several months in use proved to be entirely satisfactory, and resulted in a considerable saving of labour.
52. Post Office-Broadcast Receiving licences.
The authority of the Postmaster General to grant "Letters of Exemption" under the Telecommunication Ordinance of 1936, in respect of fees payable for Wireless Receiving licences, was questioned by Audit and an enquiry was made as to whether, according to information available, every person operating a wireless receiving station had paid the prescribed fee, unless specially exempted under proper authority. The former point was referred to the Crown Solicitor who expressed the opinion that action should be taken under Section 5 of the Crown Fees Ordinance 1871 in all cases where it was considered necessary to remit these fees. This was done and the Governor in Council approved of the fees being remitted in twenty-one instances. In regard to the second query the Postmaster General replied that as far as he was aware all other stations in operation in the Colony were licensed.
53. Legal Department-Payment of filing fees on certificates issued by Estate
Duty Commissioner.
It was brought to notice by Audit that certificates issued by the Estate Duty Com- missioner and filed for Probate were not being stamped as required by Law. Steps are now being taken to collect the required filing fee of one dollar in respect of each certificate filed. It is estimated that revenue will thereby benefit to the extent of approximately $400 annually.
54. Legal Department-Method of Accounting for Bailiffs' fees and expenses.
The practice of crediting the Suspense Account "Suitors' Fund" with fees collected by Bailiffs on account of Distraint cases and of paying their expenses from that account was questioned. While the fees collected were held by the Registrar of the Supreme Court to have been legally imposed under Section 6(2) of Ordinance No. 1 of 1883 it was agreed that the correct procedure would be to credit revenue with the fees collected and to charge the Bailiffs' expenses to an appropriate expendi- ture sub-head, which procedure is to be followed as from 1st January, 1940. It was further arranged to reimburse Bailiffs either by means of a fixed conveyance allowance, or by refunding actual expenses incurred, whichever method was likely to prove more satisfactory in practice.
55. Arrears of Revenue.
According to the returns rendered by departments the total arrears of revenue, as at the 31st of December, 1939, amounted to $293,473.13. Of these arrears. $200,382.76 was collected by the 31st March, 1940, leaving a balance of $93,090.37 of which $577.20 was written off as irrecoverable, and $2,187.85 cancelled.
56. Included in the balance outstanding is an amount of $80.408.69 being Royalty stated to be due by a Ferry Company, which is in dispute.
57.
As compared with those of the previous year the figures are :—
Outstanding at
Collected by
Outstanding at
31.12.38 $242,871.58
31. 3.39 $200,138.93
31. 3.39 $ 42,732.65
31.12.39 $293,473.13
31. 3.40 $200,382.76
31. 3.40
$ 93,090.37.
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58.
A detailed statement, showing the arrears of each class of revenue as at the 31st December, 1939 and on the 31st March, 1940 respectively, appears as appendix B to this Report.
59. "Writes off" of Revenue.
According to information supplied to the Audit Department the following revenue, considered irrecoverable, was written off under authority during the year under review.
Nature of Revenue
Amount
Authority for
Appendix "B”
"Write "off"
Pier Rent
650.00
Colonial Secretary
Crown Rents
110.77
Financial Secretary
Ambulance Fees
50.00
Financial Secretary
Hospital Fees
634.00
Financial Secretary
Hospital Fees (Consultants
Fees)
25.00
Financial Secretary
Vaccination Fees
1,297.60
Colonial Secretary
Court Fines
232.00
Financial Secretary
Water Rates
27.50
Financial Secretary
Kowloon - Canton Railway
Miscellaneous Re-
venue
190.52
Financial Secretary
Fees of Court-Possession
Fees
3.75
Financial Secretary
Fees of Court Police
Services
39.00
Financial Secretary
Fees of Court Sundav
Cargo Working Per-
mits
37.50
Financial Secretary
3,297.64
G. EXPENDITURE.
60.
Control over Expenditure.
With the possible exception of certain expenditure charged to Head 31, Public Works Extraordinary, Item 47-Air Raid Precautions (for Constructional Work), the control over expenditure may be considered as having been generally satisfactory. According to the information contained in the vouchers every charge against an expenditure head has, as far as it has been possible to ascertain, been applied to the purpose or purposes for which the head was intended to provide, and has also been charged to the most appropriate sub-head of expenditure.
61. Expenditure appears to have been adequately vouched for.
62. Special Warrants.
The number of Special Warrants issued in respect of the year 1939 was 434, as compared with 385 for the previous year. The outbreak of the European War was partly responsible for the increase, although no fewer than 230 Special Warrants were issued during the first six months of the financial year.
63. A large percentage of the Special Warrants issued related to additions to the rates of personal emoluments and to variations in the number of posts shown in the Estimates, which affected Personal Emoluments Sub-heads only, and did not necessitate the obtaining of additional funds.
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64. Awards of Pensions and Gratuities, etc.
The calculations of awards of Civil and Police Pensions, Gratuities, and allowances, made under the laws of the Colony, and also Pensions payable under the Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Ordinance (No. 15 of 1908) were verified by Audit.
65. Military Contribution.
The amount payable as Military Contribution by the Government of Hong Kong has, for an experimental period of five years, been fixed by Ordinance No. 8 of 1939 -Defence Contribution Ordinance 1939 at $6,000,000 per annum, the enactment to take effect as from the 1st of January, 1939. The Defence Contribution Ordinance 1901, (Ordinance No. 1 of 1901) and the Defence Contribution Amendment Ordinance (No. 43 of 1935) have been repealed. The total sum charged against Head 6D Military Contribution in the 1939 accounts is $6,051,926.07 the excess over the $6,000,000 being, as stated in paragraph 81 of the 1938 Audit Report, the unpaid balance in respect of the contribution for that year.
66.
Harbour Department-Coal and Oil Fuel purchases.
The amount charged against Head 11, Sub-head 2-"Coal and Oil Fuel for launches" viz. $211,259.67 does not represent the total cost of this service for the year under review. The cost of fuel supplied to the Harbour Department for the period October to December, 1939, viz. $40,780 is being charged to the 1940 accounts under Harbour Department-Special Expenditure. A further sum of $2,000, being the value of the coal supplied to Government Offices during the same period, chargeable to 1939 expenditure Head 11, Harbour Department, Sub-head 3, was debited to the accounts of the following year. The non-inclusion of the above expenditure in the 1939 accounts was due to failure on the part of the Contractor to render his claims for payment, at Contract rates, before the accounts of that year were closed, although repeated requests had been made to obtain them.
67. As a result, the amount unpaid for coal supplied during the last quarter of 1939, was $123,185.28.
68. Head 31-Public Works Extraordinary-Buildings for camp for Chinese
interned soldiers $118,205.40.
The expenditure under this item was partly offset by a donation of H.K.$ 86,956.52 ($200,000 Chinese National Currency) by the Chinese National Relief Commission, and this sum was credited to Revenue Head 9 Miscellaneous Services.
69. Fruitless Expenditure.
An oversight on the part of a Government Official, or Officials, who erroneously allowed certain stores to be disposed of which formed part of the equipment of a Government tug, resulted in a loss to Government of $859.50. The tug was sold to a private firm on the understanding that the purchase price included all spare parts and equipment. The firm purchased the stores from the original buyer and Govern- ment was obliged to refund the amount paid less certain expenses. In compliance with Colonial Regulation No. 345 the matter was referred to the Secretary of State who approved of the loss being met from Public funds.
70. An error made in indenting for surgical instruments resulted in Government having to made good a loss of £4-10/-. As the officer responsible for the mistake had left the Colony no action was taken against him.
+
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H. LOAN ACCOUNTS,
71. Public Debt.
The Public Debt of the Colony, as at the 31st December, 1939, amounted to $16,038,000.
72. Sinking Fund. 4% Conversion Loan.
The 4% Conversion Bonds, issued under Ordinance No. 15 of 1933, amounted to $4,838,000 while the market value of the investments of the accumulated Sink- ing Fund at the end of the year 1939 was £75,567-2-7.
73. The Sinking Fund account maintained locally has been checked with the statements rendered by the Crown Agents.
74. Hong Kong 3% Dollar Loan.
The amount outstanding on account of the Hong Kong 34% Dollar Loan, raised under Ordinance No. 11 of 1934, was reduced during the year from $11,760,000 to $11,200,000, Bonds to the value of $560,000 having been redeemed in accordance with Section 5 of the Ordinance. The cancelled bonds and interest coupons which had been redeemed were checked by the Audit Department, while the interest paid to Bond-holders was supported by the surrendered coupons which were submitted for Audit.
I. STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES.
75. The excess of Assets over Liabilities at the 31st of
December, 1938, was
While that at the end of 1939 was
Showing an increase of
$13,562,234.97 $17,091,170.73
$ 3,528,935.76
ASSETS.
76.
Cash-Current Account No. 1-$1,137,216.16.
The composition of the above is as follows:-
Bank
Cash Balances:
$1,095,115.37
38,171.70 3,317.70 586.50
Accountant-General's Office.
Kowloon-Canton Railway
Medical Department Registrar, Supreme Court
Total
77. Verification of Cash Balances, etc.
24.89
$1,137,216.16
(a) Bank Certificates have been produced in support of the balances of the various Bank accounts, and with the exception of the last three items shown above, the existence of the cash balances on the 31st December, 1939, was verified by Boards of Survey whose certi- ficates were seen. With regard to the three exceptions, cash certificates, signed by the Heads of Departments concerned, were submitted for inspection. In addition the Cash Balance of the Kowloon-Canton Railway which included the balance shown above, plus the cash takings of the 31st December, 1939 and those of the 1st January, 1940, was surveyed by a Board on the 2nd of January, 1940.
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Ad
(b) The existence of the Cash Balances, Sinking Fund and other Invest- ments held by the Crown Agents has been agreed with the certified statements rendered by the Comptroller and Auditor-General.
(c) Fixed Deposits.
The receipts obtained from local Banks for sums appearing under this
head have been seen by Audit.
78.
Advances Miscellaneous
($78,218.02).
The balance under this head, at the end of the previous year, was $53,443.81, the 1939 figures therefore show an increase of $23,774.21, of which $10,180.95 is on account of work being undertaken for another Colonial administration. The remainder are of a routine nature which do not require to be commented on.
79. No advances have been outstanding for an unduly long period. A detailed statement of advances is attached as Enclosure No. 9.
80.
Reserve Stocks of Essential Commodities.
($1,571,097.05).
This represents the cost price of rice stocks purchased to meet possible, emergencies. At the request of Audit, Government appointed a Board of Officers to survey these stocks, but the members reported that it was impracticable to do so. They did however examine the Warrant Book of the Godown Company in whose warehouses the rice was stored, and found the balances shown therein to agree with the stock book maintained by the Government Food Controller. On pursuing the matter further the Auditor was advised that the Company could be held pecuniarily responsible for the correctness of the stocks as shown in their Warrant Book. In these circumstances a certificate of the Company testifying the correctness of the rice held by them on Government account was obtained and accepted.
81.
In order to preserve secrecy the prior approval of the Legislature for the funds necessary to purchase these stocks was not sought, the transactions being financed by means of bank advances. The matter was nevertheless brought to the notice of the Legislature at a meeting of the Council held-on the 12th October, 1939. It was further regularized by Ordinance No. 38 of 1939, which provided for the main- tenance of reserve stocks of commodities essential for the vital needs of the community during war or other public emergency and matters incidental thereto.
82.
Revaluation of Investments.
In accordance with Colonial Regulation 275 Investments were revalued on the basis of the current middle market price at the end of the year, with the following results :-
Investments held on
account of
Special Funds :-
Net Amount of Depreciation.
How disposed of
District Watchmen
Nil
Chinese Public
Dispensaries Fund
Nil
Education Scholarship
Fund
-$750
Charged to Fund.
督
Nickel Coinage Account.
-£838-17-6
Coinage
Sinking Fund.
Met from Nickel
Security Fund.
(Hong Kong 4%
Conversion Loan)
-£1072-7-0
Sinking Fund.
•
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LIABILITIES.
83. Deposits.
Contractors' and Officers' Deposits.
Miscellaneous.
($588,810.00) ($1,466,962.07).
A statement, prepared by the Accountant-General, which supplies details of the above, is submitted as Enclosure No. 10.
84. With the exception of certain deposits totalling $434.91, which are under query, it has been verified that no deposit has been outstanding for more than five
years.
85. Deposits-Poor Box.
Included in the above statement is an item entitled "Poor Box", the balance of which at the end of the year being $6,084.67. The origin of this account is obscure, but it is certain that it has existed for over thirty years. It has been customary to pay into the account the proceeds of seizures and forfeitures arising out of Police raids on gambling establishments. Payments from the Poor Box are made at the discretion of the Magistrates, apparently for the relief of distress, for the giving of small rewards, and latterly for granting financial assistance to needy persons who are willing to be repatriated.
86. A suggestion by the Accountant-General to transfer $5,000 at the end of the year from the Poor Box account to the Revenue Head "Forfeitures", on the ground that the balance of the account seemed to be in excess of requirements, was opposed by the Magistrates.
87. On the matter being referred to Audit it was pointed out that from a Colonial accounting standpoint the procedure followed was irregular and contravened Colonial Regulation No. 232, further it did not permit the Legislature to have any control over the expenditure of moneys obtained from the source mentioned. In this connection it is worthy of note that the amount credited to the Poor Box during the year was $4,462.98, while payments from it in the same period totalled $2,255.65. It is now understood that the "Poor Box" deposit account will be closed at the end of the present financial year, and that any unexpended balance will be transferred to Revenue. Provision will be made in the Estimates of the following year for a sum sufficient to meet the possible requirements of the Magistrates for expenses which had hitherto been met from the Poor Box.
88. Deposits
balances,
Reconciliation of Departmental with Accountant-General's
Where necessary detailed statements of deposits were called for from the depart- ments concerned, and the totals shown in these lists were reconciled with the balances appearing in the books of the Accountant-General. The particulars in these state- ments were also checked by Audit at the time of the local inspections of the depart-
ments.
89. Government House and City Development Fund (Nil).
During the year Ordinance No. 30 of 1934 (Government House and City Deve- lopment Scheme Ordinance, 1934) was repealed by Ordinance No. 4 of 1939 (Govern- ment House and City Development Fund Winding Up Ordinance, 1939), and section 3 of the latter provided for the transfer to the general revenue of the Colony any balance standing to the credit of the Fund. The balance amounting to $839,704.12, was therefore credited to revenue under the Head "Land Sales.'
90. Notice of non-disallowance of Ordinance No. 4 of 1939 was published vide Government Notice No. 401 in the Official Gazette dated the 19th May, 1939.
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91. Special Funds.
Chinese Public Dispensaries Fund.
District Watchmen's Fund.
Education Scholarship Fund.
($ 33,160.07) ($114,851.31)
($ 86,220.41)
The above items have not previously been shown in the Colony's Balance Sheet. The Education Department Scholarship Fund was referred to in paragraph 111 of the 1938 Audit Annual Report.
92. Waterworks Renewals and Improvement Fund. ($333,675.75).
A proposal to form a Waterworks Renewals and Improvement Fund was referred to the Secretary of State in Hong Kong despatches Nos. 779 and 329 of the 20th October, 1938, and the 10th May, 1939 respectively, and an initial contribution of $399,907 from 1939 Revenue was credited to the Fund during the year. This amount was 2% of the capital expenditure on Waterworks up to the 31st December, 1938. A sum of $14,100 being the proceeds of sale of plant, etc. was also credited to the Fund in accordance with the Secretary of State's decision conveyed in Colonial Office despatch No. 299 of the 3rd July, 1939.
93.
J. STORE ACCOUNTS.
Losses and deficiences of stores-Authority for writing off.
The Secretary of State in his despatch No. 1 of 1st January, 1940, approved of the Governor's authority to write off stores, vested in him under Colonial Regulation No. 345, being delegated to the Financial Secretary provided the amount involved does not exceed $200.00, except in cases where losses or deficiencies are caused by theft and negligence and it is desired to relieve the responsible officer of any part of his pecuniary liability.
94. Losses and depreciation of stores.
The following losses of stores were written off under the authority of the Financial Secretary :--
Unallocated.
(a) Stores Department-A quantity of sunprint paper costing $10.32. Charged to Expenditure Head 29 Item 6 "Losses and depreciation of stores.'
(b) Stores Department-Various items of stock costing $116.82 were damaged as a result of a typhoon. Head 29 Item 6 "Losses and depreciation of stores" being debited.
(c) Stores Department-Stores of a book value of $123.08 which had become unserviceable through age and other causes were charged to Expenditure Head 29 Item 6.
(d) Kowloon-Canton Railway-Glassware costing $20.60 was broken as a result of a storm and charged to Railway Expenditure Sub-head 17-E1-7-3 "Stores Depreciation".
Allocated.
(e) Medical Department Deficiencies in equipment issued for an anti-
epidemic campaign amounting to $363.35.
(f) Medical Department Thirty seven pounds of Ether costing £8-0-2. The loss was due to the rusting of containers and consequent evaporation.
(g) Medical Department-Five text books costing, when new, £2-10-0
missing from a hospital library.
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(h) Stores Department-An apparent deficiency of 4313 cubic yards of sand of a book value of $3,019.23. The shortage was regarded as being caused by normal shrinkage, working of dumps and by climatic conditions. The loss represents a wastage of slightly more than 1% on the amount handled during the year. This "write off" received the Governor's approval.
(i) Police Department-A revolver lost overboard from a Police launch.
95. Losses of stores due to theft.
The following losses of Allocated Stores occasioned by theft came to notice during the year and were written off under authority
(a) Stores Department-A bicycle costing $52.00 was stolen.
(b) Waterworks Department-Eight Water Meters costing $320.00 were
stolen from Government premises.
(c) Harbour Department Air Services
Two mooring ropes valued at
$120.00 were stolen from the Airport.
(d) Harbour Department-Two mooring ropes valued at $17.49 were stolen. As the loss was considered to be partly attributable to the negligence of a night watchman a fine was imposed on him. (e) Harbour Department-A bronze fog bell weighing about 800 lbs. was
stolen from a buoy.
The cost of its replacement which is estimated at $14,000 is to be met from 1940/41 Harbour Department Special Expenditure (vide Financial Message No. 1 Item 7 of 1940). The theft was reported to the Secretary of State who approved of the above expenditure. (f) Education Department-Eighteen gas jets, 1 clock, and a quantity of books, of an estimated total value of $180.00 belonging to a Gov- ernment School were stolen.
(g) Education Department—A table fan valued at $25.00 was stolen from another Government School. As it was considered that there had been a certain amount of negligence on the part of the officer responsible for its safe custody, he was surcharged a proportion of its value.
(h) Medical Department Equipment valued at about $13.00 was missing
from an Out-patient Section.
(i) Medical Department-One oil drum loaned to Government by a private firm and which was used in connection with anti-malarial operations was stolen. The Financial Secretary approved of it being written off and the cost viz. $25.00 was charged to Expenditure Head 17, Medical Department Sub-head 46 Anti-Malarial Field Work.
(1) Public Works Department-A sampan valued at $40.00 was stolen and
written off.
(k) Public Works Department-A lawn mower of an estimated value of $75.00 belonging to Government was stolen from an official's re- sidence.
(1) Public Works Department-A numbering machine costing $15.00 was
stolen from this department.
(m) Public Works Department-Furniture issued for the use of Cadets study- ing in Canton could not be traced and was "written off". Its loss may be considered as being attributable to military operations in South China.
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(n) Judiciary-A typewriter of a replacement cost of $315.00, in use at a local Magistracy, was stolen, while 2 portable electric heaters were damaged by the thief.
No information as to the persons responsible for the thefts reported under ((a) to (n)) could be obtained.
96.
(0) Harbour Department A departmental check revealed that approximate- ly three tons of coal valued at $58.20 forming part of an issue to a Government launch could not be satisfactorily accounted for, but had apparently been disposed of unlawfully. The crew of the launch concerned were dismissed from the service, for this and another irregularity connected with the same incident. The matter was reported to the Secretary of State who approved of the shortage being written off.
(p) Harbour Department-413 yards of Canvas valued at $292.54 forming part of the Yaumati store stocks was found to be deficient after a departmental survey. Certain subordinate Government employees, who gave no satisfactory explanation of the loss and who were considered as being responsible for it, were dismissed. The Secre- tary of State to whom the matter was referred approved of the
'write off".
(g) Public Works Department-Two uniforms were stolen and pawned by a Government messenger who was sentenced to a term of imprison- ment and dismissed the service. The cost of redemption of the articles viz. $5.78 was charged to expenditure with the approval of the Secretary of State.
Manner in which store accounts have been kept.
As usual stores accounts were accurately kept and gave rise to no adverse com- ments on this account. Some progress was made during the year to standardize the stores accounting in the Colony, while certain of the antiquated and cumbersome systems, referred to in paragraphs 114 and 115 of the 1938 Audit Report, have been overhauled and replaced by more satisfactory ones. As a result of Audit representa- tions, proper tools and plant records were either introduced or the initial steps were taken to do so.
97. Standard Forms for Storekeeping.
After a good deal of correspondence had passed between departments and effort on the part of the Audit Department, the following uniform types of stores forms were approved by Government :-
For Unallocated Stores.
(a) Requisition Forms-printed in duplicate and bearing printed consecutive
numbers.
(b) Issue Notes-printed in quadruplicate and bearing printed consecutive
numbers.
For Allocated Stores.
(a) Stores Ledger.
(b) Issue Notes-printed in triplicate and bearing printed consecutive num-
bers.
Log Books for Motor Vehicles.
Log Books for Government Launches.
Conversion Vouchers.
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98. For reasons of economy existing stocks of stores ledgers and forms will however continue to be employed until exhausted, when the new standard forms will be brought into use.
99.
Indenting for Stores. Issue Vouchers.
It had hitherto been the practice for departments requiring stores to prepare their requisitions on Unallocated Stocks on what was termed a "Store Issue Voucher" This was made out in triplicate, the original and duplicate copies being sent to the Stores Department for that department to comply with as far as stocks and circum- stances allowed. In cases where there were any variations between the stores supplied and those indented for, which cases were not infrequent, these copies of the vouchers would be suitably amended by the issuing department. It appears that receipts for the stores were usually obtained from the persons sent to collect them, and that the receiving department obtained for retention no reliable independently prepared docu- ment showing exactly the quantities etc. of stores supplied as distinct from those ordered. The only vouchers available for audit on the occasion of the local Audit inspections of stores accounts were the office copies of requisitions. ("Stores Issue Vouchers'). For obvious reasons such papers were useless for audit purposes. Under the new arrangement departments requiring stores will use a specially printed form of requisition, while the issuing store will prepare an issue voucher in which will be inserted details of all stores actually supplied. A copy of every issue voucher pre- pared will now be available for retention by the person or office to whom stores have been supplied. These issue vouchers will bear the signature of the issuing officer and can therefore properly be utilized by the receiving storekeeper to support the receipt entries in his stores ledger, and also by Audit Officers when conducting examinations of departmental store accounts.
100. Receipting of Issue Vouchers.
It came to the notice of Audit that frequently the only acquittances obtained for goods supplied by the Stores Department were those of the persons sent to take delivery, who were sometimes office messengers or coolies, and that no receipts were being obtained from the receiving storekeepers or the persons who were entitled to receive, use, or have the custody of the stores. It was pointed out by Audit that such an unsatisfactory state of affairs could not be allowed to continue, since no evidence was available that the stores supplied had been properly checked with the relative store issue vouchers by the officer finally responsible for them, and further that the receipt given on an issue voucher for stores supplied from Unallocated Stocks was intended not only to provide evidence of receipt of the stores enumerated thereon but also involved the acceptance of a charge against a sub-head of expenditure. Arrange- ments have been made that all such vouchers shall in future be signed by the store- keeper of the receiving department, or some other responsible officer entitled to receive them, who would usually be the person who signed the requisition. It has been made clear that Audit will not regard the signature, on a stores issue voucher, of a messenger, or other intermediary, as providing sufficient evidence that the stores supplied have been received and are correct and that they have been properly accounted for by the final recipient. In order to facilitate the identification of signatures the new standard form of Issue Note now provides for the insertion of the "official designation" of the person signing the receipt.
101. Indenting for Unallocated Stores.
Objections raised by the Public Works Department to the introduction of accounting changes at the Central Government Store, which inter alia made provision for the signing of Issue Vouchers by responsible officers, made it clear to Audit that there had been insufficient control over the indenting for stores, and it was desirable. that some restriction should be made as regards the persons authorized to sign requisitions and thereby to incur expenditure on behalf of that department. This matter was taken up, and a Government Circular was issued calling upon Heads of Departments to furnish lists of all officers in their departments who would be authorized to sign stores requisitions. The Circular was complied with, and in future
A (2) 20
the Controller of Stores will not deal with a requisition which is not signed by an officer specially authorized to do so. It is worthy of note that the Director of Public Works is stated to have delegated eighty-four officers of his department to sign store requisitions.
102. Shing Mun Stores-disposal of.
With reference to paragraphs 116 and 117 of the 1938 Audit Report, it has now been reported that all the plant and tools formerly purchased for use in connection with the Shing Mun Valley Water Scheme have been entirely disposed of. The proceeds of the sales effected during the year have been credited as follows:-
(a) 31% Dollar Loan
(b) General Revenue
Head 2 Shing Mun Valley Water Scheme. (b) Gorge Dam
$61,752.82.
Head 4D. Sales, Sub-head Shing Mun Construction Surplus Plant". $30.977.10.
103. Statements showing the items disposed of, and the prices realized, have been supplied to Audit; but as in a number of instances plant and stores have been disposed of in bulk a complete reconciliation was not feasible.
104.
Petrol Sales.
With regard to paragraph 118 of the previous Audit Report concerning petrol sales; on the instructions of the Governor, the sale of petrol from Government filling-stations for use in privately owned vehicles was discontinued at the end of the
year.
105. Government Motor Vehicles.
With reference to paragraph 119 of the 1938 Audit Report, which referred to the use of and the records maintained in respect of Government owned motor vehicles, a circular was issued by Government warning officers that a stricter view would be taken in future of the circumstances in which the use of this means of transport would be regarded as justifiable, particularly in the case of officers in receipt of conveyance allowances. It also stated that officers would be called upon to pay for any improper use of Government vehicles.
106. In order to facilitate departmental control and to assist Audit in main- taining a more effective check on the use of Government vehicles' and on fuel issues, improved forms of log books and motor car dockets, prepared by Audit, were approved by Government and are being brought into use by all departments main- taining motor vehicles. The former were designed so as to be suitable for general use and will replace the various types of log books which are now used by depart-
ments.
107. Central Stores (Unallocated). Maximum stock for.
The Secretary of State in his despatch No. 453 of 30th November, 1939, approved of the standard stock of stores held by the Stores Department being raised to $1,000,000, on the understanding that the position would be reviewed from time to time, and that if this maximum should prove to be in excess of the Colony's requirements the fact should be reported to him.
108. Stock Cards-use of.
The use of Stock Cards by the Stores Department which was criticized in paragraph 129 of the previous Audit Report, was discontinued on 30th June, 1939. The posting into the ledgers is now carried out direct from the receipt and issue vouchers, with, it is understood, entirely satisfactory results. This is, in the opinion of Audit, a more straightforward method, and has many advantages over the former indirect system of recording store transactions.
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109. Closing of store for annual stocktaking.
An Audit suggestion that the Central Store should be closed for a certain period at the end of the year to facilitate the annual check by the Board of Survey was agreed to. Despite the fears expressed in certain quarters that inconvenience would be caused to large store consuming departments, no complaints were received although the store was closed for 5 days. It is therefore assumed that the closure did not seriously affect the activities of any department. On the other hand the cessation of all issues, except those in respect of stores urgently required, was doubtless of great assistance to the staff engaged in balancing the ledgers, as well as to the surveying officers.
110. Tools and Plant-Public Works Department-Records for.
Inventories on loose sheets, listing the various items of tools and plant held by each branch of the Public Works Department have been maintained, but no Tools and Plant Ledgers were kept. It appears that fresh inventories were prepared annually, and these presumably incorporated all receipts of new equipment during the year and omitted items written off", etc. As no references were made on these inventories as to the sources of receipt, or to the store voucher numbers, and as no explanations were given for the non-inclusion in the new inventories of items recorded in those of the previous year, no Audit check on these records was possible. For obvious reasons Audit considered the Inventories unsatisfactory and pointed out that they should be kept in a permanent form. Further they should show clearly the receipt of fresh items, record all "writes off", and also give suitable references to the relative store vouchers or authorities in support of additions and deletions..
111. Tools and Plant Ledgers.
It was also brought to notice by Audit that a main Tools and Plant Ledger for the department should be maintained at Public Works Headquarters, that the receipt entries in it should be supported by stores receipt vouchers, and that this ledger should record the distribution of all items, giving reference to the inventory of the sub-department where the stores are held on charge. Such a system would connect up cash accounts with the main Tools and Plant Ledger and the latter with the sub-departments inventories. Both records would therefore bé susceptible to Audit or other check.
112. It has recently been reported that action is being taken as recommended above, and it is hoped that in due course the new records will be available for examination by the Audit Department.
113. Tools and Plant records-Kowloon-Canton Railway.
In paragraph 155 of the 1938 Audit Report reference was made to the proposed introduction of a ledger and certain subsidiary records for Tools and Plant in use by various sections of the Railway Department. All Audit recommendations have been given effect to, a Tools and Plant Ledger has been introduced, and detailed inventories were prepared in which all items of a permanent nature attached to each section of the Railway workshops were listed. The reorganisation has proved entirely satisfactory and reflects credit on the persons responsible.
114. Tools and Plant records-Harbour Department.
As no Tools and Plant Ledger or Inventories of permanent equipment in use appeared to have been maintained by the Harbour Department, Audit expressed the view that steps should be taken to do so. The matter will be kept in view.
115.
Medical Department Equipment-Main Inventories for.
With a view to connecting cash accounts and issues from Unallocated Stocks, etc., with the items shown on the inventories maintained in the various sections
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and institutions of the Medical Department, and thus render them susceptible to check, Audit proposed the introduction of, and drew up a specimen form for, Main Inventory ledgers for the following:-
116.
(a) Central Medical Store-Surgical Instruments, etc.
(b) Stewards Store:--
(i) Crockery and cutlery.
(ii) Furniture.
(iii) Other hospital equipment and accessories.
(c) Matron's Store-bedding and linen.
It is intended that these Main Inventories shall be used in conjunction with departmental inventories, and they should record the receipt of all equipment issued to the department and show the distribution thereof.
117. Action is being taken to prepare these Inventories, and the matter is being kept in view.
118. Medical Department-Main Store Accounts.
Audit examinations of these accounts which were made during the year, dis- closed an unduly large number of inaccuracies, and test surveys revealed numerous discrepancies between ledger balances and stocks on hand. These errors appear to have been due largely to the inexperience of the clerks engaged on the work of posting the store ledgers, and to confusion between reserve and main stocks. The latest Audit examination however revealed a more satisfactory state of affairs, and the results of the Board of Survey held at the end of the year confirm this.
119. Railway Department-Sales of Coal.
The authority for the sale of coal to Railway Officials was questioned by Audit. On the matter being investigated it appeared that no formal sanction had been obtained for this practice and as there appeared no justification for it Govern- ment ruled that these sales should be discontinued.
120. Harbour Department--Yaumati Slipway Stores.
These were placed in charge of the Controller of Stores as from the 1st July, 1939. In future stores purchased for Harbour Department use will form part of the Central Store Unallocated stocks, but the stores taken over by the Controller, which are Allocated, will until exhausted be issued as required and without financial adjustment.
121. Police Department-Manufacture of Uniforms and Police personnel.
It has been customary for the Police and other departments to issue material from Government stocks to the approved Government Contractor for manufacture into uniforms and other articles of clothing for subordinate personnel. Audit examination of Police Store Conversion Vouchers kept for recording these trans- actions revealed a most unsatisfactory position in that issues of material over very considerable periods, to a firm which had held the Contract for a number of years, had not been fully accounted for. Further issues of cloth were made in bulk, whereas completed articles were being supplied in driblets over very extended periods. In numbers of instances part only of each order, which had been placed many months previously, had been completed at the date of audit, but no steps had apparently been made, either to insist on the early completion of the orders, or to obtain the return by the Contractor of the unused material. Certain of these orders remained incompletely executed for over two years. During this period many other similar orders were placed and further quantities of material to cover them were issued, with the result that at the date of audit material valued at no less than $2,554.67 had not been accounted for. After raising an Audit Query on this subject, material valued at $613.01 was subsequently recovered from the Contractors and articles accounting for the remaining material, viz., $1,941.66 were manufactured and supplied.
:
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122. Arrangements have now been made whereby all outstanding Conversion Vouchers will be reconciled quarterly and any material not used by the Tailors will be returned unless it is proposed to make immediate use of it. If such action is taken the position should show considerable improvement, but the piecemeal supply of manufactured articles and the dilatory manner in which orders placed with the Contractor are executed, cannot be regarded as satisfactory.
123. In order to facilitate check and to improve the system of accounting for transactions relating to the manufacture of clothing, etc. a revised form for use as a Conversion Voucher was drawn up by Audit which would provide for the insertion of all necessary particulars.
124. Air Raid Precautions Department--Publications
The stores records of this department were in the first instance very indifferently kept. As a result of Audit representations proper Stores Ledgers were brought into use, and apparent discrepancies between the old ledger balances and the stocks on hand, of a value of $436.50, were written off with the approval of Government. In this connection it may be recorded that the shortages were probably due to the failure to record free issues to students and to other Government Departments. A permanent storekeeper has since been appointed to this department, and the store accounts have recently been kept in a more satisfactory manner.
125. Annual Boards of Survey on Stores (C.R. 344, and G.O. 421 and Stores
Regulations 68/72).
In accordance with Colonial Regulation No. 344 the usual Annual Boards of Survey, appointed by Government, inspected and reported on all stocks of Govern- ment Stores. The reports of these Boards were on the whole satisfactory. With reference to paragraph 121 of the Audit Report on the 1938 accounts, the stores of the smaller departments and all Government Medical Institutions were subjected to check by Boards shortly after the close of the financial year. Unallocated stocks were checked in test only as permitted by local Regulation.
126. Tools and Plant and Office-equipment-Departmental Survey of. (Stores
Regulations 145 (4) and 161).
In compliance with Local Allocated Stores Regulations a departmental survey was made by most Government departments at the close of the year, of all Tools and Plant and Office furniture and equipment, etc., held on Inventory charge.
127. Cases of failure to do so were brought to notice by Audit and the neces- sary action was taken.
128. Reconciliation of Unallocated Store Balances with the Accountant-
General's Accourts.
Statements showing how reconciliation has been effected between the balances of the Unallocated Stores Accounts in the books of the Accountant-General, and those shown by the departmental store accounts, have been received and checked by Audit. The accounts concerned are:-
(a) Central Stores.
(b) Railway Stores.
The
The Statements are submitted as Enclosures 18 and 19 to this report. Stock Sheets of these stores as at 31st December, 1939 have also been examined by Audit.
K. KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.
129. A copy of the Manager's report on the working of the British Section of the Kowloon-Canton Railway for the year 1939, which was submitted to the Auditor on the 23rd April, 1940, is forwarded as Enclosure No. 21 to this report.
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130. The accounts have been satisfactorily kept and regularly rendered.
131. Surprise Audit Surveys of the Cash Balances, etc., at Railway Head- arters and at the various stations were carried out and call for no comment. Stocks of stores held on charge by the Railway were subjected to test surveys by Audit, the results being satisfactory.
132. The net profit on the Operating Account of the Railway for the year was $128,613.38 as compared with $932,418.48 for the previous year.
133. As a result of the hostilities in China only local traffic was handled, through traffic being suspended throughout the year.
134. Suspense Account.
The Secretary of State, in his despatch No. 207 of 9th June, 1939, approved, subject to reconsideration when more settled conditions obtain, of the opening of a Suspense Account entitled "Kowloon-Canton Railway Suspense Account D-Work- shops Suspense Account", with a maximum balance of $20,000, through which all Railway Workshop transactions would pass.
135. Unallocated Stores-Maximum stock of.
It is understood that the approved standard stock of the Railway Unallocated Stores has not been disturbed by the above arrangement and therefore remains at $175,000.
L. GENERAL.
136. Trade Loans.
It was mentioned in paragraph 100 of the previous Audit Report that the balance of the two outstanding Trade Loans, viz., $211,711.42 were cleared from the accounts by transferring them to the Trade Loan Reserve Account, but as Government's claim in respect of these loans was not relinquished they were recorded in a Statement (No. 15) submitted with the report.
137. During the year one Loan, No. 492, was liquidated by the sale of the mortgaged property as under :—
Amount of Loan
Proceeds of Sale
(credited to 1939 Revenue Head 9, Mis-
cellaneous Receipts).
Balance of Loan irrecoverable
$133,000.00
$67,500.00
*$ 65,500.00
$133,000.00
Arrears of Interest.
Amount due
Paid-(credited to 1939 Revenue Head 9, Mis-
cellaneous Receipts)
Balance irrecoverable
$ 45,344.98
$
1,900.00
*$ 40,444.98
$ 45,344.98
* -Written off under authority of the Governor ride Secretary of State's Confidential despatch of 26th February, 1930.
*
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138. The expenses of the sale of this property, amounting to $1,428.48, were charged to Expenditure.
139.
With regard to the other Loan-No. 253-the position is as follows:-
Amount outstanding on 31st December, 1938... $ 85,771.42
Refund during 1939 (Credited to 1939 Revenue
Head 9, Miscellaneous Receipts)
Balance at 31st December, 1939
6,000.00
$ 79.771.42
This item is shown in the Statement of Outstanding Trade Loans and Interest which is submitted as Enclosure 15 to this report.
140. Building and other Loans.
The position of the outstanding Building and other Loans repayable to the Colony, at the end of the previous year, and as at the 31st December, 1939 (Enclosure 5 of this report) is shown below.
Date.
31.12.38
31.12.39
Amount repaid. $95,165.96
(Includes $11,862.05 held as Sinking Fund on account of Diocesan Boys' School).
$122,588.23
141. Diocesan Boys' School—Sinking Fund.
Amount outstanding.
$300,779.SS
$274.035.11
The accumulated balance of the Sinking Fund held on account of the Diocesan Boys' School, viz., $13,059.27, was during the year transferred to Revenue Head 9— Miscellaneous Receipts.
142. Exchange Fund.
The accounts of this Fund for the year 1939 were examined by me with satisfactory results. The audited Balance Sheet and Statements, showing the position as at the end of the year, have, it is understood, been submitted to the Secretary of State. The existence of the Assets of the Exchange Fund has been verified. with the certificate furnished by the Comptroller and Auditor-General.
143. Currency Accounts.
The accounts and records maintained in connection with the issue of Currency Notes (authorised under Ordinance No. 42 of 1935) and the Nickel and Subsidiary Coinage Accounts, have been examined. Surprise Audit Surveys have been made of the stocks of notes and coin, the results being satisfactory. These stocks were also surveyed by Boards appointed by Government.
144.
China Companies Fees.
A Local Audit Inspection of the accounts kept by the Registrar of Companies at Shanghai, covering the period February, 1939 to April, 1940 has recently been carried out. The net revenue obtained from this source during the year, exclusive of the revenue derived from Stamp Fees, was H.K. $100,663.62 representing a decrease of H.K. $65,907.38 as compared with that of the previous year.
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115. Custodian of Enemy Property Accounts.
The accounts kept by the Custodian of Enemy Property, in conformity with Ordinance Nos. 25 and 28 of 1914 as amended by Ordinance No. 33 of 1939; covering the period from the date of their inception to the 31st of December, 1939, have been examined by the Auditor. The existence of the Cash Balances as at the
of the year was verified.
{ '
146. Local Audit Inspections and Surprise Surveys.
Two hundred and four surprise inspections were carried out during the year by the Audit Department, and no discrepancies of any importance were detected.
147. The discovery, on the occasion of a Local Audit Inspection, of an envelope containing the pay of a labourer employed by the Public Works Depart- ment, whose name appeared on a Pay List, which latter had been certified to the effect that all sums shown thereon had been paid over to the persons entitled thereto, indicated that the procedure for dealing with unclaimed wages in that department was unsatisfactory, and that the certificates of payment on wage vouchers could not always be relied on. The matter was taken up with the Accountant-General and arrangements have now been made whereby unpaid wages will be properly dealt with, and for the certificate given on pay vouchers to accord with the facts of the case.
148. Government Launches-Use of.
An Audit Inspection of Government Launch Log Books and replies to Audit Queries raised in connection with certain entries therein, indicated that due economy had not always been practised by officers using Government launches, and that their employment had not been confined to purely Government business.
149. As a result of these queries and of representations by the Auditor, more rigid departmental control over the use of the launches is now being exer- cised. In addition new Log Books, which provide for the insertion of fuller particulars of the journeys made, have been introduced. If these records are properly kept it will be possible for the Audit Department to keep a more satis- factory check on the running of these launches.
150.
Police-Pay Sheets.
As considerable difficulty was being encountered in checking deductions, shown in the Police Department Pay Sheets, creditable to Revenue, as distinct from those deducted on private or semi-official account, a revised form of Pay Sheet was drawn up and subsequently adopted.
151. Continuous Audits.
In addition to the usual audit of the accounts of the Accountant-General, a continuous audit was maintained on the accounts of the Railway, Imports and Exports Department, and the Stores Department.
152. Audit Report on the 1938 Accounts.
The Audit Report on the Accounts of the year 1938 was placed before the Legislature on the 9th November, 1939, together with a copy of the Governor's covering despatch to the Secretary of State. A copy of the Annual Abstract Account for 1938, accompanied by the report of the Director of Colonial Audit, was presented to the Legislature on the 7th March, 1940.
153. Colonial Development Fund.
In his despatch No. 47 of the 3rd of February, 1939, the Secretary of State reported that a free grant of a sum not exceeding £10,000, from the Colonial
}
A (2) 27
Development Fund to meet the capital cost of the establishment in the Colony of a Fishery Station and Experimental Aquarium, had been approved. Up to the date however no money has been received on this account, neither, as far as Audit is aware, has any expenditure been incurred.
154. Alteration of Financial Year.
At the request of the Hong Kong Government the Secretary of State approved of the accounting period of the Colony being the 1st of April to the 31st March of the following year. In order to give effect to this alteration the next accounting period will be one of fifteen months, commencing on the 1st January, 1940 and finishing on the 31st of March, 1941.
155. Programme of Work.
With the exception of certain Parcels and Air Mail accounts with other Postal Administrations, which have not yet been rendered, the approved Programme of Work has been completed.
156. There has been no material departure from the approved Programme, but examinations have in some instances been extended to include certain subsidiary records not detailed in the Programme.
157. Outstanding questions.
There are no outstanding questions, whether raised by query or otherwise, other than those specially brought to notice in this report, which affect or are likely to affect the accuracy of the Annual Abstract Account, or of the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Neither are there any outstanding questions of importance, other than those referred to in this report, not affecting the accuracy of the
accounts.
158. Date of Report.
The examination of the year's account and the drafting of this report was completed by the 10th May, 1940. The latter was revised according to additional information received up to 25th July, 1940.
M. STAFF.
159. Mr. W. R. E. Stephenson, M.A., Assistant Auditor, proceeded on vacation leave on 30th July, 1939, and returned to the Colony on the 8th April, 1940.
Mr. B. E. Maughan, Senior Clerk, Audit Department, returned from vacation leave on the 25th January, 1939.
160. In concluding this report I wish to express my appreciation of the services rendered during the year by the Audit Staff.
A. POLLARD,
Auditor.
10th May, 1940.
DATE FIRST
QUERY NO.
ISSUED.
APPENDIX A.
STATEMENT OF OUTSTANDING QUERIES.
SUBJECT.
DEPARTMENT CONCERNED.
Education Department.
Supreme Court.
Water Works Office.
General Post Office.
Accountant-General.
General Post Office.
136/R
23.12.39
Arrears of School Fees
144/R
19. 1.40
Marine and Fire Insurance Companies' Securities
171/R
27. 3.40
Water Account, 4th Quarter, 1939
175/R
176/R
6. 5.40
Japan Air Mail Account
8. 5.40
Deposit Accounts
178/R
29. 5.40
China Air Mail Account
•
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A
(2) 28
A. POLLARD,
Auditor.
10th May, 1940,
A
$
Appendix C.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS FOR THE YEAR 1939.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE.
(TABLES I TO III.)
The Government revenue derived from all sources during the year was $18,539.90 and the Government expenditure was $157,157.24.
2. As is evidenced by the numerous tables attached to this report, much of the work of the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs is concerned with the administration of funds that may be called semi-official. The revenue in these cases is in very large part a matter of voluntary subscription by the Chinese community and outside the Government estimates, with expenditure at the discretion of the Department and of the various communities concerned.
PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS.
(Ordinance 2 of 1865.)
(Ordinance 6 of 1893.)
(Ordinance 1 of 1923.)
(Ordinance, 5 of 1938.)
3. The number of boys reported missing to the Po Leung Kuk during the year was two and the number of girls nil.
4. Eighteen girls were put under bond this year and ten were released from their bonds; the total number of girls under bond at the end of December was fifty-four.
5. Three additional lady inspectors were appointed and commenced their duties in August, 1939. Another lady inspector was engaged at the beginning of December, 1939, to cover the work of inspecting women and children emigrants. This post was previously held by a Chinese male officer whose services have since been terminated. She is employed on full time duty, and will not be assigned for service with the outdoor visiting staff. Another lady inspector is also employed on inter- pretation and clerical work with the European Assistant. The remaining seven have paid a total of 163 visits to registered muitsai and to ex-muitsai who have obtained employment as domestic servants.
They have also paid a total of 4,873 visits to registered wards under the Pro- tection of Women and Girls Ordinance 1938, interrogated girls suspected to be muitsai or unregistered wards: attended at Police Court and at the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs on special duty. In addition they have regularly visited a large number of adopted boys voluntarily registered in the office of the Secretariat for
Chinese Affairs.
6. At the beginning of the year the number of registered muitsai was 1,102, but by the end of December they had been reduced to 299. The 803 cancellations are accounted for as follows:-
Married
19
Restored to parents or relatives
8
Left Colony permanently
1
Earning their own living.
45
Removed from the register
708
Remaining as member of family
22
- C 2
The 708 girls stated above to have been removed from the register are all girls whose whereabouts are unknown and who have probably left the Colony, been married or restored to relatives. All these girls are over 18 years of age.
The names of the twenty-two girls remaining with their former employers as members of the family have been transferred to the Register of Adopted Daughters and Wards.
7. Eighty persons were prosecuted under the Female Domestic Service Ordin- ance (1 of 1923) and the Offences Against the Person Ordinance (2 of 1865) in respect of seventy-nine girls. In all 109 charges under these and other enactments were preferred as follows:-
(1) Ill-treatment of unregistered muitsai
(2) Ill-treatment of child under 16 years
(3) Common assault
(4) Keeping an unregistered muitsai
12
9
2
54
(5) Bringing an unregistered muitsai into the Colony (6) Failing to report possession of a ward
31
1
109
Ten cases
were discharged, in thirty cases defendants were cautioned, in twenty-seven cases defendants were bound over, six cases were withdrawn, and in thirty-six cases defendants were fined.
Where the employers of unregistered muitsai had been prosecuted the girls con- cerned were disposed of as follows:-.
Twenty-three girls entered domestic service, nineteen girls were transferred to the Register of Adopted Daughters and Wards under the Women and Girls Ordin- ance, No. 5 of 1938, four girls were restored to parents and relatives, three girls obtained employment, twenty-nine girls were sent to the Po Leung Kuk and one to the Salvation Army Industrial Home.
The seventy-nine girls were discovered from reports made as follows:-
Forty-one by the girls' employers who had entered the Colony as refugees and wished to register them, fifteen by the girls to the Police, one by the staff of the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs, three by the girls' parents, four by the girls them- selves to the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs, six by the Anti-Muitsai Society and nine by anonymous reports,
8. In addition to the above mentioned reports, ten reports were received from the Anti-Muitsai Society, one from the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children and thirty-nine from anonymous sources. These case were investigated and found to be without sufficient foundation to substantiate a charge.
9. Twelve girls were sent to the Salvation Army Industrial Home, and seven girls to Rural Home and Orphanage at Taipo.
10. Wages of registered muitsai continued to be paid monthly by the employers concerned to the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs. This money has been placed in a saving account with the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.
11. Adopted daughters and wards.
The number of girls remaining on the registers on 31st December, 1938. was 2,558. In addition to these, 395 girls were subsequently registered, making a total number of 2,953 registrations at the end of December 1939.
+
}
4
C 3
Between these dates there has been a decrease of 176, so that the number of registered wards remaining in the Colony on 31st December, 1939, is 2,777.
The decrease is made up as follows:-
Died
51
Absconded
7
Married
8
Restored to parents or relatives
51
Left Colony permanently
Earning their own living
21
3
Removed from the registers.
35
176
12. 105 cases with 123 charges were brought under the Protection of Women and Girls Ordinance 1938 and the Offences Against the Persons Ordinance of 1865 (including fifteen charges of ill-treatment and assault), involving 107 defendants and 107 girls. The 107 girls were discovered from reports made as follows:-
Forty-eight by lady inspectors; six by the girls' custodians who wished to re- gister them; fifteen by the girls to the police; seven by the girls themselves to the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs; eight by the police; five by the girls' parents or friends; three by the Anti-Muitsai Society; four by a member of the public; eight by letter and three by members of the staff of the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs.
Four cases were discharged; four cases withdrawn; thirteen defendants were cautioned; nine were bound over and one defendant was sent to a term of imprison-
ment.
The prosecutions are summarized as follows:-
Ill-treatment by those in charge of a child Common assault
Failing to give notice of possession of an unregistered
ward
Bringing an unregistered ward into the Colony
Failing to report change of address of a registered ward
Failing to report the intended removal from the Colony
of a registered ward
Failing to report the intended marriage of a ward
8
7
48
16
28
14
2
123
The number of cases of importation and possession of unregistered wards is increasing owing to the flow of refugees coming to the Colony to avoid hostilities in China. Of the total of 107 girls involved in the prosecutions enumerated above. fifty-seven have been transferred to the register of adopted daughters and wards under the Protection of Women and Girls Ordinance of 1938; thirty-seven were sent to the Po Leung Kuk pending arrangements for their disposal; ten were restored to parents and relatives; two were married and one obtained employment.
13. For a detailed account of the Po Leung Kuk work see Annexe A.
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EMIGRATION.
(ORDINANCE 30 of 1915.)
(Tables IV and V.)
14. The number of assisted emigrants was 728 as compared with 1,466 in 1938.
15.
The number of women and children emigrants was 28,574 as compared with 42,753 in 1938.
CHINESE BOARDING HOUSE.
(ORDINANCE 23 OF 1917.)
(Table VI.)
16. At the end of the year there were 126 boarding houses of all classes as against 141 at the end of 1938. During the year no new licences were taken out and fifteen licences were cancelled.
17. No convictions were obtained under the ordinance as compared with same in 1938.
PERMITS.
(ORDINANCE 40 of 1932.)
(ORDINANCE 22 OF 1919.)
18. 4,809 permits to fire crackers were issued, of which 3.878 were for weddings and the remainder for birthdays, shop-openings, etc. Fifty-two permits were issued for theatrical performances.
19.
Other permits issued were twenty-three for religious ceremonies and nine for processions.
REGISTRATION OF BOOKS.
(ORDINANCE 2 of 1888.)
20. 109 books were registered during the year as compared with eighty-one in 1938.
REGISTRATION OF NEWSPAPERS.
(ORDINANCE 25 OF 1927.)
(ORDINANCE 1 OF 1930.)
21. The number of registered Chinese newspapers on 31st December was sixty- eight of which eight were registered during the year.
f
+
*
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ww
DISTRICT WATCH FORCE
(ORDINANCE 23 OF 1930.)
(Tables VII & VIII.)
22. The District Watch Committee met on thirteen occasions at the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs. In addition two meetings at which His Excellency the Governor presided were held at Government House. The following gentlemen served on the Committee throughout the year :-
Mr. Li Yau-tsun, C.B.E.
Hon. Sir Shouson Chow, Kt.
Mr. Wong Iu-tung.
Hon. Sir Robert H. Kotewall, Kt., c.M.G., LL.D.
Mr. Li Po-kwai.
Dr. S. W. Tso, C.B.E., LL.D.
Mr. T. N. Chau, C.B.E.
Hon. Mr. Lo Man-kam,
Mr. Wong Ping-sun.
Mr. Tang Shiu-kin, M.B.E.
Mr. Tam Woon-tong.
Hon. Dr. Li Shu-fan.
Hon. Mr. W. N. T. Tam.
Mr. Li Jowson.
23. Mr. Au Shiu-cho retired on the expiration of his year of office as ex- Chairman of the Po Leung Kuk Committee and was succeeded by Mr. Chan Kam- po. Mr. Chau Shiu-ng, Chairman of the Tung Wah Hospital, also served on the Committee.
Mr. Sum Pak-ming, owing to ill-health resigned from the Committee in June and Mr. Li Jowson was appointed to fill the vaccancy. Hon. Mr. W. N. T. Tam was appointed a member of the Committee on 20th March.
24. The Force was maintained at its full authorized strength, namely:-5 Head District Watchmen, 6 Assistant Head District Watchmen, 26 detectives and 103 uniformed men.
25. During the year one member of the Force resigned, one died, four were dismissed and five retired. Recruits were obtained for the eleven vacancies.
26. Inspector E. G. Post was in charge of the Force throughout the year.
27. The Force has, as in previous years, specialized in matters affecting the Chinese community, and the work during the year has been satisfactory.
A total of 1,228 successful prosecutions was brought by the District Watch Force, which shows an increase in the number of cases in comparison with the year 1938. At the same time members of the Force had to perform the same amount of special duties in connexion with civil inquiries, labour disputes, and so forth.
VIII).
28. Comparative figures of all cases for the last three years are attached (Table
- C 6
29. Discipline was good. There were four dismissals as compared with five and six in 1938 and 1937 respectively and thirty-one departmental reports as com- pared with twenty-nine and fifty-two in the same years. One first class, two second class, and five third class medals for long service were awarded, and a number of men received special commendation.
TUNG WAH HOSPITAL AND MAN MO TEMPLE.
(ORDINANCE 31 of 1930.)
(ORDINANCE 10 OF 1908.)
(Tables IX to XIV.)
30. The following gentlemen served on the Board of Directors for 1938 and 1939:
Mr. Chau Shiung,
Mr. Lo Min-nung, Mr. Yeung Wing-hong,
Mr. Wong Chi-po,
Mr. Lo Hin-shing,
Mr. Wan Wan-ching,
Mr. Lam Pui-sang, Mr. Tong Yick-tong, Mr. Hui Lap-sam, Mr. Hong Kang-po,
Mr. Fok Tit-yu,
Mr. Fung Wai-hin.
31. A detailed report on the medical work of the hospital, by the Visiting Medical Officer, will be found in Annexe B.
BREWIN CHARITY FUND.
(Tables XV and XVI.)
32. A note on the history of this fund will be found in previous reports.
CHINESE PUBLIC DISPENSARIES.
(See Annexe B and Tables XVII to XX.)
WANCHAI MATERNITY HOSPITAL.
(See Annexe B.)
CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERY.
(Table XXI.)
CHINESE RECREATION GROUND.
(Table XXII.)
YAUMATI PUBLIC SQUARE.
(Table XXIII.)
33. The Chinese Recreation Ground and the Yaumati Public Square are controlled by a Committee consisting of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs as Chairman and the Chinese Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils.
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PASSAGE MONEY FUND.
(Table XXIV.)
TRANSLATION.
34. The total number of translations made in the Department during 1939 was 1,643 as compared with 1,386 in 1938. 903 of these were from Chinese into English and 740 from English into Chinese. In addition a large number of trans- lations made in other Government departments were sent to this office for revision.
LABOUR.
35. The wave of industrial expansion which was noted in the report for 1938 fully maintained its level during 1939. There were 212 new factories registered as opposed to 93 closures and the total number of factories on the register at the end of the year was 948. The weaving and knitting industries continued to expand steadily, while the output of the manufacturers who export to the Empire markets was well up to standard. Certain factories, especially those engaged in manufac- turing thermos flasks and bulbs for electric torches, found themselves unable to cope with the competition of cheap labour in China, which was intensified by the fall in value of the Chinese dollar, and were forced to close down but on the other hand several new industries have established, including the first match factory in Hong Kong. There was some difficulty in securing raw materials after the out- break of war in Europe but the position was steadily improving by the end of the
year.
36. The approximate number of people employed in registered factories at the end of the year was 57,500 which is a slight increase over the figures for 1938. It must be remembered, however, that this is only a fraction of the total number of workers employed in the Colony and there is no evidence of any great diminution in the number of unemployed whose ranks are still swollen by refugees from China.
37. There were no large building projects but the shipyards were busy and the year saw the construction of the two biggest ships ever built in the Colony. Military works created a steady demand for unskilled labour throughout the year.
-
LABOUR DISPUTES.
38. Disputes between the masters and a section of the workmen employed by the Chung Hwa Book Company broke out at intervals throughout the year. These disputes had no connexion with wages or conditions of work but were concerned with the displacement of a number of hand press printers by the introduction of modern high-speed rotary presses in the banknote and stamp printing departments of the company.
After numerous fruitless negotiations the matter was eventually settled and the displaced workmen have now been repatriated to Shanghai.
39.
A satisfactory example of the value of negotiation between organized bodies representing employers and employees was afforded by the sensible con- duct of masters and men in the Hong Kong printing trade. Dissatisfaction with hours and conditions of work led the Printers Union to make an investigation and to lay the results before the Labour Officer. At his suggestion representatives of the Employers' Association and of the two Workmen's Unions conferred together and eventually reached a general agreement on terms to be enforced for the next six months. This period has since been extended by a further six months by which time it is hoped that there may be legal provision for the establishment of a statutory Trade Board to investigate this industry.
C 8
GENERAL.
40. Mr. H. R. Butters, who was appointed Labour Officer at the end of 1938, completed his survey of labour and labour conditions in the Colony and submitted a report to Government which was subsequently published as Sessional Paper No. 3 of 1939.
41. The
The report advocates the enactment of legislation to provide for the registration of Trade Unions, the establishment of Trade Boards and Workmen's Compensation. Draft Bills have been prepared and are being considered by Govern-
ment.
42. The report also recommends an extensive Labour Ordinance governing conditions of labour in the Colony generally and providing for a labour Inspectorate under the direction of the Labour Officer. Owing, however, to the transfer of the Labour Officer on 27th November, 1939, the drafting of this Ordinance has not yet been completed.
COST OF LIVING OF POORER CLASSES.
43. There was a distinct rise in the cost of commodities (rice, oil, fish, meat, vegetables and firewood) generally consumed by the poorer classes and it is estimated that the cost of a normal working class family budget (excluding clothes and rent) was at the end of the year about 20% higher than at the beginning of the year, and also higher than at any time since October, 1937. The rise accelerated to- wards the end of the year and the indications were that it would continue. There was, however, no appreciable variation in the cost of clothes. It is difficult to obtain reliable figures for the rents paid by sub-tenants in working class tenements, but the tendency for rents to rise was no doubt checked to some extent by the Prevention of Eviction Ordinance, 1938. “
44. By the end of the year the price of oil had risen by over 60% and price of rice by over 12% as compared with the beginning of the year, a contributory factor in these increases being the outbreak of the European War and the con- sequent increased cost of freight.
CHINESE TEMPLES.
(ORDINANCE 7 OF 1928.)
(Tables XXV and XXVI.)
45. The following gentlemen served on the Chinese Temples Committee during the year:
(a) Hon. Sir Robert H. Kotewall, Kt., C.M.G., LL.D., Hon. Mr. T. N. Chau, C.B.E., Hon. Mr. M. K. Lo, and Hon. Dr. Li Shu-fan- Chinese Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils.
(b) Mr. Tang Shiu-kin, M.B.E., Representative of the District Watch
Committee.
(c) Mr. Tang Shiu-kin, M.B.E., Mr. W. N. Thomas Tam and Mr. B. Wong-
Tape-Chinese Members of the Urban Council.
(d) Mr. Chau Shiu-ng-Chairman of the Tung Wah Hospital Committee.
(e) Mr. Ngan Shing-kwan-Chairman of the Po Leung Kuk Committee.
(f) Mr. Lo Min-nung-Representative of the Directors of the Tung Wah Hospital who are residents of Kowloon or New Kowloon.
(g) Secretary for Chinese Affairs (Chairman).
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1,
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46. The Committee met once at the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs.
47.
The following contributions were made from the Temples Fund during the year 1939-
$15,000.00 to the Chinese Public Dispensaries Fund.
$27,240.65 to the Tung Wah Hospital.
$
SA
$
$
$
800.00 to the Home for the Aged.
500.00 to St. John Ambulance Brigade for the expenses of New Ter-
ritories medical work and Haw Par Hospital.
500.00 to the Society for the Protection of Children.
200.00 to the Children's Playground Association.
ABERDEEN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.
(Table XXVII.)
48. The history of the foundation of the Aberdeen Industrial School and the conditions under which it is carried on have been described in previous reports.
49. The following gentlemen served on the Executive Committee during the
year:-
(a) Secretary for Chinese Affairs (Chairman).
(b) Hon. Sir Robert H. Kotewall, Kt., C.M.G., LL.D.-Representative of the
Chinese Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils.
(c) Mr. Li Yau-tsun, C.B.E.-Representative of the District Watch Com-
mitee.
(d) Mr. Chau Shiu-ng-Chairman of the Tung Wah Hospital Committee. (e) Mr. Ngan Shing-kwan-Chairman of the Po Leung Kuk Committee. (f) Mr. P. Gockchin-Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Com-
merce.
(g) Mr. B. Wong-Tape-Chinese Representative on the Urban Council
appointed by the Governor.
(h) Sir Robert Ho Tung, Mr. Fung Ping-wa, Mr. Tse Ka-po and Mr. Ng
Wa-Appointed by the Governor.
(i) Reverend Father Guarona and Reverend Father Bernardini-Members
of the Salesian Society.
STAFF.
SECRETARY FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS.
50. Mr. R. A. C. North returned from leave on 4th August and acted as Colonial Secretary to 27th September. During his absence Messrs. W. J. Carrie and H. R. Butters acted as Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
6th June, 1940.
W. J. CARRIE,
Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
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Annexe A.
REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE PO LEUNG KUK
FOR THE YEAR 1939.
(Tables A, B and C.)
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 Hong Kong for sale or emigration. Its name means "institution for the preservation of virtue." The initiative in its formation came from the Chinese themselves, and ever since by subscription and personal service they have continued to support it.
2. The following were elected in April to serve as the Managing Committee for the year :-
Mr. Ngan Shing-kwan.
Mrs. Ho Leung.
Dr. Li Tsoo-yiu.
Miss Irene Ho Tung.
Mrs. Kwok Lam-pat.
Mr. Wan Wan-tsing.
Mr. Tong Yick-tong. Dr. Liu Yan-tak.
Mr. Chau Sing-chi. Mr. Kwok Pui-cheung.
Mr. Leung Sik-mau.
Mr. Kan Man.
3. The number of inmates of the Po Leung Kuk on 1st January, 1939, was 196 and during the year 787 persons were admitted as against 650 in 1938. The circumstances of admission and the action taken in regard to them are set out in Table A.
4. 787 women, girls and children were admitted without warrant. Thirty-four were lost children. Seventeen were accompanied by parents or guardians and twenty-nine were muitsai who had left their employers and thirty-seven wards who had left their custodians.
5. On leaving the Kuk 167 persons were restored to husbands or other relatives, 126 were sent to charitable institutions in China or employed as domestic servants, thirty-one were given in adoption, one was married, 205 were released after inquiries, twenty-two were released under band, and 182 were sent to a School, Convent, Refuge or Refugee Camp in the Colony. The number of inmates remain- ing in the Kuk on 31st December was 223 which is more than that of previous years.
6. 285 cases of sickness were sent to the Tung Wah Eastern Hospital, one to the Mental Hospital, and three to the Lai Chi Kok Hospital for treatment, and of these twenty-five died.
7. Dr. S. W. Tso, C.B.E., and Lieutenant-Colonel H. B. L. Dowbiggin, 0.B.E., continued to serve as Visiting Justices throughout the year.
8. Mrs. M. K. Lo and Mrs. S. W. Tso paid regular visits of inspection during the year.
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Annexe B.
THE CHINESE HOSPITALS AND DISPENSARIES.
The Chinese Hospitals and Dispensaries are institutions established by the Chinese, in some instance over seventy years ago, for the benefit of the sick poor of Chinese nationality.
2. There are three general hospitals, each with a maternity department, one maternity hospital, and nine public dispensaries.
3. They are maintained by subscriptions from the public, by donations from the Chinese General Charities Fund, and by direct grants from Government. The Government grants have been substantially increased in recent years. The history of their foundation has appeared in earlier reports.
4. In control of the Tung Wah Hospital Corporation is the Board of Directors, a body of Chinese gentlemen elected each year by the subscribers. A medical Com- mittee has been appointed consisting of the three Principal Directors, two members of the Advisory Board, the Visiting Medical Officer and the three Superintendents of the Hospitals, under the Chairmanship of the Director of Medical Services, to act as the executive authority in all matters relating to the Medical administration of the Hospitals.
5. The Tung Wah Hospital corporation serves many purposes, and has wide ramifications extending into many departments of charitable work. Its activities include:-
(1) Accommodation and treatment by Western or herbal medicine of the
sick poor.
(2) The care and provision for the senile and indigent.
(3) Maternity and child welfare service for the poor.
(4) Free vaccination against smallpox and inoculation against cholera.
(5) Provision of coffins and burial of the dead.
(6) Training schools for nurses and midwives.
THE WANCHAI OR EASTERN MATERNITY HOSPITAL.
This hospital is run in conjunction with the Eastern Dispensary. It is in charge of a Western-trained Chinese doctor and continues to provide most satisfactory and efficient service for this densely populated district.
The total number of beds is 31, and the number of admissions 1,244. There were three maternal deaths during the year.
THE CHINESE PUBLIC DISPENSARIES.
The Chinese Public Dispensaries commenced their work in 1904 and full des- cription of their activities appears in the Report for 1938.
IN-PATIENTS.
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Admitted in 1939.
Tung Wah
Tung Wah (Eastern)
Kwong Wah
Total
Chinese treatment
5,074
2,271
4,144
11,489
Western treatment
13,737
6,911
20,657
41,305
Maternity cases
2,220
1,074
4,714
8,207
Combine
21,031
10,256
29,714
61,001
Remaining from 1938 ..
693
252
602
1,547
"
TOTAL IN-PATIENTS
21,724
10,508
30,316
62,548
OPERATIONS.
572
527
829
1,928
Deaths in hospital
5,773
3,306
9,492
18,571
Brought in dead
1,607
1,016
2,577
5,200
DEATH-RATE PER 1,000
265
314
313
296
OUT-PATIENTS.
Chinese treatment
223,056
95,094
514,554
832,704
Western treatment
24,217
27,777
24,677
76,671
Combine
247,273
122,871
539,231
909,375
Eye clinic
14,648
1,251
3,838
19,737
Baby clinic
1.443
646
1,907
Ante-natal clinic
486
486
Anti-smallpox vaccinations
16,607
3,646
10,647
30,900
Anti-cholera inoculations
7,080
5,066
2,919
15,065
Gynaecology
1,748
1,748
Po Leung Kuk.
- C 13
INDEX.
Table.
A.
Number of Women, Girls and Children admitted Statement of Receipts & Expenditure (Jan.-May) Statement of Receipts & Expenditure (May-Dec.)
Secretariat for Chinese Affairs.
B.
C.
Comparative Statement of Expenditure
Comparative Statement of Revenue, 1938 and 1939
Comparative Statement of Expenditure and Revenue for last
ten years
I
II
III
Emigration.
•
Number of female passengers and boys examined and passed
IV
Number of Assisted Emigrants
V
Chinese Boarding House Licence Returns
District Watch Force.
VI
Statement of Receipts and Expenditure Comparative statement of cases obtained
VII
VIII
Tung Wah Hospital and Man Mo Temple.
Income and Expenditure Account of the three Chinese Hospitals
IX
Balance Sheet of the three Chinese Hospitals
X
Income and Expenditure Account of the Man Mo Temple Balance Sheet of the Man Mo Temple
XI
XII
Comparative Expenditure under certain headings at the three Chinese
Hospitals
XIII
Comparative number of cases treated at the three Chinese Hospitals...
XIV
Brewin Fund.
Income and Expenditure Account
Balance Sheet
XV
XVI
Chinese Public Dispensaries.
Summary of work done during the year
XVII
Summary of work done in Gynaecological Clinics
XVIII
Income and Expenditure Account
XIX
Balance Sheet
XX
Chinese Permanent Cemetery Statement of Account
XXI
Chinese Recreation Ground: Statement of Account
XXII
Yaumati Public Square: Statement of Account
XXIII
Passage Money Fund
XXIV
General Chinese Charities Fund
XXV
Chinese Temple Fund
XXVI
Aberdeen Industrial School: Statement of Account
XXVII
Total
Committed under Warrant from the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs.
Committed under Warrant from the Emigration
Office.
Sent with their own consent by the Secretary for
Chinese Affairs.
Sent with their own
consent from Singapore and Sandakan.
Admitted during the year........
558
20
149
34
17
Sent with their own
consent by the Police.
In the Po Leung Kuk on
143
2
28
10
1
196
1st January, 1939 ...
Remaining in the Po Leung Kuk on the
162
3
36
19
3
223
223
31st December, 1939
9
Lost Children,
Table A.
NUMBER OF WOMEN, GIRLS AND CHILDREN, ADMITTED TO THE PO LEUNG KUK DURING THE YEAR 1939 AND THE
ARRANGEMENTS MADE REGARDING THEM.
Accompanying parents or guardians.
or
3
Runaway girls.
Total.
Released after inquiries.
Released under bond.
Placed in charge of husbands.
Placed in charge of parents and relatives.
Sent
to
Charitable Institution in China employed as domestic servant.
Sent to School, Convent, or Refuge.
or
701
22
177
46
27
10
983
209
18
1
167
126
182
31
25
223
983
787
204
15
1
160
73
126
1
1
15
191
787
1
7
53
56
30
10
32
196
Adopted.
Married.
Died.
Case under consideration.
Total
C 14
1
Table B.
A
PO LEUNG KUK.
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FROM 1ST JANUARY TO 4TH MAY, 1939.
C 15
Receipts.
C.
Expenditure.
C.
Balance from Previous year
$10,393.70
Wages
Food
$2,242.30 2,965.55
Subscriptions:
Rent from House Property
$1,490.00
Subscriptions from Guilds
3,301.50
Clothes for inmates
Traffic expenses
Repairs
Passage Money
Fuel
246.46
258.55
344.90
85.00
Light and Power
596.99
396.40
Sale of Hand Work
226.09
Drugs
162.44
Water
292.75
Deposit with Po Fung Bank
279.50
Telephone
64.50
:
Crown Rent and Rates
242.28
Interest
9.78
Advertisement and Printing
33.12
Stationery
64.52
Contributions to Festivals
220.00
Material for Hand Work
409.79
Miscellaneous
545.01
Miscellaneous
71.85
Insurance
49.25
Interest on Current Account
5,598.72 19.25
8,999.81
Balance
7,011.86
Total......
$16,011.67
Total....
$16,011.67
Certified by the Statutory Declaration of Chan Lan Fong and Mrs. Ho Leung, Members of the Board of Directors.
Table C.
PO LEUNG KUK.
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FROM 5TH MAY TO 31ST DECEMBER, 1939.
C 16 -
Receipts.
C.
Expenditure.
$ C.
Handed over by previous Committee
*$7,011.86
Wages Food
$4,551.14
7,823.30
Subscriptions:
Fuel
1,380.20
Repairs
809.69
Grant by Hong Kong Government
$10,000.00
Traffic Expenses
465.30
Water Account
165.75
Rent from house property
2,983.00
Crown Rent and Rates
317.50
Clothes for Inmates
1,332.11
A. Fong Photographers ....
250.00
Light and Power
615.45
Telephone
64.50
Subscriptions from Guilds
15,111.83
Petty Expenditure
493.43
Printing and Stationery
440.82
Yue Lan and other celebrations
735.00
Passage Money
4.50
Medical Apparatus and Drugs
447.63
Sale of hand work
207.38
Material for Hand Work
346.53
Miscellaneous
1,997.35
Miscellaneous
72.26
21,255.20
:
Interest on current account
29,359.47 43.82
Balance
15,159.95
Total......
$36,415.15
Total..
$36,415.15
Certified by the Statutory Declaration of Chan Lan Fong and Mrs. Ho Leung, Members of the Board of Directors. * Of which $6,133.97 represents the surplus of the Building Fund.
C 17
Table I.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE 1938 AND 1939.
Personal Emoluments
Other Charges.
1938.
1939.
$138,410.09 $152,594.04
Conveyance Allowances.
637.05
973.68
Electric Fans and Light
994.79
952.63
Incidental Expenses
1,024.35
958.47
Library
148.31
512.66
Rent of Public Telephone
35.10
117.00
Transport
235.25
735.76
Special Expenditure.
Typewriter
313.00
Total Personal Emoluments and Other Charges
$141,520.94 $157,157.24
Table II.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF REVENUE 1938 AND 1939.
1938.
1939.
Licences and Internal Revenue not otherwise specified.
Chinese Boarding House Licences
$14,731.00
$13,607.00
Emigration Passage Broker Licences
1,400.00
1,310.00
Fees of Court or Office.
Certificates to Chinese Proceeding to Foreign Countries ...
Miscellaneous
Official Signatures
Miscellaneous Receipts.
Condemned Stores
750.00
23.00
3,400.00
25.00
110.00
175.00
29.10
22.90
Total
$17,043.10 $18,539.90
C 18
Table III.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE FOR LAST TEN YEARS.
Year.
*Personal Emoluments and
Other Charges.
Special Expenditure.
Total Expenditure.
Total Revenue.
1930......
130,279.41
130,279.41
20,176.06
1931.....
135,424.29
135,424.29
18,771.59
1932.
130,880.54
130,880.54
17,344.03
1933.....
175,321.51
175,321.51
16,347.60
1934...
141,831.49
141,831.49
17,618.75
1935..
127,624.04
127,624.04
13,329.67
1936..
139,948.00
139,948.00
26,865.75
1937.
129,449.37
1,308.00
130,757.37
19,530.00
1938......
141,520.94
141,520.94
17,043.10
1939..
156,844.24
313.00
157,157.24
18,539.90
* Includes officers of Cadet, S.C. & A., & J.C. Services attached to department.
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 1939.
Women and Children 1939.
Total Women
and
Women
Girls
Boys
Total
Children
1938.
Macassar
567
194
428
1,189
627
Straits Settlements & F.M.S.
6,021
2,088
4,535
12,544
30,773
Dutch Indies
279
81
519
878
667
Delawan Deli
612
181
403
1,196
903
British North Borneo
826
247
437
1,510
1,459
Honolulu
56
33
37
126
129
United States of Ameria
392
148
514
1,054
977
South America
1
1
4
Mauritius and Reunion
193
79
199
471
411
Australia
32
14
43
89
213
India
154
42
113
309
265
South Africa
129
35
109
273
269
Vancouver
Batavia
Sourabaya
Rangoon
248
48
335
631
579
1,209
239
561
2,009
3,302
534
120
287
941
1,285
582
269
343
1,194
861
Seattle
21
7
28
29
Saigon
2,323
621
918
3,862
Bangkok
46
19
103
168
14,225
4,458
9,891
28,574
42,753
C 19
Table V.
NUMBER OF ASSISTED EMIGRANTS.
Rejected.
Year.
Examined. Passed.
Un- willing. S. C. A.
Rejected
Rejected
at
by
Doctor.
1938.....
1,474 1,466
1939......
733
728
1
3
2
*Total
Rejected.
8
00
Percentage
of
Rejection.
.54
LO
5
.68
* This number includes those who failed to appear for the final examination.
NATIVE DISTRICTS OF ASSISTED EMIGRANTS PASSED.
Whither Bound.
Dutch Indies
Ocean Island
Nauru
Mombasa
Melbourne
Rabaul
Sandakan
Singapore
West River
East River
North River
Canton
Delta
Kwong Sai
Southern Districts
277
43
54
230
19
76
29
728
DESTINATION OF ASSISTED EMIGRANTS.
Total.........
Male Assisted Emigrants.
1938.
1939.
826
438
95
127
463
132
1
2
37.
23
3
1
4
2 2 2
2
2
1,466
728
Classification of the assisted emigrants examined, according to the language spoken gives the following figures:-
Cantonese Hakka
685
43
Total........ .... 728
Table VI.
Chinese boarding house licence returns under the Boarding House Ordinance No. 23 of 1917.
Class.
I
II
IV
VII
Total
No. in existence at beginning of 1939 1 No. in existence at end of 1939
63
1
58
22
75
141
65
126
- C 20
Table VII.
STATEMENT OF THE RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE
ΤΟ THE HONG KONG
DISTRICT WATCHMAN FUND FOR THE YEAR 1939.
Receipts.
C.
Expenditure.
C.
C.
To Balance
Contributions (Victoria:-
""
$48,443.36 + Kowloon:-$18,207.45)...
66,650.81
116,112.57 Wages and Salaries:-
Chief District Watchmen Assistant Chief District
2,860.00
Watchmen
3,539.00
Detectives
10,720.20
1st Class District Watchmen... 17,001.10
99
Grant by Hong Kong Government
100.00
2nd 3rd
22
多多
"
$3
Payment to District Watchmen for special
services
12,530.70 942.66
47,593.66
2,439.00
Miscellaneous:—
Fines
91.75
Cooks
"
Coolies
House rents
756.00
Messenger
1,104.00 840.00 96.00
"
2,040.00
Rent for permission to erect an iron gate on s.s. 2 of Section A on I.L. 680, for 1939 (West Point D.W. Quarters)
Office Staff:--
1.00
Manager Collectors
1,176.00
1,176.00
Sales of unserviceable stores
37.00
Total.......
50,809.66
"
Interest on Hong Kong Government 4%
Conversion Loan
1,520.00
Other Charges:-
Rent allowance
3,321.64
Allowance to Detectives
爷爷
Interest on Fixed Deposits
2,269.00
1,240.55
Medal allowance
1,332.00
Conservancy allowance
42.00
Interest on Current Account
520.42
Conveyance allowance &c.
786.84
Electric charges
915.69
Telephone rentals
585.00
Stationery, printing and stamps
463.75
Uniforms and equipments
2,795.76
Crown Rents
15.74
Repairs and fittings
72.73
Premium on Fire Policy
426.84
Gratuities and rewards
7,373.92
Sundries
826.77
21,227.68
Total...
189,469.10
Pensions:-
Ex. C. D. W. Chan Sham and others
Balance:-
Hong Kong Government 4% Conversion Loan Cash
Fixed Deposits (H.K. & Sh. Bk.)
Fixed Deposits (Treasury)
Advance to C. D. Ws.
Examined & Found correct.
S. W. T'SO,
泉右李
Members of D. W. Cee.
Secretariat for Chinese Affairs.
Hong Kong, 31st December, 1939,
Total Expenditure
Balance
$38,000.00
36,851.31
10,000.00
30,000.00
160.00
Total......... $115,011.31
2,420.45
74,457.79
115,011.31
Total......
189,469.10
R. A. C. NORTH,
S. O. A.
A. G. CLARKE,
A. S. C. A.
TANG MAN TUEN,
Manager, D.W.F.
+
C 21
Table VIII.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF THE NUMBER OF CASES OBTAINED BY THE DISTRICT WATCH FORCE FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS.
Offence.
1937.
1938.
1939.
Murder
1
Robbery
3
5
3
Burglary (or Arms)
4
7
4
Larceny
1,123
543
565
Larceny from person
364
372
361
Receiving stolen goods
53
34
22
Unlawful possession
165
92
61
Trafficking in children (or kidnapping)
17
Breach of Women and Girls Ordinance
8
Muitsai (Female Domestic Service Ordinance)
1
Obtaining by false pretences
26
10
15
Disorderly conduct
30
23
16
Loitering
21
8
8
Coinage offences
со
8
14
3
Deportation
Revenue offences
Gambling
Miscellaneous
77
33
77
114
40
57
38
13
8
14
20
28
Total....
2,067
1,214
1,228
C 22
Table IX.
TUNG WAH HOSPITAL.
KWONG WAH HOSPITAL.
TUNG WAH EASTERN HOSPITAL.
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER, 1939.
INCOME.
Tung Wah
Kwong Wah
Tung Wah Eastern
Total
EXPENDITURE.
Tung Wah
Kwong Wah
Tung Wah Eastern
Total
Medical.
Government Grant
$149,500.00 $43,000.00
$27,500,00 $220,000.00 Personal Emoluments
$58,727.07
Bedding Blankets and Hospital Linen Patients Clothing
3,998.37
3,485.71
$48,723.24 3,589.83 3,133.14
$43,253,30 1,851.50 1,995.54
$150,703.61
9,439.70
8,614.39
Linen for Staff Quarters
486.62
Private Wards.—
Rent
Medicine
Provisions for Staff
14,668.36
465.70 12,987.54
72.00
1,024.32
11,346.79
39,002.69
Provisions for Patients
6,745.10
2,509.60
15,367.50
3,465.41
Provisions
1,328.80
1.65
14,080.95
10,397.17
5,414.30
40,225.36
32,495.21
19,445.45
36,193.55
92,166.02
Uniforms for Staff
2,982.64
2,143.46
1,810.61
6,936.71
Hospital Non-technical Equipments 16,372.18 Hospital Herbalists Supplies
Western Medicine 6,744.75 Chinese Medicine
1,617.95
989.22
1,905.59
4,512.76
1,061.31
1,093.98
270.70
2,425.99
10,014.60
18,738.14
11,250.21
40,002.95
32,417.81
36,310.90
33,612.26
102,340.97
Medicine Bottles
541.10
419.78
1,027.26
1,988.14
Sale of Chinese Medicine
6,925.62
6.60
P
6,932.22
Hospital Furniture
1,497.51
1,492.23
1,308.60
4,298.34
Quarters Furniture
999.02
1,422.96
2,605.84
5,027.82
Hire of Ambulance
364.50
5,043.00
2,804.50
Cleansing Materials & Disinfectants
1.888.40
956.88
551.51
8,212.00 Printing & Stationery
3,396.79
2,295.17
1,799.22
2,095.83
6,190.22
Laundry Expenses
5,259.13
4,946.83
3,217.82
13,423.78
Coal & Firewood
3,286.96
2,204.05
!
2,952.30
8,443.31
Donations:-
Charcoal
Electric Lights
3,683,00
1,848.80
1,830.95
7,362.75
6,287.27
5,138.33
2,995.32
14,420.92
General & Miscellaneous
19,145.27
Theatres and Photographers
960.00
Chinese Public Dispensary
12,604.66
2,360.00
4,303.80
17,984.38
Gas
49,734.31
7,697,83
3,593.69
3,421.26
14,712.78
Water Rates
1,028.42
560.62
2,320.00
3,909.04
Telephone Rent
1,282.86
879.70
890.40
3,320.00 Repairs to Hospital Buildings
3,052.96
17,993.62
13,559.75
8,725.85
40,279.22
Repairs to Coffin Home
6,085.00
6,085.00
4,303.80 Limewashing & Painting Hospital Buildings
Limewashing & Painting Coffin Home
5,960.00
7,000.00
5,586.00
18,546.00
2,353.00
2,353.00
Coffin Home
8,860.00
8,860.00 Coffin Expenses
18,728.88
21,184.81
5,813.99
45,727.68
Burial Expenses
7,506.41
4,072.80
1,868.95
13,448.16
Tomb Stones
1,169.20
1,275.05
274.00
2,718.25
Ambulance Expenses
396.65
1,695.30
1,860,37
3,952,32
Rents:-
Hospital Incidental Expenses
4,819,90
3,499.08
4,763.69
13,082.67
Repatriation of Patients
113.05
113.05
Properties
123,266.85
4,263.15
1,970.00
129,500.00 Telegrams & Advertising
143.00
143.00
Audit Fee for 3 Hospitals
750.00
750,00
Coffin Home
20,158.40
20,158.40 Hospital Technical Equipments
360.85
72.42
433,27
Pavilions
2,660.00
2,660.00
Charity.
Personal Emoluments
Medical
Total
$691,028,58
3.626.00
1.137.66
100 07
K 981 01
Coffin Home
20,158.40
20,158.40 Hospital Technical Equipments
360.85
72.42
433.27
Pavilions
2,660.00
2,660.00
Charity.
Medical
Total
$691,028.58
Iron Burners
2,406.00
1,710.00
Personal Emoluments 4,116.00 Provisions for Staff
3,626.00
1,137.66
498.25
5,261.91
619.70
461.71
Substitutes for sick leaves
93.30
1,174.71
123.16
105.62
Grant from Temple & General Charity Fund
10,382.94
8,000.00
18,382.94 Interest
104.95
333,73
607.57
607.57
Rates
16,525.44
148.32
Interest
7,200.22
2,684.00
2,600.00
12,484.22
Taxes
246.50
16,920.26
1,284.78
161.00
Insurance
35.00
1,480.78
542.51
542.51
Transportation of coffins
Water Rates
150.70
150,70
5,133.49
34.50
Fluss Maintenance
78.67
5,246.66
241.05
Miscellaneous Receipts
2,948.02
264.18
533.34
Repatriation of Distress Persons
30.60
271.65
19.00
3,745.54 Transportation and Unloading coffins and
19.00
remains from abroad
91.41
Proceeds from cash discount
Sale of Medicine Bottles
1,291.34
1,278.86
1,218.35
91.41
3,788.55 Stamps
336.10
11.00
159.20
232.02
135.90
527.12 Repairs of Iron Burners
Incidental expenses
Porcelain Portraits to Donors
1.00
348.10
102.00
102.00
430.00
26.00
456.00
76.65
Excess of Expenditure over Income
150,490.00
107,031.62
257,521.62
Pension
Repairs to General Properties (other than
Hospital Buildings)
76.65
5,571.49
345.55
54.90
5,971.94
3,500.50
Stamp Duty and Boundary Stone Charges for
3,500.50
New Crown Leases
946.44
69.00
Cheung Chow Hospital
1,015.44
100.00
100.00
Printing Subscription Books
126,92
Expenses for collecting subscriptions
104.75
231.67
616.41
Donations to other institutions
1,332.72
1,949.13
120.00
120.00
Special.
Charity
Total
$45,821.62
Expenses for Nurse Training School
174.88
181.99
356.87
Sewing Machine
160.00
160.00
160.00
480.00
Rewiring Hospitals
604.67
2,000.00
New Ambulance
515.00
3,119.67
4,380.00
4,380.00
One Hearse
4,380.00
13,140.00
4,380.00
Repairs to Sterilizer
4,380.00
100.00
100.00
Refrigerator
Typewriter
Repairs to Hospital Buildings
Fire Extinguishers
565.00 300,00 7,668.00 258.00
Motor Pump and Pipes
560.00
9,998.56
480.00
1,125.00
300.00
17,666.56
258.00
480.00
Surplus of Income over Expenditure
$356,579.62 $257,457.77 $199,670.51 $813,707.90
Special
Total
35,451,60
$356,579.62 $257,457.77 $199,670.51
$41,406.10 35,451.60
$813,707.90
Deficit:-
Kwong Wah Hospital
Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
Surplus:-
$150,490.00
107,031.62
$257,521.62
Tung Wah Hospital
$35,451.60
Difference being Excess of Expenditure over Income for the three Hospitals... $222,070.02
C 23
· Table X.
TUNG WAH HOSPITAL.
KWONG WAH HOSPITAL.
TUNG WAH EASTERN HOSPITAL.
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER, 1939.
LIABILITIES.
1. SUNDRY CREDITOR:
€9
ASSETS.
(a) Deposits
1. CASH IN HAND
(b) Trade Accounts
$89,059.17
30,621.89
$
$3,677.42
119,681.06
2. SPECIAL FUNDS:-
2. H.K. & Shanghai Bank-current
account
(a) Kwong Fook Chi Free Girl School...
9,210.65
(b) Chinese medicine Fund
67,411.80
3. SUNDRY DEBTORS
11,292.81
5,547.25
(c) Relief Funds
120,746.63
(d) Emergency Fund
78,717.93
4. INVESTMENTS:
(e) Emergency Fund Interest accrued
19,992.85
(a) House Property
$1,550,000.00
296,079.86
}
4. General Reserve
3. SMALL POX HOSPITAL REALIZA-
TION FUND
(b) Mortgages
70,000.00
50,000.00
(c) Mortgages (Possession entered) ......
100,000.00
$1,298,204,47
1,720,000.00
5. HOSPITAL APPLIANCES
Amount received from Government to
31,605.14
cover losses:
for 1937
for 1938
Adjustments due to elimination of the
following items from the Balance Sheet:
150,000.00
100,000.00
Adjustments due to elimination of the
following items from the Balance Sheet:
Following Items shown as Liabilities
in last Balance Sheet:
STAFF PENSION FUND
SPECIAL REPAIR FUND
Following Items shown as Assets in
last Balance Sheet:
Chinese Medicine
$19,758.69
Western Medicine.... 2,165.45
92.19
10,724.89
$1,559,021,55
PROPERTY RENT
ACCRUED-less
amount collected
during the year
7,464.00
29,388.14
$1,529,633.41
Less Bad Debts written off... $1,201.69
Less loss for the year
222,070.02
223,271.71
1,306,361.70
$1,772,122.62
Tung Wah Hospital, Kwong Wah Hospital and Tung Wah Eastern Hospital.
Sd. CHAU SHIU NG, Chairman.
Sd. LO MIN NUNG, Director.
I report that I have audited the above Balance Sheet with the Books, Accounts and Vouchers of the Hospitals. Such Balance Sheet is, in my opinion, properly drawn up so as to exhibit a true and correct view of the state of the Hospitals' affairs as at 31st December, 1939, according to the best of my information and the explanations given to me and as shown by the Books of the Hospitals. I have obtained all the information and explanations I have required.
Sd. CHAU YUT U,
Auditor.
}
$1,772,122.62
Rent:-
Table XI.
MAN MO TEMPLE.
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER, 1939.
INCOME.
House Properties
$18,157.40
Temple
Government subsidy to Free Schools
Miscellaneous Receipts
CA
EXPENDITURE.
$
Free School expenses
$20,470.56
Repairs to House Properties and Free Schools
2,030.66
Rates, Crown Rent and Insurance
2,781.05
5,568.00
$23,725.40
Water account
1,014.04
8,265.00
Miscellaneous expenses
1,311.15
569.60 Surplus of Income over Expenditure
4,952.54
$32,560.00
$32,560.00
Č 24
General Reserve
LIABILITIES.
Add surplus of Income over Expenditure...
Table XII.
MAN MO TEMPLE (Contd.)
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER, 1939.
ASSETS.
$140,846.79
House Properties
$143,300.00
4,952.54
Tung Wah Hospital-current account
2,499.33
$145,799.33
$145,799.33
$145,799.33
Tung Wah Hospital, Kwong Wah Hospital and Tung Wah Eastern Hospital.
Sgd. CHAU SHIU NG,
Chairman.
Sgd. LO MIN NUNG, Director.
I have audited the foregoing Balance Sheet with the books and vouchers and find it to be in accordance therewith.
Hong Kong, 19th April, 1940.
Sgd. CHAU YUT U, Auditor.
C 25
Table XIII.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS THE COMPARATIVE EXPENDITURE UNDER CERTAIN HEADINGS AT TUNG WAH HOSPITAL,
KWONG WAH HOSPITAL AND TUNG WAH EASTERN HOSPITAL DURING 1939.
Hospitals.
Tung Wah Hospital. Kwong Wah Hospital. Tung Wah Eastern Hospital.
...
Total
:
(For full details of income and expenditure see Tables IX and X).
Salaries &
wages.
$ 62,353.07
49,860.90
43,751.55
$155,965.52
Food for staff and patients.
$ 55,513.42
Western Medicine.
Chinese Medicine.
$10,014.60
45,944.46
30,885.54
18,738.14
$ 32,417.81
36.310.90
11,250.21
33,612.26
$132,343.42
$40,002.95
$102,340.97
Table XIV.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS THE COMPARATIVE NUMBERS OF CASES TREATED AT TUNG WAH HOSPITAL,
KWONG WAH HOSPITAL AND TUNG WAH EASTERN HOSPITAL DURING THE YEAR 1939.
C 26
Western Medicine
Chinese Medicine
Hospitals.
Maternity Vaccina-
Eye
Baby
Death
In-patients.
Out-patients.
cases
tion
Clinic
Clinic
In-patients. Out-patients.
Tung Wah Hospital.
13,737
24,217
5,074
223,056
2,220
16,607
14,648
1,443
5.773
Kwong Wah Hospital.
21,092
26,366
4,314
214,554
4,913
10,647
3,838
464
9,492
Tung Wah Eastern Hospital.
7,887
27,777
2,369
153,097
1,048
2,825
1,251
3,306
Total
42,716
78,360
11,757
590,707
8,181
30,079
19,737
1,907
18,571
阳具
Table XV.
蒲公施仁欸
BREWIN FUND.
- 千 九 百三十九年進支數
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER, 1939.
一九三八年
1938.
EXPENDITURE.
一九三八年
1938.
進欸
INCOME.
利息
支欸
卹欸
$8,279.55 | Interest
租項
$8,342.94
$8,032.00 | Gratuities
酬金
160.00 | Salaries
1,947.60 Rent
2,041.62
雜用
捐款
1,166.00 | Subscription
1,155.00
37.05 | Petty Expenses
除支盈餘
3,164.10 | Surplus of Income over Expenditure
$11,393.15
$11,539.56
$11,393.15
$8,635.00
160.00
64.68
2,679.88
$11,539.56
C 27
付項
欠欸
LIABILITIES.
Deposit
按業人來往數
Current accounts with the Mortgagors
積項
General Reserve
Table XVI.
蒲公施仁欸(續)
:
BREWIN FUND (Contd.)
一九三九年年結
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER, 1939.
$193,178.62
存款
ASSETS.
屋宇
House Properties
$47,341.00
三百股 香港電燈公司
$1,749.63
300 Shares in the Hong Kong Electric Co., Ltd.
按業
17,115.12
Mortgages
82,000.00
按業(已封租)
Mortgages (Possession entered)
36,132.58
應收數項
121.39
Accounts Receivable
1,804.00
東華醫院來往數
Current accounts with the Tung Wah Hospital
2,041.62
上海銀行
Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank:---
活期存款
Current account
定期存款
Fixed Deposit
是年盈餘
Add Profit for the year
2,679.88
現銀
195,858.50
Cash in hand
$197,729.52
$7,566.76
1,749.63
9,316.39
1,978.81
$197,729.52
Tung Wah Hospital, Kwong Wah Hospital
and Tung Wah Eastern Hospital.
Sd. CHAU SHIU NG,
Chairman.
C 28
付項
Deposit
欠欸
LIABILITIES.
按業人來往數
Current accounts with the Mortgagors
項
存款
ASSETS.
屋宇
House Properties
$47,341.00
三百股香港電燈公司
$1,749.63
300 Shares in the Hong Kong Electric Co., Ltd. 按業
17,115.12
Mortgages
82,000.00
按業(已封租)
Mortgages (Possession entered)
36,132.58
應收數項
121.39
Accounts Receivable
1,804.00
東華醫院來往數
Current accounts with the Tung Wah Hospital
2,041.62
上海銀行
Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank :--
活期存款
General Reserve
$193,178.62
是年盈餘
Current account
定期存款
Fixed Deposit
Add Profit for the year
2,679.88
現銀
195,858.50
Cash in hand
$197,729.52
.$7,566.76
1,749.63
9,316.39
1,978.81
C 28
$197,729.52
Tung Wah Hospital, Kwong Wah Hospital
and Tung Wah Eastern Hospital.
Sd. CHAU SHIU NG,
Chairman.
LO MIN NUNG,
Director.
I have audited the foregoing Statement with the books and Vouchers and find it to be in accordance therewith.
以上數目及數部單據均經查核無訛
Sd. CHAU YUT U,
Hong Kong, 7th February, 1940.
Auditor.
Table XVII.
SUMMARY OF WORK DONE IN THE CHINESE PUBLIC DISPENSARIES DURING 1939.
ད
C 29
Patients.
Certi- ficates
Patients
Dispensaries.
New
Old Cases. Cases.
of cause of death
Patients sent to
removed
Corpses removed
Dead
to hosp.
to hosp.
infants Vaccina- brought
Gynaecological.
hospital. by ambu-
tion.
or mor-
to dis-
issued.
lance.
tuary.
pensary.
New Cases.
Old
Cholera Innocu- lation.
Cases.
Central
37,402 29,312
4
2
Nil
77
58
12,704
410
604
7,347
Eastern
23,962 35,753
1
1
377
370
13,715
609
1,089
9,733
Western
36,487
13,397
254
33
16
518
497
7,902
2,382
Shaukiwan
35,512
48,396
115
48
Nil
471
450
14,503
1,088
1,914
7,429
Aberdeen
12,427
11,533
204
60
ลง
Nil
Nil
2,537
397
401
3,927
Harbour and Yaumati
68,741
57,474
56
36
Nil
267
263
27,861
1,618
2,501 12,914
Shamshuipo
38,177
41,550
31
78
7
610
597 33,785
1,171
2,111
10,590
Hung Hom
20,682
9,702
70
149
2
315
307
19,199
504
842
4,448
Kowloon City
24,292 23,658
66
125
1
412
377 16,610
739
1,191
7,784
Total for 1939.....
297,682 270,775
808
532
29
3,047
2,919
148,816
6.536
10,653
66,554
Total for 1938...
275,423
250,907
265
624
49
178
2,242
159,205
5,683
8,640
Table XVIII.
WORK DONE IN GYNAECOLOGICAL CLINICS OF CHINESE PUBLIC DISPENSARIES IN 1939.
C 30
No. of clinics.
Total number.
New cases.
Old cases.
Average atten-
dance per day.
Dispensary.
New 1938.
Old 1939.
1938. 1939.
1938. 1939.
1938. 1939.
1938. 1939.
Central
Eastern
47
49
888
1,014
331
410
557
604
18.9
20.69
44
44
1,584
1,698
591
609
993
1,089
36.0
38.6
Shaukiwan
Aberdeen
Yaumati
Shamshuipo
96
888
98
2,628
3,002
929
1,088
1,699
1,914
27.3
30.6
45
48
688
798
355
397
333
401
15.3
16.6
96
98
3,263
4,119
1,425
1,618
1,838
2,501
34.0
42.
94
94
2,525
3,282
959
1,171
1,566 2,111
27.0
34.9
Hung Hom
48
47
963
1,346
430
504
533
842
20.6
28.64
Kowloon City
50
49
1,651 1,930
616
739
1,035 1,191
33.0
39.3
Kwong Wah Hospital
47
47
1,368 1,748
497
664
871
1,084
29.1
37.2
Total:-
567
574
15,558 18,937
6,133
7,200
9,425 11,737
27.4 33.00
Expenditure.
To Salaries to staff
Table XIX.
CHINESE PUBLIC DISPENSARIES FUND.
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER, 1939.
Conveyance allowance to Doctors and clerks
C.
C.
48,088.51 | By Grants:
Income.
€
C.
$
C.
From Hong Kong Government
30,000.00
1,837.90
From General Chinese Charities Fund:
Annual
8,000.00
Rent allowance to clerks and shroffs
900.00
Additional
7,000.00
From
Chinese Recreation Ground
15,000.00
Pensions
780.00
Fund in respect of 1938
4,500.00
From Yaumati Public Square Fund in
Gratuities to coolies and messengers for
Chinese New Year
respect of 1938
500.00
210.00
་་
Grants outstanding: -
5,000.00
From Chinese Recreation Ground Fund
House rents for Aberdeen Dispensary
624.00
in respect of 1939
1,000.00
From Yaumati Public Square Fund in
17
Food for patients in Eastern Maternity
Hospital
respect of 1939 ....
4,000.00
2,176.37
From Chinese Temples Fund in respect
5,000.00
of 1939
600.00
Medicines
16,473.07
Donations from Theatres:
19
Medicines due
2,008.21
18,481.28
Bottles
176.43
Motor services for delivery of medicines ....
606.80
Electric and gas charge
.. Telephone rentals
2,174.12
Prince's Theatre..
Taiping
Pei Ho Po Hing Ko Shing
Lee Subscriptions:-
Victoria City
Shaukiwan
}}
);
1,200.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
400.00
120.00
120.00
3,840.00
11,738,95
1,705.25
1,358.50
Stationery, printing and stamps
Water account and Crown Rents
Uniform for coolies and messengers
Repairs
Sundries
2,177.16
553.47
Shamshuipo
Hunghom
Kowloon City
Aberdeen
Donation from
Hunghom
2,678.76
1,186.60
1,484.20
1,100.00
}}
369.25
Conservancy Contractor,
House rents from eight houses in Shek Kip
Mei Street, etc.
19,893.76
3,000.00
2,820.00
19
Fees from Eastern Maternity Hospital
3,511.90
1,321.20
Sales of bottles etc.
J
216.01
2,472.46
འ
14
f1.ཤ,4.1、、
Interest on:
Hong Kong Government 4% Conver-
sion Loan
440.00
Fixed Deposits (with H.K. & Sh.
C 31
C-31
Expenditure.
To Salaries to staff
Conveyance allowance to Doctors and clerks
$
C.
$
C.
Income.
$
C.
$
C.
48,088.51 By Grants:-
1,837.90
From Hong Kong Government
From General Chinese Charities Fund:
30,000.00
Rent allowance to clerks and shroffs
900.00
Annual Additional
8,000.00
7,000.00
From
Pensions
780.00
Chinese Recreation Ground Fund in respect of 1938 ....
15,000.00
4,500.00
Gratuities to coolies and messengers for
Chinese New Year
From Yaumati Public Square Fund in
respect of 1938
500.00
210.00
Grants outstanding:-
5,000.00
From Chinese Recreation Ground Fund
House rents for Aberdeen Dispensary
624.00
in respect of 1939
1,000.00
From Yaumati Public Square Fund in
71
Food for patients in Eastern Maternity
Hospital
respect of 1939
4,000.00
2,176.37
From Chinese Temples Fund in respect
5,000.00
of 1939
600.00
Medicines
16,478.07
Donations from Theatres :
""
Prince's Theatre...
1,200.00
Medicines due
2,008.21
18,481.28
Bottles
176.43
Motor services for delivery of medicines
606.80
19
Electric and gas charge
2,174.12
Taiping
Pei Ho
Po Hing Ko Shing Lee
Subscriptions:-
Victoria City
Shaukiwan
1,000.00
1,000.00
400.00
120.00
120.00
3,840.00
11,738.95
1,705.25
Shamshuipo
2,678.76
,. Telephone rentals
Stationery, printing and stamps
1,858.50
Hunghom
1,186.60
Kowloon City
1,484.20
2,177.16
Aberdeen
1,100.00
""
Donation from Conservancy Contractor,
19,893.76
Water account and Crown Rents
553.47
""
Hunghom
3,000.00
11
Uniform for coolies and messengers
,. Repairs
Sundries
Excess of Income over Expenditure for the
369.25
House rents from eight houses in Shek Kip
Mei Street, etc.
2,820.00
11
Fees from Eastern Maternity Hospital
3,511.90
1,321.20
Sales of bottles etc.
216.01
Interest on:
2,472.46
Hong Kong Government 4% Conver-
sion Loan
440.00
Fixed Deposits (with H.K. & Sh.
year
5,511.31
Bank)
400.00
Current Account (with Treasury)
97.09
Total......
89,818.76
Total...
937.09
89,818.76
泉 右 李
Member of Committee.
R. A. C. NORTH,
Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
Expenditure.
Table XIX.
CHINESE PUBLIC DISPENSARIES FUND.
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER, 1939.
$
C.
C.
Income.
C.
C.
C-31
To Salaries to staff
48,088.51 By Grants:-
From Hong Kong Government
30,000.00
JA
Conveyance allowance to Doctors and clerks
1,887.90
From General Chinese Charities Fund:
Annual
Rent allowance to clerks and shroffs
"
900.00
Additional
8,000.00 7,000.00
From
Chinese Recreation
Ground
15,000.00
Pensions
780.00
Fund in respect of 1938
4,500.00
Gratuities to coolies and messengers for
Chinese New Year
From Yaumati Public Square Fund in
respect of 1938
500.00
210.00
Grants outstanding: ---
5,000,00
House rents for Aberdeen Dispensary
624.00
From Chinese Recreation Ground Fund
in respect of 1939
1,000.00
From Yaumati Public Square Fund in
1
Food for patients in Eastern Maternity
Hospital
respect of 1939
4,000.00
2,176.37
From Chinese Temples Fund in respect
5,000.00
of 1939
600.00
Medicines
13
16,473.07
Donations from Theatres:--
Prince's Theatre.
1,200.00
Medicines due
1
2,008.21
18,481.28
Bottles
1
176.43
17
Motor services for delivery of medicines
606.80
Electric and gas charge
2,174.12
Taiping
Pei Ho
Po Hing Ko Shing Lee Subscriptions:
Victoria City Shaukiwan
Shamshuipo
J"
#
77
1,000.00
1,000.00
400.00
120.00
120.00
3,840.00
11,788.95
1,705.25
2,678.76
4
Telephone rentals
1,358.50
Hunghom
1,186.60
Kowloon City
1,484.20
Stationery, printing and stamps
2,177.16
Aberdeen
1,100.00
77
Donation from Conservancy Contractor,
19,893.76
Water account and Crown Rents
39
553.47
11
Uniform for coolies and messengers
369.25
Hunghom
House rents from eight houses in Shek Kip
Mei Street, etc.
3,000.00
2,820.00
17
Fees from Eastern Maternity Hospital
3,511.90
Repairs
Sundries
1,821.20
2,472.46
Sales of bottles etc.
216.01
Interest on:-
Hong Kong Government 4% Conver-
sion Loan
440.00
Excess of Income over Expenditure for the
Fixed Deposits (with H.K. & Sh.
year
5,511.31
Bank)
400.00
Current Account (with Treasury)
97.09
Total.....
89,818.76
Total........
937.09
89,818.76
泉右李
Member of Committee.
R. A. C. NORTH,
Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
LIABILITIES.
Table XX.
CHINESE PUBLIC DISPENSARIES FUND.
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER, 1939.
$
C.
ASSETS.
Es
C.
C 32
Loans:
Cash (Current Account with Treasury)
2,160.07
Chinese Recreation Ground Fund
1,000.00
Fixed Deposits (with Hong Kong & Shanghai Bk.)
20,000.00
Yaumati Public Square Fund
12,500.00
Investment-Hong Kong Government 4% Conversion
Loan
11,000.00
General Chinese Charities Fund
4,000.00
Advance to Clerks
210.00
Outstanding expenses
2,008.21
Grants outstanding :--
Surplus
$13,950.55
Chinese Recreation Ground Fund....$1,000.00
Add surplus as per Income and
Expenditure Account
5,511.31
Yaumati Public Square Fund
4,000.00
19,461.86
Chinese Temples Fund
600.00
5,600.00
Co
38,970.07
38,970.07
!
泉右李
Member of Committee.
R. A. C. NORTH, Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
Table XXI.
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS OF THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERY FOR 1939.
RECEIPT.
Amount.
$
C.
PAYMENT.
To Balance
"J
Interest from Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank
91
Interest from fixed deposit on mortgage of houses Wages from Dr. S. W. T'so for refilling vaults
"}
77
Registration fee handed in by Dr. S. W. T'so in respect of
transfer of ownership of certain burial sites
Money collected and handed in by Dr. S. W. T'so on account
of registration fee for probates and letters of administration... Sale of 358 lots
Sale of the spare ground of the Cemetery
Money for 6 lots booked at the Tsun Wan Permanent
Cemetry
154,186.28
By Rent of telephone
11
1,240.74 Wages for Yuen Cheung, Ip Ka and gardeners 1,996.00 890.00
24.00
16.00
34,800.00 1,779.00
17
11
9,000.00
Travelling expenses for Mr. Tso Tsun On for ten months Wages for Chau Wan Kok etc.
Construction of the embankment and the joss paper burner
and repairs of roads and the sewage and making numbered stone tablets etc. by Yeung Tam Kee Flower pots, manure, water buckets and bamboo brooms Paper and printed matters
Cost of advertisement by the English and the Chinese press... Payment made to the Architect, Mr. Siu Ho Ming for cost
of a plan for the Tsun Wan Permanent Cemetery and travelling expenses
Amount.
$
C.
189.00
1,654.80
500.00
480.00
16,809.09
117.58
44.25
108.25
1,516.20
Construction of the Tsun Wan Permanent Cemetery by the
Wo Hing Contractor
40,000.00
ور
33
Three road signs by the Tak Luen Contractor Stamps
48.00
34.00
17
Crown Rent of the Cemetery, the wharf and the site for the
matshed
5.75
Balance
་
142,425.10
Total...
.$
203,932.02
Total......
203,932.02
By deposit with Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank
fixed deposit on mortgage of house No. 2A High Street fixed deposit on mortgage of house No. 8A Babington Path... Cash
S. W. TSO, Secretary.
T. N. CHAU, Treasurer.
$114,367.22 8,000.00 20,000.00
57.88
$142,425.10
Examined and found correct.
(Sgd.) IP LAN CHUEN,
Auditor.
C 33
To Balance
Rents of stalls
12
Interest
Receipts.
Table XXII.
CHINESE RECREATION GROUND FUND
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR 1939.
Money refunded from the Taipo Orphanage (being mainten-
ance of nine boys in the Orphanage)
C.
Payments.
€9
C.
1,265.40
16,307.40
Water account
11
23.87
23
280.00
By Wages of watchmen, etc.
Consumption of gas
Repairs
Miscellaneous
1,015.00
234.77
297.00
26.50
39.61
91
,་
Aberdeen Industrial School:
Contribution for maintenance
$7,100.00
Additional contribution
598.00
Contribution of balance of $10,000 grant for
machinery
3,202.00
10,900.00
Contribution to Chinese Public Dispensaries Fund in respect
of 1938
4,500.00
Balance: Cash
"}
.$848.79
Lessee's deposit
15.00
863.79
Total..........
17,876.67
Total..
17,876.67
R. A. C. NORTH,
Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
C 34
To Balance
"J
Rents of stalls
Receipts.
Interest on Current Account with Treasury
Total
:
Table XXIII.
YAUMATI PUBLIC SQUARE FUND
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR 1939.
:
:
:
C.
1,355.91
10,027.70
18.33
Payments.
By Wages of watchmen etc.
11,401.94
Water Account
Electric lights...
Crown Rent
""
>>
Repairs
Miscellaneous
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
⠀
:
:
÷
:
:
C.
956.00
134.15
...........
10.76
1.00
188.86
55.35
C 35
11
Contribution to Aberdeen Industrial School ...
7,900.00
21
Contribution to Chinese Public Dispensaries Fund in
respect of 1938
500.00
,,
Advance to Chinese Public Dispensaries Fund.
1,500.00
Balance
155.82
Total
11,401.94
R. A. C. NORTH, Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
To Balance:
Receipts.
Table XXIV.
PASSAGE MONEY FUND.
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR 1939.
€A
$
c.
On Fixed Deposits ...
$6,250.00
Current Account with Treasury
195.57
Passage Money
Miscellaneous
:
:
:
:
27
Interest:
On Fixed Deposits...
Current Account
Total
:
:
$ 182.94
Payments.
By Gratuities of passage etc. to destitutes
31
Subscription to Eyre Refuge
Miscellaneous
Refund of passage money
6,445.57
1,752.40
7.85
多多
18.20
201.14
:
8,406.96
€
:
:
:
:
:
:.
:
:
:
:
÷
e.
279.98
129.02
1.25
476.00
C 36
On Fixed Deposits
$6,250.00
Current Account with Treasury
1,270.71
7,520.71
Balance:
Total
:..
:
8,406.96
R. A. C. NORTH,
Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
Receipts.
Table XXV.
GENERAL CHINESE CHARITIES FUND.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FROM 1ST JANUARY TO 31ST DECEMBER, 1939.
C.
$
C.
Expenditure
To Balance
Surplus money transferred from:
Chuk Neung Temple, Kowloon City Fook Tak Che, Shaukiwan
:
150.00
500.00
20,520.99
By grants to:
Tung Wah Hospital for expenses
Chinese Public Dispensaries Fund for expenses
Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children
Children's Playground Association...
Home for the Aged
...
St. John Ambulance Brigade for New Territories
medical work & Haw Par Hospital for 1939 ...
Tung Wah & Associated Hospitals ...
$
C.
$ C.
27,240.65
8,000.00
500.00
200.00
1
800.00
500.00
.. 121,000.00
Chinese Public Dispensaries Fund for expenses
Po Leung Kuk for expenses ...
30,000.00
10,000.00
161,000.00
Tai O Kaifong for the upkeep of a fire-engine for
1939.
...
...
...
72.00
Hung Shing Temple, Waitsai ...
3,597.64
Hung Shing Temple, Aplichau
350.00
Hau Wong Temple, Tai O
272.00
Hung Shing Temple, Yaumati
1,665.65
Kwun Yum Temple, Che Wan Shan
400.00
Kwong Fook Che, Tai Ping Shan
2,979.16
Kwun Yum Temple, Aplichau
...
200.00
Kwun Yum Temple, Yaumati
...
4,874.00
Hung Shing Temple, Cheung Chau Island
50.00
Mo Tai Temple, Shamshuipo
500.00
Pak Tai Temple, Wantsai
1,750.00
Pak Tai Temple, Shamshuipo
400.00
...
Tin Hau Temple, To Kwa Wan
Tin Hau Temple, Shamshuipo
Pak Tai Temple, Hok Un, Hunghom Pak Tai Temple, Cheung Chau Island Sheung Tai Temple, Ma Tau Chung Sam Tai Tsz Temple, Shamshuipo
Tam Kung Temple, Sung Wong Toi Tam Kung Temple, Wong Nei Chung Tam Kung Temple, Shaukiwan Tin Hau Temple, Aberdeen
Tin Hau Temple, Ping Chau Island
Tin Hau Temple, Shaukiwan
Tin Hau Temple, Wong Nei Chung
Tin Hau Temple, Tsing I Island
Tin Hau Temple, Yaumati
-
Tin Hau Temple, Hoi Chung Sum, Tokwawan To Ti Temple, Shaukiwan
Yi Pak Kung Temple, Quarry Bay
Transfer of interest from Chinese Temples Fund. Grant from Hong Kong Government.
..t
Amount refunded by Chinese Temples Fund. Amount refunded by Chinese Public Dispensaries
Fund. Interest
...
Total
:
:
150.00 1,100.00
50.00
6,124.20
•
50.00 50.00 300.00
31,362.65 477.84
161,000.00 2,500.00
7,000.00
344.31
223,205.79
50.00
350.00
300.00
2,250.00
600.00
}"
700.00
750.00
200.00
150.00
350.00
150.00
13
Cheung Chau Kaifong for the expenses of the Kaifong Fong Pin Sho for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarters of 1939. ...
150.00
"1
Cheung Chau Kaifong for improvement of the water
supply etc.
1,457.00
"}
Special grant to Chinese Public Dispensaries Fund to write off the total $7,000.00 loaned on 24.10.1938 and 24.11.1938...
7,000.00
72
Amount loaned to Chinese Public Dispensaries
Fund.
4,000.00
Balance
17
12,286.14
Total
C 37
223,205.79
(Sd.) TANG SHIU KIN,
Chinese Temples Committee.
R. A. C. NORTH,
Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
C 38
Table XXVI,
CHINESE TEMPLES FUND.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FROM 1ST JANUARY TO 31ST DECEMBER,
1939.
Receipts.
C.
Expenditure.
C.
To Balance
27,155,20
Rent from Temple Keepers of:-
By maintenance of Chinese Public School in Kowloon City
Grants to:-
5,342.46
Lok Shin Tong, Kowloon City
300.00
Che Kung Temple, Shatin
2,232.00
Chuk Neung Temple, Kowloon City
125.00
The Kaifong of Hung Hom for the expenses of the Free School in
Kwun Yum Temple, Hung Ilom
1,200.00
Fook Tak Che, Shaukiwan
1,327.00
Ping Chau Free School
140.00
Ilau Wong Temple, Kowloon City
12,475.00
Hau Wong Temple, Tai O
450,00
The Villagers of Po Kong for the maintenance of the ancestral temple (Tin Hau Temple) there for 1939
50.00
Hung Shing Temple, Wantsai
3,597.64
1,690.00
Hung Shing Temple, Yaumati
1,665.65
llung Shing Temple, Tai O
50.00
Expenses for holding theatrical performances at:-
Hung Shing Temple, Aplichau
960.00
Kowloon City
500.00
Hung Shing Temple, Cheung Chau Island
120.00
Aplichau
500.00
Kwun Yum Temple, Yaumati
4,874.00
Cheung Chau Island
1,000.00
Kwong Fook Che, Tai Ping Shan
2,979.16
Ma Tau Chung
50.00
Kwun Yum Temple, Hung Hom
3,650.00
Shamshuipo
300.00
Kwun Yum Temple, Che Wan Shan
540.00
Shatin
300.00
Kwun Yum Temple, Aplichau
320.00
Tai O
200.00
Mo Tai Temple, Shamshuipo
630.00
2,850.00
Pak Tai Temple, Hung Hom
175.00
19
Pak Tai Temple, Wantsai
2,880.00
Annual subscription to Confucius Society for expenses of the Free School at
Yuk Hui Kung, Wantsai
520.00
Pak Tai Temple, Cheung Chau Island
3,360.00
Pak Tai Temple, Shamshuipo
1,551.75
Repairs to:-
818.00
Tin Hau Temple, Fat Tong Mun
3,200.00
Hung Shing Temple, Tai O
Sheung Tai Temple, Ma Tau Chung Sam Tai Tsz Temple, Shamshuipo She Tan, Hunghom
Tin Hau Temple, Yaumati
Shing Wong Temple, Bridges Street
Tam Kung Temple, Sung Wong Toi
Tam Kung Temple, Wong Nei Chung
Tam Kung Temple, Shaukiwan
To Ti Temple, Lan Kwai Fong
To Ti Temple, Shaukiwan
Tin Hau Temple, Aberdeen
80.00
6,124,20 2,800.00
⚫ 562.50 2,500.00 1,120.00 100.00
Kwun Yum Temple, Hunghom
Tin Hau Temple, Tokwawan
Tin Hau Temple, Shaukiwan
1,765.00
720.00
14.00
4.00
160.00
Tam Kung Temple, Sung Wong Toi
255.00
2,918.00
Transfer to General Chinese Charities Fund
31,840.49
40.00
580.00
"
Refund of deposits as security to the Temple Keepers of:-
Tin Hau Temple, Ping Chau Island
183.80
Tam Kung Temple, Wong Nei Chung
175.00
Tin Hau Temple, Shaukiwan
1,001.00
Tin Hau Temple, Wong Nei Chung
12.50
Tin Hau Temple, Tokwawan
170.00
Hau Wong Temple, Kowloon City
2,116.50
Tin Hau Temple, Wong Nei Chung
600,00
Tin Hau Temple, Hoi Chung Sum, Tokwawan
814.00
Tin Hau Temple, Shamshuipo
1,288.00
Tin Hau Temple, Tsing I Island
35.00
Tin Hau Temple, Stanley
114.00
Tin Hau Temple, Fat Tong Mun
237.50
Pak Tai Temple, Shamshuipo
Kwun Yum Temple, Hung Hom
Pak Tai Temple, Cheung Chau Island
Fook Tak Che, Shaukiwan
Sheung Tai Temple, Ma Tau Chung
Tin Hau Temple, Aberdeen
83.75
550.00
500.00
109.00
71.50
65.00
Yi Pak Kung Temple, Quarry Bay
381.00
Tin Hau Temple, Ping Chau Island
37.90
3,721,15
66,711.20
House Rents:-
Property of Hau Wong Temple, Kowloon City
31
**
"1
Tin Hau Temple, Shaukiwan
986.50
624.47
Rent in respect of Nos. 33 & 35 Bridges Street (Shing Wong Temple) from
3.12.1938-2.12.1939 at $160.00 per month
1,920.00
1
Rent in respect of No. 4 Lan Kwai Fong (To Ti Temple) from January to
December, 1939
60.00
1,610.97
"1
Grant from Educational Department for Chinese Public School, Kowloon City Interest
""
1,440.00
Architect's fee for services rendered in supervising of repairs to temples
Advertisement
469.90
154.00
546.67
Rates
"1
138.12
Crown rent
""
98.39
19
Water account
68.42
""
Meter rental
20.00
Stationery and printing
18.30
"
Revenue stamps
15,90
"
Cost of material etc. for fixing D/S. water meters to No. 22 Kak Hang Tsun
Road, ground, first and second floors
41.96
"
Refund of advance payment to General Chinese Charities Fund
2,500.00
Balance
43,076.95
Total......
97.464.04
Total............$
97,464.04
R. A. C. NORTH,
Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
(Sd.) TANG SHIU KIN,
Chinese Temples Committee.
1
To Balance
Contributions:
Receipts.
Annual-From Chinese Recreation Ground
Fund ...
From Yaumati Public Square Fund
Additional From Chinese Recreation
Ground Fund
Balance of the grant of $10,000 for machinery-From Chinese Recrea- tion Ground Fund
School fees
Less refund
Table XXVII.
ABERDEEN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL ACCOUNT. STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR 1939.
Refund from Manager of
of the Aberdeen Industrial School (being purchase money of machinery)
C.
Payments.
€
C.
17.81
By Maintenance allowance to the School Management
Machinery
Less rebate on freight
22,500.00
$5,886.11
4.19
$7,100.00
7,900.00
71
Installation of hot-water system for shower baths...
5,881.92
864.58
15,000.00
11
Travelling expenses for students
:
598.00
Crown Rents
"
"
Water account
3,202.00
17
Receipt stamps
$6,695.00
Miscellaneous
31
50.00
Balance
""
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
÷
:
:
157.40
47.00
95.00
7.40
56.07
:
53.44
6,645.00
Total
...
• di
:
:
4,200.00
29,662.81
Total
R. A. C. NORTH,
Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
29,662.81
C
$39
Appendix D.
REPORT OF THE HARBOUR MASTER AND DIRECTOR OF
AIR SERVICES FOR THE YEAR 1939.
The year 1939 showed an increase in the number of ships using the Port of Hong Kong but a further decrease in the tonnage. Details of the
Details of the comparison between the years 1938 and 1939 will be found in Table II.
2. Vessels employed in foreign trade entering and clearing showed a net decrease of 789 vessels and 333,918 tons, while local shipping showed a net increase of 8,399 vessels and an increase of 269,110 tons.
3. British ocean-going shipping showed a decrease of 332 in numbers with a decrease of 1,251,971 tons.
4. Foreign ocean-going shipping showed an increase of 611 vessels with an increase of 1,215,467 tons.
5. The river steamer trade showed a net increase of 834 vessels and 62,262 tons. Foreign river steamers have increased by 226 in numbers and 112,956 tons, but British river steamers increased by 608 vessels and decreased by 50,694 tons. The large increase in the British river steamers is due to the increase of small ships on the Hong Kong to Macao service, while the larger river steamers have been forced to lay up.
6. The junk trade given in Tables IX to XI shows decreases in numbers and tonnage for foreign trade but increases in numbers and tonnage for local trade.
The decreases in foreign trade may be attributed to the continued Sino- Japanese conflict and the increase in local trade to a larger number of vessels being confined to trading within local waters for the same reason.
7. In steamships not exceeding 60 tons there are decreases in numbers and tonnage for foreign trade but increases in numbers and tonnage for local trade. The decreases in foreign trade and increases in local trade may as in the case of junks be attributed to the continued Sino-Japanese conflict.
8. On the 31st December, 1939, there were 230 launches and 216 motor boats employed in the harbour; of these 362 were licensed for the conveyance of passengers, 24 steam launches and 25 motor boats belonged to the Colonial Government, two steam launches, one steel motor barge and two motor launches belonged to the Military Authorities and nine steam launches, two diesel launches, eight steam pinnaces and eleven motor boats belonged to the Naval Authorities. There are also a number of motor yachts and motor boats owned for pleasure and private purposes.
Of the 362 vessels licensed for the conveyance of passengers, 172 were licensed for class I, 65 for class II, 54 for class III and 71 for class IV.
9. 491 engagements and 509 discharges of coxswains and engineers were recorded.
10. The passenger trade and the number of emigrants departing from and arriving at this port are shown. in Tables XXII to XXVIII.
11. Details of bunker coal and oil fuel shipped which will be found in Table XXIX show a decrease of 3,388 tons in bunker coal and an increase of 17,191 tons of fuel oil as compared with 1938.
D 2
12. The nationality of crews in British and foreign shipping using the port is shown in Table VII.
13. 31 ships were registered under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Acts and 13 certificates of registry were cancelled. Details are given in Tables XX and XXI. The fees collected amounted to $2,935.00 as compared with $2,969.00 in 1938.
14. 27,834 seamen were engaged and 28,096 discharged at the Mercantile Marine Office and on board ships as compared with 30,222 engaged and 29,227 discharged in 1938.
15. 151 seamen were received and admitted to the Sailors' Home and boarding houses; of these the following were repatriated as distressed British sea- men:-35 to the United Kingdom, 41 to Calcutta, one to Bombay, one to Colombo, three to Sydney, two to Melbourne, one to Durban, three to Vancouver, two to Manila and four to Singapore; 12 were re-employed in ships being signed on Articles, one taken over by the Danish Consulate, one taken over by the Naval Authorities, 42 obtained employment in the Colony and one died whilst in charge.
16.
$4,056.96 was expended by the Harbour Master on behalf of the Board of Trade in the relief of these distressed seamen.
17. The Mercantile Marine Assistance Fund Committee held no meetings during the year, all business being dealt with by circulating the necessary papers to members. Two cases were granted relief throughout 1939 whilst nine were given temporary relief for periods varying from three to six months. Two officers were repatriated to Australia. The total sum disbursed was $5,272.12 which includes $1,016.36 for passages.
18. A statement of the surveys and examinations carried out by the Principal Surveyor of Ships and his staff is set out in Table XXX. The vessels surveyed for passenger certificates totalled 95 of 403,773 tons gross as compared with 97 of 407,428 tons gross in 1938, showing a decrease of two vessels of 3,655 tons.
19. 53 vessels were surveyed at Taikoo dockyard, 35 at Kowloon dockyard, five at Cosmopolitan dockyard and two at Chinese shipyards.
20. The following is a comparison of tonnage and nationalities of the various vessels granted passenger certificates at Hong Kong during the year 1939.
79 vessels of 364,822 tons gross
British
Norwegian
Danish
12
""
French
3
1
21. Passenger certificates were
29,607
7,763
"
""
1,581
Passenger and Safety.
issued for the following trades:-
International voyages 18
Short
42
""
""
""
""
Coasting voyages
23
River trade
2
"
""
Class III
River trade
10
22. Four vessels of 25,452 tons (gross) were surveyed and granted bottom certificates during the year as compared with one vessel of 3,113 tons (gross) in 1938.
}
-
D3-
23. 85 passenger vessels and 91 cargo ships were surveyed for radio- telegraphy certificates during the year as compared with 79 passenger and 70 cargo vessels in 1938.
24. 86 vessels of which 58 were British and 28 foreign were surveyed for emigration certificates as compared with 74 vessels in 1938.
25. 27 vessels were surveyed for load lines as compared with 39 in 1938; of these 15 were British vessels registered in Hong Kong and 12 foreign.
26. 81 new lifeboats and 80 units of standard buoyant apparatus were surveyed during construction at the makers' works as compared with 152 and 216 respectively in 1938.
27. 11,668 new lifejackets were examined and stamped at the makers' works as compared with 14,925 in 1938.
28. 578 surveys were carried out on steam launches and motor boats during the year as compared with 606 in 1938.
29. One Marine Court of Enquiry was held during the year:-
On the 2nd and 3rd November to enquire into the circumstances attending the loss of the British S.S. "New Mathilde" Official Number 152087 Hong Kong.
30. 466 cases were heard in the Marine Magistrate's Court during the year. The principal offences were, boarding ships without the permission of the master, lying inshore during prohibited hours without a permit, approaching within 30 yards of a ship flying the "S" flag over the code pennant, failing to exhibit regulation lights and leaving port without a clearance or permit.
31. Examinations for certificates of competency as masters, mates and engineers were held under Board of Trade regulations. Thirty-four candidates were examined for master, fifteen passed. Eight were examined for first mate, two passed. Nine candidates were examined for first class engineer (ordinary) six passed. Six were examined for second class engineer (ordinary) three passed. Two candidates were examined for first class motor endorsement, one passed, whilst the other passed for second class motor endorsement only. Two candidates were examined for second class engineer (ordinary) endorsement, and both passed.
32. Under section 37 of Ordinance 10 of 1899, 81 candidates were examined for certificates as coxswains and 67 passed. 107 were examined as engineers and 100 passed.
33. There were no applications for examination for pilots' licences but 24 licences were renewed.
34. 2,348 Sunday cargo working permits were issued during the year, of which 228 were used for working from midnight to 6 a.m., 977 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 308 from 6 p.m. to midnight, the remainder being returned as unused and cancelled.
35. Table XXXII gives details of vessels signalled, etc. at the lighthouses and signal stations.
36.
Government moorings were used during the year as follows:——
A class
B class
C class
3,250 days.
6,257 days.
411 days.
D 4
In addition, these were used by Naval vessels and transports for 244 days.
The following moorings were in position at the end of the year:---
A class 17, B class 27 and C class 4, a total of 48 including 12 special typhoon A class moorings.
Permission was granted for the maintenance of 50 private buoys and moorings and the fees received amounted to $2,755.00.
37. The revenue XXXIII and XXXIV. compared with 1938. visiting the port.
and expenditure of the department are shown in Tables Light dues for 1939 show an increase of $2,872.81 when The increase can only be attributed to more tonnage
་
38. Increases are shown under a few sub-heads of revenue, the largest being under the headings Boat licences, Junk licences, and rent of Government property, this latter increase is attributable to the fact that Kai Tak storage fees previously collected by the Treasury are now brought to account by this de- partment.
The net decrease over the whole year when compared to 1938 is $95,337.52 which is doubtless due to the Sino-Japanese hostilities and present conditions pertaining in Europe.
39. Details of licences, etc. issued and revenue collected will be found in Tables XXXVII to XXXIX.
40. The Government slipway and coaling depôt at Yaumati was kept busy throughout the year in routine slipping, repairing and fueling of Government
craft.
8,215 tons of coal were received and 8,380 tons were delivered (including deliveries of stock at end of 1938).
8,000 gallons of kerosene were received and 7,659 gallons were delivered.
10,000 gallons of petrol were received and 10,742 gallons were delivered (including deliveries from stock at end of 1938).
2,358.75 tons of bunker fuel oil were received and delivered.
105 tons of power diesel oil were received and 104 tons were delivered.
41. Government launches were slipped, aggregating eighty-seven times at
regular intervals during the year and the slip was occupied 332 days.
42. A short summary of the facilities offered by the port of Hong Kong is attached.
11th March, 1940.
G. F. HOLE,
Harbour Master.
D 5-
AIR SERVICES 1939.
1. The slight decrease in traffic for 1939 as compared with statistics for 1938 is due mainly to (1) the Japanese occupation of Canton and Hankow in December, 1938, and the subsequent reduction of the daily schedules, (2) suspension of the all-up mail and temporary dislocation of Empire route services through the outbreak of hostilities in Europe. Since the Japanese occupied Hankow and the neighbouring territory, the services to Chungking have been reduced and the flights undertaken by night. The suspension of the all-up mail service has resulted in a big drop in mail figures as well as a curtailment in the schedules of Imperial Airways.
are:
Five air line companies still maintain a regular service from the airport; they
(1) Imperial Airways to Bangkok
(2) Air France to Paris via Hanoi
(3) China National Aviation Corporation to Chungking, Hanoi and
Rangoon
(4) Eurasia to Chungking via Kweilin
(5) Pan American Airways to San Francisco.
GOODWILL FLIGHTS.
2. These were undertaken by JU-52 aircraft of the Deutsche Lufthansa from Berlin to Tokyo via Hong Kong. The first machine-D-ANJH-arrived in May and carried 11 passengers; it passed through the airport on the return flight. The second aircraft-D-AGAK-arrived in August with 4 passengers for Hong Kong; it likewise passed through the airport on the return journey but has been held up in Bangkok owing to the outbreak of the war in Europe.
FAR EAST FLYING TRAINING SCHOOL.
3. The school had a fairly active year in both the flying and engineering departments. The outbreak of hostilities in Europe and the subsequent mobilisa- tion of the flying instructors curtailed the activities of the flying section to a certain degree during the latter part of the year. Two out of the five machines in service were badly damaged, but the remaining three maintained a continuous training both for private pupils as well as for members of the Volunteer Air Arm. A total of 1691 hours was flown by the school; 16 pupils obtained “A' flying licences and 2 pupils obtained "B" flying licences.
flying licences. In the enginecring section 10 students passed the examinations for Government certificates.
AERODROME EQUIPMENT.
4. The equipment was substantially increased during 1939. The 6 K.W. shadow-bar landing floodlight on the roof of the control tower was re-erected after having been badly damaged in the September, 1937 typhoon. A weigh- bridge for aircraft up to 35 tons was installed on the north side of the hangar. A Dines pressure tube anemograph was erected in the administration building for recording direction and force of winds up to 200 m.p.h. Four "Short" rubber buoys were delivered in March to augment the marine equipment, and a "Smoke Wind Indicator" delivered at the end of the year will be installed early in 1940. Five further stores are in the process of building at present to cope with the urgent demand for further accommodation by the operating companies. The hangar annexe was extensively re-wired and converted into workshops for China National Aviation Corporation and Eurasia.
D 6
METEOROLOGICAL FLIGHTS.
5. These are undertaken daily by the Far East Flying Training School and provide valuable information to the observatory staff in the forecasting of weather and the construction of tepligrams. An observatory official is stationed at the airport to provide weather maps and meteorological reports for both incoming and outgoing aircraft.
STATISTICS.
6. Revenue, expenditure and figures for the year under review are given in Tables XXXIX to LII.
11th March, 1940.
G. F. HOLE,
Director of Air Services.
•
A
- D 7
FACILITIES OF THE PORT OF HONG KONG.
The harbour of Hong Kong forms a natural anchorage for a great number of vessels. During the typhoon season there are special moorings and anchorages to which vessels can move with immunity from danger. There are available the latest type of steam fire-floats, and the harbour is efficiently patrolled day and night by water police launches. Competent pilots are available to meet vessels at either entrance of the harbour by day or by night.
2. All the buoys in the harbour are owned by the Government. There are 48 in all, 17 "A" class for ships from 450 ft. to C00 ft. in length, 27 "B" class for ships from 300 ft. to 450 ft. in length, and 4 "C" class for ships of less than 300 ft. in length. The charges are $16, $12 and $8 per day respec- tively.
3. The wharf and godown companies have berthing accommodation for 12 vessels from 650 to 750 feet in length. Maximum depth of water alongside the wharves is 36 feet L.W.O.S.T.
4. Fresh water pipes are laid alongside.
5. There is a total storage capacity in the Colony for approximately 883,000 tons, of which 537,000 can be stored in Victoria on the Island of Hong Kong and 346,000 on the mainland at Kowloon point. The three largest public ware- house companies have storage capacity for 99,100 tons on the Hong Kong side and for 407,400 tons on the Kowloon side, the remainder being divided up between the numerous native owned warehouses of small capacity in both Hong Kong and Kowloon.
6. Owing to the Sino-Japanese conflict, there are now only intermittent sailings to coast ports of Southern China and curtailed sailings with passengers only for Canton.
There are frequent sailings to ports in the Far Eastern trade as well as to overseas ports.
7. Ample bunkering facilities are provided by private stocks of coal averaging 60,000 tons, of which about one third is North China coal, and the remainder Japanese and Formosan.
8. The average stock of fuel oil for commercial bunkering is 55,000 tons. One oil company has berthing facilities for 2 vessels and another company for 1 vessel alongside the oil installation, with a water depth of 28 feet and 23 feet L.W.O.S.T. respectively. Delivery can be given up to 600 tons an hour from wharf and 350 tons an hour from lighters.
9. There are two large dock companies with dry docks capable of taking vessels up to 750 feet on the blocks. The docks have a depth on the sills up to 34 feet 6 in. H.W.O.S.T. In addition there are five patent slipways capable of handling ships up to 390 feet in length and 4,000 tons displacement.
There are several smaller yards mostly owned by Chinese, dealing with repairs to small craft and light work.
10. The principal dock companies have adequate facilities for the construc- tion of ships of large tonnage, and for the prompt effecting of extensive repairs. There is also a thoroughly up-to-date salvage plant, and tugs are available.
11. A waterboat company, drawing its water from Government reservoirs, has a fleet of eight vessels and there are three other smaller companies operating five vessels, carrying from 200 to 270 tons each.
D8
12. The harbour has a depth ranging from 24 to 78 feet L.W.O.S.T. The rise of tide is about eight feet O.S.T.
13. There are no tonnage ducs.
14.
The Government imposes light dues of two and four-tenth cents per ton on all ocean ships, and nine-tenth of a cent per ton on all river steamers which enter the waters of the Colony. The sterling value of the above rates at $1=1s./8d. is converted back into dollars at the average opening selling rate on London for the previous month.
15. Charges for permission for ships of 400 to 5,000 tons, and over, to work cargo on Sunday are as follows:-
From midnight to 6 a.m.
From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From 6 p.m. to midnight
$25 to $ 87.50
$50 to $175.00
$25 to $ 87.50
16. A large number of motorboats, steam launches and sampans are available for communication between ships at buoys and the shore. A frequent service of ferry launches is maintained between Hong Kong Island and all parts of the mainland, and also a vehicular ferry service from Hong Kong to Kowloon.
17. The Government maintain a commercial wireless telegraph station at Cape D'Aguilar which has an average day range of 500 miles, and a night range of 1,500 miles. Continuous watch is kept.
TABLE I.
Summary of Arrivals and Departures of All Vessels.
D 9
1938
1939
FOREIGN TRADE
Vessels
Tons
Crews
Vessels
Tons
Crews
British ships entered
5,111
8,953,525
428,956
5,251
8,293,568
405,134
British ships cleared
5,123
8,954,575
424,615
5,259
8,311,867
400,855
Foreign ships entered
1,836
5,431,258
157,472
2,258
6,123,400
192,217
Foreign ships cleared
1,838
5,475,450
158,845
2,253
6,111,731
192,390
Steamships under 60 tons entered
788
24,365
10,011
471
16,209
11,000
Steamships under 60 tons cleared
797
24,559
10,216
489
16,628
11,262
Junks entered
4,609
329,899
36,671
4,154
156,876
31,116
Junks cleared
4,568
336,753
36,153
3,746
166,187
30,843
Total of all vessels entered
12,344
14,739,047
633,110
12,134
14,590,053
639,467
Total of all vessels cleared
12,326
14,791,337
629,829
11,747
14,606,413
635,350
Total of all vessels entered and cleared in Foreign Trade
24,670
29,530,384
1,262,939
23,881
29,196,466
1,274,817
LOCAL TRADE
British steamships over 60 tons entered British steamships over 60 tons cleared Foreign steamships over 60 tons entered
10
1,730
502
10
1,730
502
51
13,051
2,551
Total steamships entered and cleared
Foreign steamships over 60 tons cleared
Steamlaunches entered
53
13,422
2,942
124
29,933
6,497
9,533
325,965
115,855
12,414
403,829
156,554
Steamlaunches cleared
9,539
327,660
115,917
12,433
400,947
160,876
Total launches entered and cleared
19,072
653,625
231,772
24,847
804,776
317,430
Junks entered
11,381
413,004
93,973
12,537
426,271
108,047
Junks cleared
11,884
365,743
98,461
13,228
440,502
110,773
Total junks entered and cleared
23,265
778,747
192,434
25,765
866,773
218,820
Total Local Trade, (Steamships, launches & junks entered & cleared).
42,337
1,432,372
424,206
50,736
1,701,482
542,747
Grand Total, (Foreign and Local Trade)
67,007
30,962,756
1,687,145
74,617
30,897,948
1,817,564
TABLE II.
Comparison Between the Years 1938 and 1939 of All Shipping entering and clearing at Ports in the Colony.
D 10
1938.
1939.
Decrease.
Increase.
Class of Vessels.
No.
Tonnage
No.
Tonnage
No. Tonnage
No.
Tonnage
British Ocean Going
3,996
11,397,133 3,664
10,145,162
332 1,251,971
Foreign Ocean Going
3,132
10,787,599 3,743
12,003,066
611
1,215,467
British River Steamers
6,238
6,510,967 6,846
6,460,273
50,694
608
Foreign River Steamers
542
119,109
768
232,065
226
112,956
Steamships under 60 tons
1,585
48,924
960
32,837
625
16,087
Junks, Foreign Trade
9,177
666,652 7,900
323,063
1,277
343,589
Total, Foreign Trade
24,670
29,530,384
23,881
29,196,466
2,234
1,662,341
1,445
1,328,423
Steamships over 60 tons Local Trade
124
29,933
124
29,933
Steamlaunches, Local Trade
19,072
653,625 24,847
804,776
5,775
151,151
Junks, Local Trade
23,265
778,747
25,765
866,773
2,500
88,026
Grand Total
67,007
30,962,756
74,617
30,897,948
2,234.
1,662,341
9,844
1,597,533
Net
64,808 7,610
TABLE III,
Number, Tonnage, and Crews, of Foreign-Going Vessels entered at Ports in the Colony of Hong Kong from each Country in the Year 1939.
BRITISH.
D 11
FOREIGN.
GRAND TOTAL.
COUNTRIES WHENCE ARRIVED.
[
Vessels.
Tons.
Crews.
Vessels.
Tons.
Crews.
Vessels.
Tons.
Crews.
Australia & Pacific Islands including New Zealand
32
113,570
4,028
18
68,136
1,909
50
181,706
5,937
British North Borneo
26
49,778
2,514
15
25,692
1,182
41
75,470
3,696
Canada
29
294,021
12,693
1
2,694
30
30
296,715
12,723
India, including Mauritius
95
333,710
11,412
50
105,064
3,086
145
438,774
14,498
South Africa
8
29,038
485
11
78,994
2,013
19
107,032
2,498
Straits Settlements & F. M. S.
35
73,360
3,642
38
98,137
2,908
73
171,497
6,550
United Kingdom
136
689,848
14,038
8
44,583
1,138
144
734,431
15,176
China
813
1,433,312
74,317
569
1,238,990
50,292
1,382
2,672,302
124,609
(River Steamers)
30
42,558
2,907
4
408
104
34
42,966
3,011
(Steamships under 60 tons)
27
948
343
27
948
343
""
(Junks)
3,984
102,601
28,816
3,984
102,601
28,816
Denmark
I
6,329
103
15
79,145
636
16
85,474
739
Europe, Not specially mentioned
9
53,542
792
18
69,789
690
27
123,331
1,482
France
38
246,189
6,092
38
246,189
6,092
Formosa
53
41,224
1,818
41,224
1,818
Germany
10
30,828
437
68
369,511
7,156
73
400,339
7,593
Holland
23
100,659
1,608
13
67,038
830
36
167,697
2,438
Italy
33
271,056
8,997
33
271,056
8,997
French Indo China
305
471,352
27,344
150
190,979
9,543
455
662,331
36,887
Japan
148
656,083
18,384
256
1,122,437
23,707
404
1,778,520
42,091
Macao
3
418
61
17
5,613
616
20
6,031
677
(River Steamers)
3,395
3,190,565
208,774
382
116,207
23,996
3,777
3,306,772
232,770
""
Steamships under 60 tons)
444
15,261
10,657
444
15,261
10,657
(Junks)
170
54,275
2,300
170
54,275
2,300
Netherland East Indies
13
39,505
686
121
405,321
10,969
134
444,826
11,655
Philippine Islands
33
293,035
12,155
81
408,041
8,854
114
701,076
21,009
Russia in Asia
2
5,100
138
2
5,330
94
4
10,430
232
Siam
South America
40
62,027
3,466
122
142,907
8,523
162
204,934
11,989
4
23,102
450
4:
23,102
450
United States of America Sweden
70
325,930
5,150
160
856,682
16,185
230
· 1,182,612..
21,335
11
40,131
399
11
40,131
899
Total
5,251
8,293,568 405,134
6,883
6,296,485
234,333
12,134
14,590,053
639,467
TABLE IV.
Number, Tonnage, and Crews of Foreign-Going Vessels cleared in the colony of Hong Kong to each Country in the Year 1939.
FOREIGN.
GRAND TOTAL.
BRITISH.
COUNTRIES TO WHICH DEPARTED,
Vessels.
Tons.
Crews.
Fuel Oil.
Bunker
Coal.
Vessels. Tons.
Crews,
Fuel Oil.
Bunker
Coal.
Bunker
Vessels.
Tons.
Crews.
Fuel Oil.
Coal.
- D 12 -
Australia & Pacific Islands including New
36
134,914
4.480
11,030
1,730
21
78,651
2,125
5,510
57
213,565
6,605
Zealand
22
British North Borneo
7,066
2,164
154
7,971
ི
15,483
881
3,225
31
22,549
3,045
11,030
154
7,240
11,196
26
274,442
12,333
500
26
274,442
12,333
500
Canada
India including Mauritius
108
374,009
11,897
10,450
100
361,554
6,826
4,205
208
735,563
18,723
14,655
South Africa
12,520
261
500
13
106,328 2,866
548
17
118,848
3,127
1,048
Straits Settlements & F. M. S.
38
77,634
3,371
80
6,895
45
117,718
3,131
20
7,438
83
195,352
6,502
100
14,333
United Kingdom
107
583.880
12,954
15,105
3,260
21
137,139
3,730
283
128
721,019
16,684
15,388
3,260
China
813
1,542 298
71,543
2,335
117,933
550
1,189,361
48,858
10,963
27,033
1,363
2,731,659 120,401
13,298
144,966
24
(River Steamers)
36,808
2,907
1,244
3
306
104
2
27
37,114
3,011
2
1,244
33
""
(Steamships under 60 tons)
1,119
408
33
1,119
408
(Junks)
3,560
109.914
28,448
3,500
109,914
28.448
12
61,024 :
514
12
61,024
514
Denmark
Europe, not specially mentioned
19
10,734
147
200
12
50.633
472
14
61,367
619
200
27
188,969
4,911
2,810
250
27
188,969
4.911
2,810
250
France
Formosa
Germany
Holland
Italy
French Indo China
242
5,315
112
180
64
72.237
2,236
574
440
66
77,552
2.348
574
620
16,520
276
32
190,032
4,256
1,050
36
206,552
4,532
1,050
6,358
140
620
46,166
608
11
52,522
748
620
21
225,720
8,295
1,500
300
21
225,720
8.295
1,500
300
368
628,380
30,156
1,553
49,158
233
426,983 13,966
840
24.523
601
1,055,363
44.122
2,393
73,681
Japan
156
731,065 |
18,688
14.690
18,725
157
701.092
15,513
4,695
3,400
313
1,432,157
34.201
19,385
22,125
Macao
3
418
61
115
14
4,684
512
32
278
17
5,102
573
32
393
(River Sleamers)
3,3973,190,342
208,774
318
43,383
379
115,144
23,996
1,577
3,776
3,305,486
232.770
324
44,960
"
(Steamships under 60 tons)
456
15,509
10,854
456
15,509
10.854
>
(Junks)
186
56,273
2,395
186
56,273
2.395
Netherland East Indies
14
Philippine Islands
31
49,813
289,326
661
300
640
122
387.671
11,149
324
3.890
136
437,481
11.810
624
4,530
11,298
610
109
549,831
11,624
1,249
2,095
140
839,157
22,922
1,249
2,705
Russia in Asia
6,484
326
1,150
4
9,927
220
3,780
16,411
546
4,930
Siam
43
65,076
3,813
11,920
122
155,034
8,358
520
35,037
165
220.110
12.171
520
46,957
South America
27
148.771
3.039
400
27
148,771
3.030
400
United States of America.
Sweden
55
268,467 4,493
1,000
20
136
730.739 13,814
17,409
920
191
999,206
18,307
18,409
940
11 40,534
386
11
40,534
386
Total
5,259 8,311,867 400,855 47,185 276,584
6,488 6,294,546 234,495 41,227
125,899
11,747 14,606,413
635,350
88,412
402,483
D 13
TABLE Y.
Number, Tonnage and Crews of Foreign Going Vessels of each Nation entered at Ports in the Colony of Hong Kong in the year 1939.
Nationality.
Entered.
Vessels.
Tons.
Crews.
British
1,826
5,060,445
193,453
River Steamers
3,425
3,233,123
211,681
American
113
749,636
17,639
Chinese
47
12,643
2,427
Junks
4,154
156,876
31,116
Danish
119
360,316
7,058
Dutch
189
905,089
25,086
French
228
639,498
22,588
Italian
68
488,577
16,747
Japanese
355
1,235,014
28,747
Norwegian
Portuguese
""
River Steamers
416
818,772
24,628
136
61,952
9,691
་་་་་་
386
116,615
24,100
German
Panamanian
Swedish
91
472,906
9,056
37
70,187
1,831
51
141,586
1,786
Greek
Hungarian
Russian
14
34,346
570
6
9,054
155
1
4,577
63
Honduras
1
2,632
45
Steamships under 60 tons trading to Ports)
outside the Colony
471
16,209
11,000
Total......
12,134
14,590,053 639,467
D 14
TABLE VI.
Number, Tonnage and Crews of Foreign Going Vessels of each Nation cleared at Ports in the Colony of Hong Kong in the year 1939.
Nationality.
Cleared.
Vessels.
Tons.
Crews.
British
1,838
5,084,717
189,174
River Steamers
,,
3,421
3,227,150
211,681
American
113
748,740
17,467
Chinese
48
12,912 :
2,787
Junks
>"
3,746
166,187
30,843
Danish
Dutch
121
363,565
6,500
187
893,601
24,913
French
228
639,779
22,076
Italian
68
488,577
16,849
Japanese
355
1,235,014
29,345
Norwegian
415
818,281
25,063
Portuguese
136
61,737
9,649
River Steamers
31
382
115,450
24,100
German
91
472,906
9,100
Panamanian
Swedish
39
74,089
1,955
50
141,586
1,834
Greek
12
29,228
455
Hungarian
6
9,054
188
Russian
1
4,577
64
Honduras
1
2,632
•
· 45
Steamships under 60 tons trading to Ports)
outside the Colony
489
16.628
11.262
Total......
11,747
14.606,413
635.350
TABLE VII.
Nationality of Crews.
Other Europeans
Vessels.
British.
Asiatics.
and Americans.
1938.
1939.
1938.
1939.
1938.
1939.
1938.
1939.
British
5,111
5,251
43,678
40,432
1,586
1,503
383,692
363,199
Foreign
1,836
2,258
356
134
58,068
62,288
99,048
129,795
Total..
6,947
7,509
44,034
40,566
59,654
63,791
482,740
492,994
D 15
British Ships.
Foreign Ships.
1938.
1939.
1938.
1939.
%
%
%
%
Percentage of British Crew
10.18
9.98
00.23
00.07
Percentage of Crew, Other Europeans and Americans
00.37
00.37
36.87
32.41
Percentage of Crew, Asiatics
89.45
89.65
62.90
67.52
Total.
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
NELELISE VO VICTIM POZA 29ERE ARE Mleur: 1097092.VISITAÐBam oversaESAMES JONÆ TAITEILEN IN VEREREKORTTVARANJESHOES YOU
;
D 16
TABLE VIII.
The River Steamer Trade, 1988 & 1939.
Year.
Import Tons.
Export Tons.
Passengers.
1938
545,822
499,140
2,708,695
1939
232,368
287,304
2,594,845
TABLE IX.
Junks.
EXPORTS.
1938.
1939.
Junks.
Tonnage.
Junks.
Tonnage.
Foreign Trade
4,568
336,753
3,746
166,187
Local Trade
11,884
365,743
13,228
440,502
Total....
16,452
702,496
16,974
606,689
IMPORTS.
1938.
1939.
Junks.
Tonnage.
Junks. Tonnage.
Foreign Trade
4,609
329,899
4,154
156,876
Local Trade
11,381
413,004
12.537
426,271
Total....
15,990
742,903
16,691
583,147
TABLE X.
Total Number, Tonnage, Crews, Passengers and Cargoes of Junks (FOREIGN TRADE) entered in the Colony of Hong Kong.
from Ports on the Coast of CHINA and MACAO, in the year 1939.
»: KAFRIKAZAN
CARGO.
BALLAST.
TOTAL.
Vessels.
Tons. Crews.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo,
Tons.
Vessels.
Crews.
Tons.
Passen-
gers.
Vessels.
Crews.
Tons.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo,
Tons.
Canton
1
633
10
1
633
10
West River
998
34,680 8,128
9,776
121
5,460
1,077
Macao
52 16,145
918
8,380
118
38,130
1,382
East Coast
West Coast
2,544
51,098
16,998
13,208
276
8,874
2,342
41 1,466
256
325
3
390
10
Total
3,635 | 103,889
26,295
31,689
519 53,487
4,821
1,119 40,140
170 54,275 2,820 59,972 19,340
44 1,856
4,154 156,876 31,116
9,200
9,776
2,300
8,380
13,208
266
325
31,689
TABLE XI.
Total Number, Tonnage, Crews, Passengers and Cargoes of Junks (FOREIGN TRADE) cleared in the Colony of Hong Kong, from Ports on the Coast of CHINA and MACAO, in the year 1939.
D 17
CARGO.
BALLAST.
TOTAL.
Vessels.
Tons.
Crews.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo,
Tons.
Vessels.
Tons. Crews.
Passen-
gers.
Vessels. Tons. Crews.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo,
Tons.
Canton
285
300
1
285
4
3C0
West River
786
88,599 7,088
25,980
419 11,487 3,093
1,205
50,036
10,181
25,980
Macao
175
58,989 2,818
38,767
11
East Coast
885
30,080 5,883
10,818
2,384
26,002
82
186
56,278 2,395
88,767
West Coast
Total
1,882
35 1,678 2,704
124,526 17,992
422
76,287
1,423
11 938
1,864 41,681 12,851
9,580
2,808
96
56,982 15,463
46 2,611 8,746 | 166,187 30,843
10,818
2,800
422
76,287
TABLE XII.
Statement of Licensed Steam launches ENTERED in the Colony of Hong Kong during the year 1989.
TOWING.
NOT TOWING.
TOTAL.
PLACES.
Vessels. Tonnage. Crews.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo.
Vessels. Tonnage. Crews.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo.
Vessels. Tonnage. Crews.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo.
Within the Waters
of the Colony:
1939
1,824
1938
81,621 9,185 726 11,857 6,575
350
381
1
11,090 | 372,208 147,369 338,625 8,807 | 814,108 | 109,280 245,716
4,590 12,414
3,081
9,583
403,829 156,554 | 338,984 4,590 325,965 325,965 | 115,855 | 246,097
3,082
Outside the Waters
of the Colony:
Canton
2
46
20
4
161
56
207
76
West River
Macao
102
East Coast
7
2,886
103
1,230
88
342
12,375
9,427
3,800
44.4
15,261
10,657
3,800
6
248
78
14
13
351
166
14
Other places
8
330
101
390
101
Total
3.035
1,338
360
13,174 |
9.662
8,814
471
16,203 11,000
3,814
TABLE XIII.
PLACES.
Within the Waters
Statement of Licensed Steam launches CLEARED in the Colony of Hong Kong during the year 1933.
TOWING.
NOT TOWING.
TOTAL.
Vessels.
Tonnage.
Crews.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo.
Coal.
Vessels. Tonnage,
Grews.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo.
Coal.
Vessels. Tonnage.
Crews.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo.
B. C.
D 18
of the Colony:
1980
1,638
1938
992
36,078 | 16,520
15,488
264
0,250
281
710
10,797| 864,86) 144,856 827,270, 8,547 312,172; 106,667–280,867,
8,067 | 6,405 | 12,432| 400,947| 160,876|| 327,534| 3,067 6,814 | 4,285 9,539 327,660 115,917 281,14€)
6,405
6,317
4,945
Outside the Waters
of the Colony :
Canton
21
12
1
21
12
West River
39
15
12
2
89
15
12
Macao
120
3,129
1,444
1,463
425
336 12,380
9,410
6,770
194
456
15,509
10,854
8,233
619
East Coast
131
90
61
228
66
98
28
12
359
156
98
89
Other places
27
22
16
673
203
215
41
18
7001
225
215
41
Total
130
3,308
1.568
1,463
486
359 13.320)
9,694
2
7,083
275
489 16,628 11,262|
8,546
761
D 19
TABLE XIV.
Total Number and Tonnage of Vessels excluding Steam Launches entered at each Fort in the Colony of Hong Kong during the year, 1939.
Station.
British.
Foreign.
Total.
Vessels. Tonnage. Vessels. Tonnage. Vessels. Tonnage.
Aberdeen
406
11,800 406
11,800
Cheung Chau
385
15,816
385
15,816
Saikung
211
5,230
211
5,230
Tai O
95
4,109
95
4,109
Tsun Wan
461 21,282 461
21,282
Victoria
5,251 8,293,568
8,293,568 17,391 6,658,310 22,642 14,951,878
Total...... 5,251 8,293,568 18,949 | 6,716,547 24,200 15,010,115
TABLE XV.
Total Number and Tonnage of Vessels excluding Steam Launches cleared at each Port in the Colony of Hong Kong during the year, 1939.
British.
Foreign.
Total.
Station.
Vessels. Tonnage. Vessels.
Vessels. Tonnage. Vessels.
Tonnage.
Aberdeen
398
10,993
398
10,993
Cheung Chau
403
16,779
403
16,779
Saikung
208
3,959
208
3.959
Tai O
87
4,275
87
4,275
Tsun Wan
461
21,282
461
21,282
Victoria
5,259 | 8,311,867 17,670 17,670
6,661,132
6,661,132 22,929 14,972,999
Total......
5,259 8,311,867 19,227 6,718,420 24,486 15,030,287
D 20
TABLE XVI.
Table showing total Shipping of all classes at the Port of Hong Kong during the
years 1920 to 1939.
TOTAL TONNAGE
YEAR.
ALL CLASSES.
TOTAL TONNAGE OCEAN GOING.
TOTAL TONNAGE OCEAN GOING
BRITISH.
1920
40,122,527
17,574,636
8,351,084
1921
43,420,970
20,064,611
9,247,198
1922
46,566,764
21,971,162
9,688,891
1923
58,402,239
25,894,058
11,222,141
1924
56,781,077
27,874,830
11,844,752
1925
49,520,523
23,653,774
9,866,820
1926
43,796,436
21,314,696
9,257,417
1927
44,127,161
25,700,164
9,660,440
1928
44,883,765
26,894,395
10,792,701
1929
47,186,181
28,285,741
11,151,152
-1930
42,190,612
29,350,807
11,357,605
1931
44,150,021
29,446,145
11,540,844
1932
43,824,906
29,269,073
12,201,690
1933
43,043,381
29,368,877
12,014,232
1934
41,914,022
28,905,526
12,035,087
1935
43,473,979
30,706,571
12,510,998
1936
41,731,016
29,969,666
11,943,751
1937
87,830,760
27,630,397
11,709,589
1938
30,962,756
22,184,732
11,397,133
1939
30,897,948
22,148,228
10,145,162
TONS
57,000,000
56,000,000
55,000,000
54,000,000
63,000,000
52,000,000
51,000,000
50,000,000
49,000,000
48,000,000
47,000,000
46,000,000
45,000,000
44,000,000
43,000,000
42,000,000
41,000,000
40,000,000
39,000,000
38,000,000
37,000,000
36,000,000
35.000.000
34.000.000
33.000.000
32,000,000
31,000.000
30.000.000
30,897,948
29,000.000
1920
1921
1922
1923
1924
TABLE XVII.
D 21
Diagram Shewing Total Shipping all Classes 1920-1939.
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
1932
1933
1964
1935
1936
1937
1938
1939
D 22
TABLE XVIII.
Diagram Shewing Ocean Going Shipping British and Foreign Entered
and Cleared 1920-1939.
TONS.
31,000,000
30,000,000
29,000,000
28,000,000
27,500,000
27,000,000
26,500,000
26,000,000
25,500,000
25,000,000
24,500,000
24,000,000
23,500,000
23,000,000
1920
1921
1922
1923
1924
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
1939
22,500,000 22,000,000 21,500,000 21,000,000 20,500,000
22,148,228
20,000,000
19,500,000
19,000,000
18,500,000
18,000,000
17,500,000
17,000,000
16,500,000
16,000,000
15,500,000
15,000,000
14,500,000
14,000,000
13,500,000
13,000,000
12,500,000
12,000,000
11,500,000
11,000,000
10,500,000
10,000,000
9,500,000
"
1
D 23
TABLE XIX.
Diagram Shewing Ocean Going Shipping British Only, Entered
and Cleared 1920-1939.
TONS
24,500,000
24,000,000
23,500,000
23,000,000
22,500,000
22,000,000
21,500,000
21,000,000
20,500,000
20,000,000
19,500,000
19.000,000
18,500,000
18,000,000
17,500,000
17,000,000
16,500,000
16,000,000
15,500,000
15,000,000
14,500,000
14,000,000
13,500,000
13,000,000
12,500,000
12,000,000
11,500,000
11,000,000
10,500,000
10,000,000
9,500,000
9,000,000
8,500,000
8,000,000
7,500,000
7,000,000
6,500,000
6,000,000
5,500,000
5,000,000
4,500,000
4,000,000
3,500,000
1920
1921
1922
1923
1924
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
1939
10,145,162
TABLE XX.
Return of Ships Registered at the Port of Hong Kong During the Year 1939.
D 24
-
Official
Name of Ship.
No.
Regis- tered Horse Power Tonnage.
Rig
Build
Where and When
built.
Remarks.
1. Kwong Sing
2. Hareldawins
159,504
109,510 912
18
N.H.P. 29
Not
Carvel Hong Kong
1938 1st. Registry (new vessel).
N.H.P. 199
Not
Clinker Newcastle-on- Tyne
3. Ming Sang
161,574
2,025
N.H.P. 256
Nil
do.
Newcastle,
England
1901 Registry transferred from Liverpool.
1934 Re-registered (formerly under the Chinese Flag as "Hai Li').
4. Tai Sze Ho 4
159,505
130
N.II.P. 43
Not
do.
Hong Kong
1939 1st. Registry (new vessel).
5. Heron
159,506
17
N.II.P. 43
Not Carvel
do.
1939
do.
do.
6. Golden Dragon
159,507
12
N.II.P. 0.6
Cutter
do.
do.
1938
do.
do.
7. La Cigale 1
159,508
11
Bermudian
do.
do.
1939
do.
do.
8. Dorinda
158,004
11
9. Dorinda
158,004
17
N.H.P. 0.99
Cutter
do.
do. Shanghai
do.
1934 Registry transferred from Shanghai.
1934
10. Gold Leaf
159,509
60
N.H.P. 14
None
Clinker Singapore
Registered anew (Vessel converted from Sailing Yacht).
1913 1st. Registry (formerly under the Termin- able Certificate of British Registry (Singapore).
TABLE XX.-Contd.
D 25
Official Regis-
Name of Ship.
No.
tered
Tonnage.
Horse Power
Rig.
Build.
Where and When
built.
Remarks.
11. Tack Fu
123,085 17
N.H.P. 14.7
Not
Carvel Hong Kong
1898 Re-registered (formerly unregistered vessel as "Stork").
12. Faunus
13. Yew Hing
159,510 2,706
154,039
N.H.P. 488
None
14
N.H.P. 11.6
Not
Clinker Dundee
Carvel Canton
1914
Formerly under the Dutch Flag as "Selene".
1920
Re-registered (formerly under the Chinese Flag as "Yew Hing').
14. New Mathilde
152,087
935
N.H.P. 130
Not
Clinker Kiel
15. Tzu Hang
172,751
18
B.H.P. 12
Ketch
Carvel Hong Kong
1906 Re-registered (formerly under the American Flag as "Aeolus").
1939 1st. Registry (new vessel).
16. Red Robin
172,752
7
17. James J. Maguire... 167,242 6,065
B.H.P. 4
B.H.P. 3600
Bermudian
Cutter
Not
do.
Clinker Monfalcone,
Italy
do.
1939;
do.
do.
18. Paxl
172,753
6
19. Yuet Tung
151,421
35
B.H.P. 5
N.H.P. 200
Cutter
Not
Carvel Hong Kong
do.
do.
20. Tavy Two
172,754
11
B.H.P. 8
Yawl
do.
do.
21. Maliuchau
153,564
17
N.H.P. 13
Not
do.
do.
22. Tulagi
172,755 1,680 N.H.P. 205
Not
Clinker
do.
1939 Registry transferred from London.
1939 1st. Registry (new vessel).
1921 Re-registered (formerly unregistered vessel owned by Chinese as "Yuet Tung').
1919 1st. Registry.
1913 Re-registered (formerly under the Chinese Flag as "Sai Hing").
1939 1st. Registry (new vessel).
TABLE XX.-(Contd.)
D 26
Official
Regis-
Name of Ship.
tered
Horse Power
Rig.
Build.
Where and When
built.
Remarks.
No.
:
Tonnage. 23. Frederick S. Fales 167,276 6,065
B.H.P. 3600
Not
Clinker Monfalcone,
(estimated)
Italy
1939
Registry transferred from London.
24. Chungshan
159,412
647
N.H.P. 135.7
Not
do.
Hong Kong
1934
Re-registered (formerly under the Chinese Flag as "Lee Hong').
25. Dina
172,756
3
B.H.P. 90
Not
Carvel Amsterdam
1922 1st. Registry.
26. Evolene
172,757
9
B.H.P. 8
Cutter
do.
Hong Kong
1939
1st. Registry (new vessel).
27. Vacport
167,309 3,970
28. Breconshire
29. Princesita
172,758 5,384
172,759 10
I.H.P. 2800
B.H.P. 12,000
Not
In & Out Hamburg
1939
Registry transferred from London.
Not
Clinker Hong Kong
1939
1st. Registry (new vessel).
Yawl
Carvel
do.
1914
1st. Registry (formerly unregistered yacht as "Irene').
30. Darnley
154,027
162
Not
Clinker
do.
31. Glenorchy
172,760 5,383 B.H.P. 12,000
Not
do.
do.
1906 Registered anew (Vessel converted from steam vessel).
1939 1st. Registry (new vessel).
TABLE XXI.
Return of Registers of Ships Cancelled at the Port of Hong Kong during the year 1939.
D 27
Official Regis-
Name of Ship.
No.
tered
Tonnage.
Date of
Registry.
Rig
Build
Where and When
built.
Reason of Cancellation.
1. Yuet Tung
151,421
14
22. 3.1921
2. Kaiapoi
117,592 1,247
10. 3.1930
None
F. & A.
Carvel
Hong Kong
1921
Clinker
Sunderland
1906
Sold to Foreigner (Chinese Subject). Sold to Foreigners (Norwegian Subjects).
Schooner
3. Olan
159,472
8
2. 2.1938
Cutter
Carvel Hong Kong
4. Dorinda
158,004
11
17. 2.1939
do.
Shanghai
5. Stork
123,085
17
6. Hin Sang
119,875 1,885
27. 6.1907
13. 11.1924
do.
Schooner
Clinker
Hong Kong
West Hartle-
pool
1938 Registry transferred to Port of
Southampton.
1934 Vessel converted into an auxiliary yacht and registered anew at Hong Kong. 1898 Sold to Foreigner (Chinese subject).
1905
Sold for breaking up.
7. Tsing Shaan
159,471
30
18. 1.1938
Nil
Carvel Hong Kong
1924
Sold to Foreigner (Chinese Subject).
8. Yentai
137,676
24
10. 12.1914
Clinker
do.
1914
do.
do.
9. Pang Jin
159,502
58
16. 12.1938
Junk
Carvel
do.
1938
10. Faunus
11. Saiwanho
12. Breconshire
13. Darnley
159,510 2,706
153,588
172,758 5,384
154,027
19. 4.1939
None
Clinker Dundee
Vessel abandoned as a total loss in Red Sea. 1914 Registry transferred to Port of London.
22
11. 5.1925
do.
Carvel Hong Kong
1914
Vessel broken up.
26. 7.1939
Not
Clinker
do.
1939
Registry transferred to Port of Liverpool.
92
12. 3.1929
Nil
do.
do.
1906
Vessel converted into a lighter and registered anew at Hong Kong.
TABLE XXII.
Passenger Trade for the Port for the Year 1939.
D 28
Ships.
Passengers.
Emigrants.
Class of Vessels.
No.
Arrived
Departed
Returned
Departed
British Ocean Going, Foreign Trade
3,664
151,703
173,171
27,083
40,279
Foreign Ocean Going, Foreign Trade
3,743
153,466
147,440
35,572
31,006
British River Steamers, Foreign Trade
6,846
1,361,261
1,231,597
Foreign River Steamers, Foreign Trade
768
1,091
896
Total
15,021
1,667,521
1,553,104
62,655
71,285
Steam-launches, Foreign Trade
960
2
Junks, Foreign Trade
7,900
Total, Foreign Trade
23.881
1,667,521
1,553,106
62,655
71,285
British Ocean Going, Local Trade
20
Foreign Ocean Going, Local Trade
104
Steam-launches, Local Trade
24,847
338,984
327,534
Junks, Local Trade
25,765
2,969
3,162
Total, Local Trade
50,736
341,953
330,696
Grand Total
74,617
2,009,474
1,883,802
62,655
71,285
TABLE XXIII,
Summary of Chinese Emigrants from Hong Kong to Ports other than in China, during the year 1939.
D 29
BRITISH SHIPS.
FOREIGN SHIPS.
GRAND TOTAL.
PORTS.
Adults.
Children.
Total.
Adults.
Children.
Total
Adults.
Children.
Total.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
Australia
336
24
13
Africa
13
3
1
Portuguese East Africa
Bangkok
496
107
46
ཡ། |:
381
17
101
49
14
663
205
1222
ㄧ
336
24
13
8
381
44
27
251
114
82
45
27
268
18
94
49
23
18
94
15
260
701
139
61
22
923
British Borneo
951
715
259
158
2,083
· 951
715
259
158
2,083
Dutch Borneo
101
9
3
Calcutta
1,513
171
81
Canada
2,238
399
238
87
Continent of Europe
112
Dutch Indies
268
126
37
Fiji
48
4
Honolulu
308
63
25
Madagascas Island (Tamatave)
9
1
Mauritius
9
New Guinea (Rabaul)
53
42
29
New Zealand (Dunedin)
133
105
68
43
195151229
113
105
9
3
115
42
1,807
1,513
171
81
42
1,807
2,962
2,238
399
238
87
2,962
112
112
112
497
7,489
4,045
2,383
802
14,719
7,757
4,171
2,449
839
15,216
56
48
4
4
56
425
339
84
30
25
478
647
147
55
54
903
10
202
82
49
16
349
211
83
49
16
359
20
90
134
110
37
371
99
139
115
38
391
146
53
42
29
22
146
349
133
105
43
349
Nauru Island
182
P
183
182
1
183
Ocean Island
139
139
139
139
Rangoon
2,431
835
295
234
3,795
1
сп
N
1
9
2,432
840
297
235
3,804
Rodriguez
1
1
1
Saigon
2,285
2,183
595
437
5,500
50
62
25
12
149
2,335
2,245
620
449
5,649
Sumatra (Belawan Deli)
108
19
5
3
135
1,528 765
337
170
2,800
1,636
784
342
173
2,935
Straits Settlements
11,179
4,919
3,438
1,480
21,016
4,869
1,845
1,251
557
8,522 16,048
6,764
4,689
2,037
29,538
Tahiti
12
6
2
20
12
6
2
20
United States of America
150
5
14
172
1,885
427
271
96
2,679 2,035
432
285
99
2,851
Total for 1939
22,753
9,741
1938
"}
5,187 2,598 25,511 | 21,070 5,859 3,730
40,279 17,131 7,585 4,535 1,755 56,170 | 25,967 | 17,371 7,561 3,818 Total passengers by British Ships
31,006 39,884 17,326 54,717 51,478 38,441 13,420
9,722
4,353
71,285
7,548
110,887
22,753 9,741 5,187
2,598
40,279
""
""
Foreign
21
17,131 7,585 4,535
1,755
31,006
Excess of passengers by British Ships
5,622 2,156
652
843
9,273
TABLE XXIV.
Statement of Average Number of Emigrants from Hong Kong to Ports other than in China, for Quinquennial Periods from 1900 to 1935 inclusive.
1900.
66,961
1905.
1910.
73,105
88,452
1915.
109,110
1920.
84,602
1925.
129,004
1930.
235,141
1935.
99,104
TABLE XXV.
Number of Male and Female Emigrants from Hong Kong to Ports other than in China, for Ten Years, from 1930 to 1939.
WHITHER BOUND.
1930.
1931.
1932.
1933.
1934.
1935.
1936.
1937.
1938.
1939.
D 30
Straits Settlements, Males,
Straits Settlements, Females,
88,498
32,887
35,606 13,618 14,767
14,895 8,769
7,169
55,803
69,793
80,299
56,629
28,271
20,787
35,517
37,188
45,096
82,398
33,690
8,801
Total,
121,385 50,501
20,787 23,536
91,320
106,981 101,725
162,697
61,961
29,538
Other Ports, Males,
58,879
44,504
30,149
29,151
34,406
35,559
43,235
57,795
36,627
28,869
Other Ports, Females,
8,636
5,864
4,703
4,828
6,258
6,975
8,210
11,833
12,299
12,878
Total,
67,515
50,368 34,852
33,979
40,664
42,534
51,445
69,628
48,926
41,747
Grand Total,
188,900
100,869
55,639
57,515
131,984
149,515
153,170 232,325
110,887
71,285
TABLE XXVI.
Summary of Chinese Emigrants Returned to Hong Kong from Ports other than in China During the Year 1939.
BRITISH SHIPS.
D 31
FOREIGN SHIPS.
GRAND TOTAL.
PORTS.
Adults.
Children.
Total.
Adults.
Children.
Total.
Adults.
Children.
Total.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
Australia
584
6
6
2
598
74
19
18
26
137
658
25
24
28
735
Bangkok
716
190
201
126
1,233
2,363
1,133
1,336
765
5,597
3,079
1,323
1,537
891
6,830
British Borneo
272
116
51
33
472
51
6
4
65
323
122
55
37
537
Dutch Borneo
30
42
30
5
4
3
42
Calcutta
6,262
2,021
789
540
9,612
6,262
2,021
789
540
9,612
Canada
5
5
5
Continent of Europe
878
30
1
909
1,509
254
103
50
1,916 2,887
284
103
51
2,825
Dutch Indies
2
6
10,092
906
849
467
12,314 10,094 910
849
467
12,320
Ocean Island
399
399
399
399
Rabaul
27
7
41
27
7
1
41
Rangoon
3,653 956
669
378
5,656
982
458
467
278
2,185
4,635
1,414 1,136
656
7,841
Saigon
1,533 803
228
157
2,721
29
7
3
44
1,562
810
233
160
2,765
South Africa
323
25
12
7
367
323
25
12
7
367
Straits Settlements
3,521
1,029
720
570
5,840
2,798
657
363
239
4,057
6,319
1,686 1,083
809
9,897
Sumatra (Belawan Deli)
5,596
1,253 618
535
8,002
5,596 1,253
618
535
8,002
United States of America
29
1
1
31
348
41
12
5
406
377
42
13
5
437
Total for 1939
1938
"}
"}
17,455 5,156 2,665 1,807 24,092 7.863 3,431 2,875
27,083 | 24,621 4,771 38,261 30,528 | 7,770 Total number of passengers by Foreign Ships British
3,797 2,383
4,027
3,034
35,572
45,359
42,076 9,927 6,462 54,620 15,633 7.458
4,190
62,655
5,909
83,620
24,621 4,771 3,797 2,383
35,572
""
"}
17,455 5,156 2,665 1,807
27,083
Excess of passengers by Foreign Ships
8,489
TABLE XXVII.
Statement of Average Number of Emigrants Returned to Hong Kong from Ports other than in China, for Quinquennial
Periods from 1900 to 1935 inclusive.
1900.
109,534
1905.
137,814
1910.
146,585
1915.
151,728
1920.
100,641
1925.
129,106
1930.
181,227
1935.
176,707
TABLE XXVIII.
Number of Male and Female Emigrants Returned to Hong Kong from Ports other than in China, for Ten Years, from 1930 to 1939.
D 32
WHITHER BOUND.
1930.
1931.
1932.
1933.
1934.
1935.
1936.
1937.
1938.
1939.
Straits Settlements, Males,
120,964 134,147 98,606
51,303
40,881
42,148
46,389
34,969
11,601
7,402
Straits Settlements, Females,
28,960 35,572
30,011
18,107
13,677
14,649
18,806
14,879
4,728
2,495
Total,
149,924
169,719 128,617
69,410
54,558
56,797
65,195
49,848
16,329
9,897
Other Ports, Males,
62,803
94,331 85,690
58,218
47,847
44,477
41,966
38,183 50,477
41,136
Other Ports, Females,
10,409
19,840
18,089
13,505 11,289
11,146
13,480
13,598 16,814
11,622
Total,
73,212
114,171
103,779
71,723
59,136
55,623
55,446
51,781 67,291
52,758
Grand Total,
223,136
283,890
232,396
141,133 113,694
112,420
120,641
101,629
83,620
62,655
D 33
TABLE XXIX,
Bunker Coal and Oil Shipped during 1939.
EXPORTS.
1938.
1939.
Class.
No.
Coal, Oil, Tons. Tons.
Coal,
Oil,
No.
Tons.
Tons.
Steamers
River Steamers
Total
3,574 337,884 70,673
3,387 67,987 548
6,961 405,871 71,221
3,709
3,803 46,204
7,512 402,483 88,412
356,279 88,086
326
TABLE XXX.
Comparative Return of Work performed by the Principal Surveyor of Ships' Department for 3 years ending 31/12/39.
Year.
Item.
1937.
1938. 1939.
Surveys for Passenger and Safety Certificate including
Radio
74
81
85
Surveys for Passenger Certificate
18
16
10
Surveys for Safety Radio Telegraphy Certificates
54
70
70
Surveys for Surveys 69 (Wireless)
21
Surveys for Load Line Certificate
36
39
27
Surveys for Bottom Certificate
4
1
4
Surveys for Emigration Licence
95
74
86
Measurement of Tonnage for British Registry
28
61
39
Measurement of Tonnage not for British Registry
2
16
19
Measurement of Tonnage for Suez Canal
4
3
6
Measurement of Tonnage for Panama Canal
Inspection and Certification of Light and Sound Signals.
1
4
7
Inspection and Certification of Life Saving Appliances. Machinery and Boiler Plans
223
24
27
16
20
28
40
85
95
211
Surveys of Boilers during Construction
3
2
2
Surveys of Government Land Boilers
53
35
39
Surveys of Launches for Plying Licences.
610
606
578
Surveys of Government Launches and Harbour Buoys, etc.
1,510
1,530
1,625
Ships' Plans Examined
238
261
317
Inclining Experiments
9
4
18
New Lifeboats Surveyed during Construction
98
152
81
New Buoyant Apparatus Surveyed during Construction
519
216
80
Lifejackets Inspected and Stamped
16,330
14,925
11,668
Lifebuoys Inspected and Stamped
586
549
988
Engineers Examined B.O.T. Certificates
26
26
19
Engineers Examined Local Certificates
91
109
107
Estimated Total Number of Visits in connection with
Surveys
5,117
Lifeboatmen Examined for Certificates
133
5,510 329
5,144
407
- D 34
TABLE XXXI.
During the year of 1939, there has been stored in the Government Gunpowder
Depôt, Green Island.
Gunpowder, privately owned
Government owned
Cartridges, privately owned
Explosive Compounds, privately owned
Government owned
12
Non-explosives, privately owned
No. of Cases.
Approximate Weight.
lbs.
254
8,160
32
1,600
1,572
133,025
11.158
583,756
"
1,364
76,400
During the same period there has been delivered out of the Depôt.
For sale in the Colony:
Gunpowder
Cartridges
Explosive Compounds
Non-explosives
For Export:-
Gunpowder
Cartridges
Explosive Compounds
Non-explosives
Government owned:
Gunpowder
Explosive Compounds
No. of Cases.
Approximate Weight. lbs.
36
1,180
289
11,975
3,338
32,116
2
100
197
5,566
27,176 391,540
39
6,626
4
657
250 38,700
On 31st December, 1939, there remains as follows:-
Gunpowder, privately owned
Government owned
Cartridges, privately owned
Explosive Compounds, privately owned
Government owned
Non-explosives, privately owned
TABLE XXXII.
No. of Cases.
Approximate Weight.
lbs.
216
6,880
27
1,350
1,085
93,874
2,254
160.100
707
37,705
231
34,568
Lighthouses and Signal Stations.
Lighthouse. or Signal Station.
Vessels Messages Messages Signalled. sent. received.
Periods of Fog.
Period Diaphone sounded.
Fog Signals Fired.
Typhoon & Non local Signals Hoisted.
Gap Rock
959* 3,242
734
137 hrs.
851
Waglan
2,887+
3,710
597
29 periods 82 periods
443.401
hrs.
136
Green Island
1,042
122
48
11
Kowloon Signal
Station
2,428
134
*Including 178 reported by Flash lamp.
+Including 712 reported by Flash lamp.
Including 10.10 hrs. when Explosive Signal used during alterations.
ID 35
TABLE XXXIII.
Comparative Statement of Expenditure 1938 and 1939.
A. HARBOUR DEPARTMENT.
Sub-head of Expenditure.
Personal Emoluments
Amount
Amount
1938.
1939.
$
$
607,046.97
607,708.51
Other Charges
Coal & Oil Fuel for Launches
Coal for Offices
Conveyance Allowances
Drawing Materials, G.M.S. Office
Electric Fans & Light
245,830.25
211,259.67
9,273.52
6,012.24
4,366.55
3,882.89
439.58
457.77
1,310.88
1,316.67
Examination Fees
560.00
Expenses of numbering boats.
1,602.39
535.00 1,285.00
Fees to unofficial members of Marine Court
80.00
Hire of Tugs for Lighthouses Reliefs
28,150.00
Incidental Expenses
Ocean Steamship Moorings and Buoys
Launch Moorings and Buoys, Navigational Moorings
and Buoys
3,114.82
2,406.75
7,863.53
2,505.67
25,128.00
16,055.38
Rent, Light and Water Allowances for Slipway Staff Rent of Public Telephones
3,186.00
3,231.00
377.04
332.45
Repairs, Minor improvements and Stores for Launches
and Boats
174,218.78
135,268.10
Slipway at Yaumati, Maintenance
2,854.92
2,447.74
Stores and Equipment for Lighthouses
12,202.59
11,042.60
Transport
Uniforms
543.28 6,652.33
478.05
6,551.38
Upkeep of Fire Appliances, Green Island
98.60
Total Personal Emoluments and Other Charges
1,106,571.43 1,041,105.47
Special Expenditure.
One Steel Filing Cabinet
220.00
112.00
Training Expenses (G.M.S. in England)
828.22
882.52
Diaphone for Waglan
Chain Cable
New Launch (replacement S.D. 2)
Electric Welding Course
Travelling and Subsistance for S.I.L. in England
One 3-ton Crane for Yaumati
15,200.00
57,375.00
43,230.92
11,574.08
305.75
361.17
324.44
13.303.60
One Typewriter
New Launch H.D.4 (Replacement)
New Launch G.P.0.1 (Replacement)
New Launch for H.E. The Governor
New Launch Police No. 10 (Replacement)
Hire of Tugs for Lighthouse Reliefs One Standard Pressure Gauge
'Dalzo' Steel for Buoys
Pulling Boat for Aberdeen
Sewing Machine for Yaumati
Batteries for Waglan
New Flasher for Cape Collinson
"Salvage"
Salvaging and Reconditioning of Kau Sing-
Total Special Expenditure
Total A. Harbour Department
2,223.53
333.79
34,999.32
25,240.00
8,400.00
25,200.00
27,080.00
380.90
334.71
110.00
250.00
724.03
7,098.50
42,769.40
1,750.00
140,282.43
180,334.45
1,246,853.86 1,221,439.92
- D 36
TABLE XXXIV.
Comparative Statement of Revenue 1938 and 1939.
Amount
Sub-head of Revenue.
1938.
Amount 1939.
$
*
I. Motor Spirit Duties
202.00
64.20
2.
Port and Harbour Dues:
Light Dues (Ord: 10 of 1899).
402,358.63
405,231.44
Buoy Dues (Ord: 10 of 1899).
130,181.00
133,127.00
3.
Licences and Internal Revenue not otherwise
specified
Boat Licences (Ord: 10 of 1899)
133,321.60
139,517.30
Chinese Passenger Ship Licences
1,050.00
1,005.00
Fines
9,275.02
9,266.18
Forfeitures
881.25
1,426.00
Fishing Stake and Net Licences
29.90
678.50
Fishing Stake and Net Licences from the New
Territories (Ord: 10 of 1899)
635.50
Junk Licences etc. (Ord: 10 of 1899)
30,560.95
45,898.90
Junk Licences etc. from the New Territories (Ord:
10 of 1899)
8,604.50
·
4.
Steam Launch Licences etc. (Ord 10 of 1899) Fees of Court of Office, Payments for specific purposes and Reimbursements-in-Aid :-
14,385.25
14,528.80
Court
10.50
Engagement and Discharge of Seamen (Ord: 10 of
1899)
47,683.14
44,988,68
Examination of Masters etc.
1,522.50
1,415.00
Gunpowder, storage of (Ord: 10 of 1899)
29,390.50
30,979.00
Medical Examination of Emigrants
137,127.30
99,633.70
Miscellaneous
98.67
163.00
Official Signatures (Ord: 1 of 1899)
9,795.00
8,610.00
Publications, sale of (Ord : 1 of 1899)
775.50
782.90
Registry Fees (Merchant Shipping Act) Ord: 10 of
1899
2,969.00
2,935.00
Steam Launches, Surveyor's Certificate Ord: 10
of 1899
16,590.00
16,281.25
Survey of Steamships (Ord: 10 of 1899)
128,108.40
113,478.48
Sunday Cargo Working Permits Ord: 1 of 1891
126,456.25
107,793.75
Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Contributions
5.67
7. Rent of Government Property :
Buildings
Rent of Government Furniture Lands not Leased
47.38
3.31
431.59
8,752.88
9.
Miscellaneous Receipts:
Sale of condemned stores
51,124.50
711.00
Overpayments in Previous years
299.53
308.35
Other Miscellaneous Receipts :-
Pilot Licences. Ord: 3 of 1904
120.00
120.00
Engagement of Masters and Engineers of Steam
Launches
253.50
260.00
Other Miscellaneous Receipts
16.25
907.54
Total
1,284,257.73 1,188,920.21
D 37
TABLE XXXV.
Comparative Statement of Expenditure & Revenue for last ten years.
Personal
Year.
Emoluments &
Special
Total
Other Charges.
Expenditure.
Expenditure.
Total Revenue.
1930
942,271.67
138,788.97
1,081,060.64
1,020,741.02
1931
1,013,003.51
38,028.27
1,051,031.78
1,433,534.87
1932
998,861.44
106,930.50
1,105,791.94
1,445,435.64
1933
653,318.32
44,678.65
997,996.97
1,256,924.71
1934
921,624.49
54,985.26
976,609.75
1,210,355.51
1935
811,331.201
146,756.02
958,087.22
1,079,677.53
1936
931,148.17
140,447.38
1,071,595.55
1,260,348.67
1937
1,014,620.58
21,347.19
1,035,967.77
1,451,152.57
1938
1,106,571.43
140,282.43
1,246,853.86
1,284,257.73
1939
1.041,105.47
180,334.45
1,221,439.92 1,188,920.21
TABLE XXXVI.
Light Dues were collected during the year 1939 as follows:-
No. of
Class of Vessels.
Trips.
Tonnage.
Rate per ton.
Fee Collected.
$ ¢.
Ocean Vessels
3,640
11,135,449 2.4/10
¢
361,711.66
Commission on Bohama Dues
2,557.93
Steam Launches
292
River Steamers
3,758
13,283 3,323,893
2.4/10 ¢
431.42
9/10 ¢
40,530.43
Total
7,690
14,472,625
405,231.44
TABLE XXXVII.
Licences issued and Revenue collected at Harbour Master's Out Stations.
1938
1938
Station.
Licences
Revenue
1939 Revenue
1939 Licences
Increase.
Decrease.
issued.
collected.
collected.
issued.
$ C.
$ C.
$
C.
$
C.
Shaukiwan
6,480
21,291.10
22,300.20
5,940
Aberdeen
6,488
17,574.00
18,593.55
6,503
1,009.10 1,019.55
Stanley
688
1,326.10
1,217.85
646
108.25
Yaumati
5,103
46,047.50
50,720.80
5,478
4,673.30
Cheung Chau
4,991
13,426.70
14,067.50
4,645
640.80
Tai O
1,893
4,246.65
5,114.95
1,980
868.30
Taipo
2,647
7,616.95
7,381.85
2,242
235.10
Saikung
813
1,812.30
1,800.75
757
11.55
Longket
1,577
4,413.95
4,676.95
1,416
263.00
Deep Bay
915
2,900.75 2,176.70
706
724.05
Lantau
603
1,796.85
1,655.60
509
141.25
Lok Ma Chau
518
1,553.00 1,644.55
531
91.55
Total
32,716
124,005.85 131,351.25
31,353
8,565.60
1,220.20
Net Increase
7,345.40
TABLE XXXVIII.
Number of junk and boat licences, permits, etc. issued and fees collected during the year 1939 (under Tables T and U, Section 39 of Ordinance 10 of 1899).
Description.
Licence
books.
Licences.
Duplicate
Licences.
Repainting
Special
Fees.
Licence Nos. Permits.
نسه
F
D 38
Licence books Trading Junks, Table T
1,084)
""
Fishing
Boat
T
609
$ 1,693.00
""
U
3,641
""
Trading Junks Licences Table T
1,293
Fishing
T
1,692
"J
""
Dinghies
T
794
""
""
Passenger boats (A and B) -Class I Lighters, cargo and water boats-Class II
Table U
2,184
Table U
1,966
Fish drying hulks
-Class III Table U
57
Other boats
-Class IV Table U
15,958
""
Duplicate licences-Junks Table T
Repainting junk licence Nos. Table T
boat
Special Permits Junks Table T
-Boats
U
8830
66
3,650.00
26,276.15
15,318.40
1,508.60
12,941.35
62,077.60
551.05
59,058.55
66.00
10
10.00
1,747
873.50
U
4,454
1,113.50
""
32
653
163.25
Boats
U
461
115.25
22
Total..
5,334
23,944
76
6,201
1,114
$185,416.20
TABLE XXXIX.
B.-AIR SERVICES.
Comparative Statement of Expenditure 1938 and 1939.
AIR SERVICES
Approved Estimate
1938
Actual Expenditure
1938
Approved Estimate
1939
Actual Expenditure 1939
Sub-heads:-
**
C
སྐ
$
*
1. Personal Emoluments
74,354
55,627.41
OTHER
CHARGES.
3,200
75,490
68,387.12
2. Electric Fans and Lights
2,500
2,330.44
* 1,800
4,099.95
3. Equipment for Aeronautical
3,000
Inspection Department
1,500
3.62
1,500
4. Flying Fees for Staff
3,300
2,857.26
4,500
2,131.26
5. Incidental Expenses
400
300.80
400
375.96
6.
Rent of Public Telephones
117
146.25
328
337.00
117
7. Uniforms
500
482.19
*
250
732.41
500
8. Upkeep of Buoys
600
535.87
600
590.20
9. Upkeep of Motor Vehicles
1,000
985.79
1,250
1,248.81
10. Upkeep of Aerodrome
5,000
5,893.38
6,000
5,964.32
11. Upkeep of Motor Boats
6,000
6,000
404.15
Total Other Charges
*Supplementary Votes.
20,917
13,535.60
26,245
15,884.06
D 39-
TABLE XXXIX.-(Contd.)
AIR SERVICES
Approved Estimate 1938
Actual Expenditure 1938
Approved Estimate
1939
Actual Expenditure
1939
- D 40
eo
es
$
$
$
SA
SPECIAL EXPENDITURE
Smoke Wind Indicator
2,000
Construction of Marine Terminal
9,000
8,019.96
400
$
1,693.82
400.00
ef
Auxiliary Control Launch 25′ 6′′
20,000
3,266.00
6,534
6,534.00
"Short" Rubber Buoys for flying boats
5,000
5,000
4,814.69
Weighbridge for Aircraft
13,000
11,840.33
3,200
2,471.22
Control Launch for Kai Tak Airport
3,500
2,258.82
Pontoon Landing Stage for Kai Tak
Airport
4,500
4,486.87
Dines Anemograph for Kai Tak
Airport
2,250
2,103.39
Total Special Expenditure
57,250
31,975.37
17,134
15,913.73
Total Air Services
152,521
101,138.38
122,069
100,184.91
Ꭰ 41
TABLE XL.
B.-AIR SERVICES.
Comparative Statement of Revenue for the years 1936, 1937, 1938 and 1939.
Sub-head Revenue.
Amount 1936.
Amount 1937.
Amount Amount
1938.
1939.
$
¢.
$ ¢.
$
¢. $ ¢.
3. Licences & Internal Revenue not
otherwise specified :-
Air Services
4. Fees of Court or Office, Payments for specific purposes and Reim- bursements in aid :-
Air Services
400.00
580.00
945.00 735.00
11,601.60 25,341.70 62,880.20 49,898.58
Total....
12,001.60 25,921.70 63,825.20 50,633.58
*Note: These totals do not include charges such as storage, rent rates etc. which are collected by the Treasury and shown as Treasury receipts and which in the year 1939 amounted to $3,365.00.
TABLE XLI.
B-AIR SERVICES.
Year.
Other Charges
Special Expenditure.
Comparative Statement of Expenditure and Revenue for the year 1930 to 1939.
Personal (1) Emoluments and
Total Expenditure.
Total Revenue.
$ &
$
&.
$
¢.
$
¢.
1930
(2) 33,896.70
60,000.00
93,896.70
1931
26,691.12
26,691.12
40.00
1932
11,457.04
88.81
11,545.85
14,344.00
1933
13,899.75
13,899.75
6,850.00
1934
40,191.51
10,765.85
50,957.36
10,265.00
1935
52,891.10
10,708.69
63,599.79
7,411.10
1936
40,562.50
741.08
41,303.58
12,001.60
1937
50,648.47
1,281.69
51,930.16
25,921.70
1938
69,163.01
31,975.37
101,138.38
63,825.20
1939
84,271.18
15,913.73
100,184.91
(3) 50,633.58
(1) Does not include the Salary of the Director which is charged to A.—Harbour
Department.
(2) February, 1930.
(3) These totals do not include charges such as storage, rent rates etc. which are collected by the Treasury and shown as Treasury receipts and which in the year 1939 amounted to $3,365.00.
Countries to which
Departed.
Aircraft.
Passengers.
Crew.
Total
Goods and Ex-
cess Luggage
Tons.
Mails Tons.
Tonnage.
Aircraft
Aircraft.
China
Manila (Philippines).. French Indo-China...
Countries whence
Arrived.
Aircraft.
Passengers.
Crew.
Goods and Ex-
cess Luggage
Tons.
Mails Tons.
Tonnage.
Aircraft
Aircraft.
TABLE XLII.
1. Number, tonnage, cargo, passengers and crews of aircraft arriving at airports in the Colony of Hong Kong from each country in the year 1939.
BRITISH.
FOREIGN.
TOTAL.
Passengers.
TABLE XLIII.
2. Number, tonnage, cargo, passengers and crews of aircraft departing from airports in the Colony of Hong Kong
BRITISH.
to each country in the year 1939.
FOREIGN.
TOTAL.
Passengers.
Crew.
cess Luggage Tons.
Goods and Ex-
Mails Tons.
236
2,436
950
10.1
36.9 2,110.6
236
2,436
950
10.1
42
420
336
4.4
4.9 1,238.9
42
420
336
4.4
36.9 2,110.6
4.9 1,238.9
145 276 290
4,9 47.5 666.8
56
479
230
1.8
1.6 612.0
201
755
520 i
6.7
49.1
1,278.8
145 276 290
4.9 47.5 666.8
334 3,335 1,516 16.3
43.4 3,961.5 479 3,611
1,806 21.2
90.9 4,628.3
China
Manila (Philippines)..
French Indo-China... 148 315
237
1,462
954
73.6
40.8 2,132.5
237
1,462
954
73.6
40.8
2,132.5
42
386
336
1.7
2.41,238.9
42
386
336
1.7
2.4 1,238.9
296
8.2
42.7 680.6
58
387
238
1.7
0.6 613.0
206
702
534
9.9
43.3 1,293.6
Total
148 315
296
8.2 42.7680.6
337 2,235
1,528
77.0
43.8 3,984.4
485
2,550
1,824
85.2
86.5 4,665.0
Crew.
Goods and Ex- cess Luggage Tons.
Mails Tons.
Aircraft
Tonnage.
Aircraft.
Passengers.
Crew.
Goods and Ex- cess Luggage Tons.
Mails Tons.
Aircraft
Tonnage.
Aircraft
D 42
Tonnage.
Aircraft.
Passengers.
Crew.
Goods and Ex-
cess Luggage
Tons.
Mails Tons.
Aircraft
Tonnage.
TABLE XLIV.
3. Number, tonnage, cargo, passengers, and crews of aircraft of each nation arriving at airports in the Colony of Hong Kong in the year 1939.
ARRIVING
NATIONALITY
OF AIRCRAFT
Aircraft
Passengers
Crew
Goods & Excess Luggage Tons
Aircraft
Tons
Tonnage
British
145
276
290
4.9
47.5
666.8
Chinese
236
2,436
950
10.1
36.9
2,110.6
American
42
420
336
4.4
4.9
1,238.9
French
52
468
210
1.8
1.6
572.0
German
4
11
20
Nil.
Nil.
40.0
Total
479
3,611
1,806
21.2
90.9
4,628.3
TABLE
XLV.
4. Number, tonnage, cargo, passengers, and crews of aircraft of each nation departing from airports in the Colony of Hong Kong in the year 1939.
D 43
DEPARTING
NATIONALITY
Goods & Excess
Mails
OF AIRCRAFT
Aircraft
Passengers
Crew
Aircraft
Luggage Tons
Tons
Tonnage
148
315
296
8.2
42.7
British
680.6
237
1,462
954
73.6
40.8
Chinese
2,132.5
42
386
336
1.7
2.4
American
1,238.9
French
54
383
218
1.7
0.6
573.0
German
4
4
20
Nil.
Nil.
40.0
Total
485
2,550
1,824
85.2
86.5
4,665.0
TABLE XLVI.
7. Summary showing tonnage of aircraft arriving and departing during the year 1939.
D 44
BRITISH
FOREIGN
Arriving.
Departing.
Total.
Arriving.
Departing.
Total.
Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong.
145
148
293
334
337
671
Total
145
148
334
337
671
TABLE
293
XLVII.
(B) AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES.
Type and
Terminal Stations of each service
Operating Company (and if subsidized)
Mileage of
route
or route
Characteristics of the aircraft employed
Frequency
of service
Class of
service
Remarks
Bangkok-Hong Kong
Imperial Airways (Yes)
1,260
D.H. 86
Bi-Weekly
Mails, Goods,
Passengers.
All up Mail discontinued at outbreak of war
San Francisco-Hong Kong Pan American Airways
9,000
(Martin 130
Weekly
do.
(Yes)
Flying Boat)
(Boeing 314
Flying Boat)
China Domestic-Hong Kong
China Domestic-Hong Kong
China National Aviation Corporation (Indirectly, Yes) Eurasia Aviation
Routes frequently revised
D.C. 2
Daily
do.
D.C. 3
do.
J.U. 52
Corporation
Frequently
revised
do.
(Indirectly, Yes)
Service erratic
owing to European War.
Paris-Hong Kong
Air France
9,500
(Yes)
Dewotine
D-338
Weekly
do.
TABLE XLVIII.
:
,
¡
(B) Air Transport Services.
Passengers.
MAIL (Including printed matter & parcels).
GOODS
(including newspapers & excess luggage).
Pas-
Goods Mail senger Receipts. Receipts.
Aircraft
Service or route.
Mileage.
Receipts.
Number Passenger carried. Miles.
Tons. Ton/Miles.
Tons. Ton/Miles.
Bangkok-Hong Kong
1,260
591
744,660
90.2
113,652.0
13.1
16,506.0
San Francisco-Hong Kong
9,000
806
7,254,000
7.3
65,700.0
6.1
54,900.0
Paris-Hong Kong
9,500
851
8,084,500
2.2
20,900.0
3.5
33,250.0
Routes
China-Hong Kong
frequently revised
3,898
77.7
83.7
† Berlin-Tokyo
Not known
15
D 45
* Routes, time-tables rates etc: revised so frequently and available figures so meagre, that any statistics dealing with the above would be misleading.
† German Lufthansa J. U. 52 on Goodwill flights carried 15 passengers. Not on a regular Service to Hong Kong.
TABLE XLIX.
Number, tonnage, cargo, passengers, and crews of aircraft of each nation arriving at airports in the Colony of Hong Kong in the years 1937, 1938 and 1939.
NATIONALITY OF
AIRCRAFT.
ARRIVING.
Aircraft.
Passengers.
Crew.
Goods, Mails, and excess Luggage Tons.
Aircraft Tonnage.
1937.
1938.
1939.
1937.
1938.
1939.
1937.
1938.
1939.
1937.
1938.
1939.
1937.
1938.
1939.
British
65
116
145
49
150
276
130
232
290
17.00
38.40
52.4
335
622
666.8
Chinese
292
458
236
1,581
5,330
2,436
784
1,802
950
10.92
50.60
47.0
2,092
4,547 2,110.6
German
4
11
20
40.0
American
37
35
42
292
325
420
227
274
336
11.00
6.50
9.3
671
841
1,238.9
French
1
24
52
201
468
3
94
210
1.00
3.4
247 572.0
Czechoslovakian
1
6
Latvian
1
1
1
Javanese
1
.1
D 46
Total
398
633
479
1,929
6,006
3,611
1,150
2,402
1,806 38.92
96.50
112.1
3,112.0
6,257 4,628.3
TABLE L.
Number, tonnage, cargo, passengers, and crews of aircraft of each nation departing from airports in the Colony of Hong Kong in the years 1937, 1938 and 1939,
DEPARTING.
NATIONALITY OF
AIRCRAFT.
Aircraft.
Passengers.
Crew.
Goods, Mails, and excess Luggage Tons.
Aircraft Tonnage.
1937.
1938.
1939.
1937.
1938.
1939.
1937.
1938.
1939.
1937.
1938.
1939.
1937.
1938. 1939.
1
British
67
115
148
75
200
315
134
230
296
11.0
31.5
50.9
337
617 680.6
Chinese
289
475
237
1,448
3,261
1,462
716
1,850
954
26.0
189.1
114.4
2,090
4,652 2,132.5
German
4
4
20
40.0
American
36
35
42
231
316
386
277
273
336
8:0
3.0
4.1
670
841 1,238.9
French
1
24
54
2
186
383
94
218
0.1
2.3
6
247 573.0
Czechoslovakian
Latvian
1
Javanese
1
2
1
1
Total
395
649
485
1,756
3,963
2,550 1,133
2,447
1,824
45.0
223.7
171.7
3,105.0
6,357 4,665.0
TABLE LI,
Licences and Certificates.
LICENCES OR CERTIFICATES ISSUED.
Number of
Licences or
Certificates
Year ended
Year ended
Year ended
31st December,
31st December,
31st December,
Year ended 31st December,
current on
31st December,
1936.
1937.
1938.
1939.
Licences for Pilots (Private)
13
18
52
16
1939.
31
Licences for Pilots (Commercial)
3
3
6
2
3
Number of Pilots holding Commercial Licences
who also hold Private Licences
1
1
1
Licences for Navigators
Licences for Ground Engineers
Certificates of Registration Heavier-than-air-craft Lighter-than-air-craft Certificates of Airworthiness Heavier-than-air-craft Lighter-than-air-craft Licences for Aerodromes
33- 33 -3.
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
4
10
Nil
2
6
Nil
Nil
Nil
QEN EE
2
Nil
9
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
6
6
Nil
Nil
Nil
5
Nil
4
Nil
Nil
(1 Government)
1 (Government)
1 (Government) (1 Government)
TABLE LII.
D 48
Passengers
Freight
Banknotes
Bullion
Comparative General Totals for 1938 and 1939.
Total for 1 year ending 1938.
9,969 120,823.099 Kilos
199,554.493 Kilos
Weight in Kilos Value in H.K. Dollars.
6,668.668 Kilos
3,475.055 Kilos
$39,907,795.21
$12,974,962.61
Total for 1 year ending 1939.
6,161
108,362.275 Kilos
180,618.297 Kilos
Weight in Kilos Value in H.K. Dollars 19,120.109 Kilos
3,512.472 Kilos
$95,302,377.28
$15,461,037.99
Appendix E.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS
FOR THE YEAR 1939.
I. GENERAL.
1. In order to meet the need for economy in the use of paper during war time efforts have been made to condense the contents of this report as much as possible. In particular the tabular appendices have been revised and compressed and in some cases this has entailed the disappearance of certain items of informa- tion which were formerly shown under separate headings. Full information in terms of the old tables is, however, available and may be obtained on application.
II. LIQUOR.
2. The net revenue derived from liquor in 1939 was $3,564,848, which is $443,884 more than in 1938. Of this increase approximately 60% is attributable to receipts from duties on native type liquor and is the result of the abnormal increase in the numbers of the Chinese population of the Colony. The increase in revenue is divisible between duties paid by local distillers and duties paid by importers in a ratio of, roughly 2: 1.
3. The remaining 40% of the net increase is accounted for by receipts from duties on European liquors, but nearly one third of this is chargeable to duties on spirits of wine and spirituous liquors. Among potable liquors, whisky, brandy and imported beer show the biggest gains, but the last item must be offset by a decrease of $28,786 in the duty paid by the local brewery. The consumption of gin and cocktails also shows a slight decrease, (1,405 gallons) as compared with the previous
year.
4. The rates of duty on European wines and spirits were materially increased by a Resolution of the Legislative Council on the 12th October, but in view of the large stocks of duty paid liquor on the market at that date it is doubtful whether the revised rates have had any appreciable effect upon the revenue figures under
review.
5. As compared with last year there has probably been a slight increase in smuggling of Chinese spirits into the Colony, a consequence of improved oppor- tunities for transportation and of the fall in value of the Chinese dollar which has increased the smugglers' margin of profit. It cannot be said, however, that evasion of duty by this method has attained serious proportions, or that the problem of smuggling by importation is in any way comparable to that presented by illicit local distillation. The latter has continued to be a source of constant trouble throughout the year and has necessitated continuous vigilance and counter measures in the shape of patrols and raids on suspected villages.
6. It is not possible to speak with certainty, but the fact that only 89 illicit stills were seized as compared with 165 in 1938 may perhaps indicate that these repeated raidings are having a deterrent effect. On the other hand it must be remembered that the local "moonshiner" not only enjoys the advantages of a hilly and inaccessible terrain liberally provided with observation posts and hiding places, but is also in the fortunate position of requiring no expensive apparatus for the prosecution of his trade. The seizure of a still, unless accompanied by the seizure and confiscation of a fairly large quantity of fermentable material, does not inflict a very heavy loss on the distillers. In this connexion it may be mentioned that towards the end of the year there were signs that the rising cost of rice was seriously affect- ing the profits of this illicit trade.
E 2
7. As in 1938 Cha Kwo Lin heads the list of persistent offenders. This village is so placed that it is almost impossible for revenue officers to approach it unobserved while at the same time it enjoys easy access to the large markets of Kowloon City and Shaukiwan. The institution of a special patrol in the neighbourhood of Customs Pass proved most efficacious in hampering the illicit activities of this district generally.
8. In April the Tai Sang distillery at Tsun Wan was detected in a serious case of evasion of duty. In principle the fraud was the ancient one of secret distillation and sale of unrecorded spirit, but the case was distinguished by the remarkable ingenuity displayed in tampering with the kongs of fermenting mash and in the manner in which the locked door to the spirit strong room had been adapted to give access to the spirit without showing any signs of illicit entry. The master of the distillery eventually pleaded guilty to whereas the increase in non-Empire raw subsequently closed down. Apart from this case the working of local distilleries was satisfactory throughout the year.
III. TOBACCO.
9. The total consumption of tobacco of all kinds for all purposes was 8,378,780 lbs; and the total net revenue from tobacco duties was $6,362,972. The records. set in 1938 were thus exceeded by 814,745 lbs and $1,172,271 respectively, but in considering the revenue figures account should be taken of the fact that the amount of duty refunded on drawback was $2,985,126, which is $352,209 less than in 1938.
10. It is clear from a study of these figures that the increase in revenue as compared with the previous year is attributable to increased demand within the Colony itself. The enormous increase during the last three years in the manufac- ture of tobacco and cigarettes in Hong Kong is, of course, the result of unsettled conditions in China which have led to the transfer of business to this Colony.
11.
•
In 1939 these conditions resulted in a shortage of Chinese raw leaf and Empire raw leaf was largely used as a substitute. The increase in consumption of this tobacco is 588,517 lbs. over 1938, whereas the increase in non-Empire raw leaf is only 157,872 lbs.
12. Cigarettes seized during the year amounted to 99,000 as compared with about 7,000 in 1938. Two large seizures were made, one of 44,000 cigarettes on the waterfront and one of 21,000 cigarettes on board a ship entering the Colony from Shanghai. The remaining seizures were all small and the cigarettes were mainly of Shanghai origin. It is probable that, as in the case of imported liquors, the de- preciation of the Chinese dollar is tempting the smuggler with a handsome margin of profit.
13. Smuggling of Chinese tobacco from Macao continued on much the same scale as in 1938. Seizures have increased by about 2,000 lbs., but this is accounted for by the inclusion of 1,700 lbs. of tobacco from Sha U Chung which was seized as unmanifested cargo.
IV. MOTOR SPIRIT.
1
14. There was an increase of $440,483 in revenue in comparison with last year. This was due partly to the new taxation on hydrocarbon oils, whereby heavy oil used in road vehicles was charged thirty cents per gallon, and partly to the increase of duty on light oils from thirty cents to sixty cents per gallon as a result of the outbreak of the European War.
V.-OPIUM.
15. The total amount of prepared opium sold during the year was 83,178.80 taels and the total net revenue was $914, 145.25, an increase over 1938 of 58,149 taels and $622,026, respectively. This increase is entirely in respect of sales of Singapore opium, the sales of Kam Shan opium, which is sold only to a limited number of registered smokers, showing a decrease of 552 taels, or about 15%.
་
E 3
16. There can be no doubt that this amazing increase is the direct result of the shortage of illicit raw opium which, severe towards the end of 1938, has deepened steadily throughout the whole of 1939 and still shows no signs of easing. With the extension of the Sino-Japanese conflict to South China the Hong Kong market has been virtually cut off from its supplies of Chinese raw opium and, as there has been a continued scarcity of Iranian raw opium, the price of smuggled opium in Hong Kong has risen to a figure which approximates to the selling price of Government opium. Further evidence of this state of affairs is to be found in the list of seizures for the year. Only 10,107 taels of raw opium were seized as compared with 27,084 taels in 1938, 23,149 taels in 1937, 68,373 taels in 1936 and 46,333 taels in 1935.
17. The opium account for the year shows a profit of $300,709.44.
18. Chinese Raw Opium. Of the 10,107 taels of raw opium seized during the year 7,380 taels were Chinese raw opium as compared with 25,075 taels in 1938. The most important seizure was made in May, when 2,650 taels were found beneath the coal in the bunkers of the S.S. Tak Sang in Hong Kong Harbour. There is no reason to believe that this opium had formed part of a larger consignment the bulk of which had already been disposed of outside the Colony but that the amount discovered was intended for sale in Hong Kong. A fireman was arrested who pleaded guilty to a charge of possession and received a sentence of 12 months' imprisonment. The only other major seizure was of 1,500 taels aboard the S.S. Wing Wo.
19. Persian Raw Opium. There were 38 seizures of Persian raw opium totalling 2,727 taels as opposed to 72 seizures and 2,009 taels in 1938. Three of the seizures were of amounts over 500 taels but, except for the fact that in each case the indications were that the opium was intended for local consumption, there are no features of special interest to record.
20. Prepared Opium. Seizures of prepared opium were also slightly smaller than last year, the total being 10,230 as against 12,758 taels. More than half this amount was prepared opium of the well known Red Lion brand, the origin of which is uncertain. The biggest seizure was of 2,840 taels found in a dump on the hillside at Pokfulam and the next biggest was of 1,902 taels which were ingeniously concealed in a special cement lined compartment inset in a sleeping platform on the premises of the Wing Fong Bricquet Co. at Tsun Wan.
21. Opium Divans. 1,095 divans were raided in 1939, 440 in Hong Kong and 655 in Kowloon. As has been stated before in these reports, the great difficulty in dealing with divans is that they are always under the management of hired "keepers" who are fully prepared to accept responsibility and, if necessary, to go to prison, secure in the knowledge that they will be compensated when they are released. Divans which have been raided and closed down reopen at the same address under a different keeper in an incredibly short space of time. To meet this a policy of intensive raiding by districts was adopted during the year. Certain districts were subjected to continuous pressure for a period of months during which period every known divan was raided again and again until at last the address was abandoned for purposes of divan keeping. It is not claimed that this policy offers a solution of the divan problem, but it has undoubtedly been effective in breaking up some well established haunts and in causing the divan owners considerable trouble and expense. An interesting sidelight on the illicit opium situation is provided by the fact that in the latter part of the year it was not uncommon to find Government opium or an admixture of Government opium in the seizures made in divans.
VI. HEROIN.
22. It is satisfactory to be able to record a steady improvement in the heroin situation in the Colony throughout the year. The intensive campaign against smugglers, pill factories and divans which was begun during the latter half of 1938, has been continued without remission and with good measure of success.
To some extent this success has been due to adventitious factors, namely a general shortage
E 4
of supplies of heroin, temporary disruption of supplies of the auxiliary ingredients, caffeine, quinine, sugar of milk, etc. following the outbreak of war in Europe and, strangely enough, to the housing shortage in the Colony, which has made it more difficult for the manufacturers of heroin pills to secure adequate accommodation for. their factories within urban limits. While acknowledging these aids, however, it may fairly be claimed that the most potent causes have been the successful detection of numerous factories, the relentless raiding of divans and the exemplary sentences imposed by the Courts on all convicted of the manufacture of heroin pills or of smuggling of this drug.
23. Altogether 3,741,914 heroin pills and 115 9/10 ounces of heroin were seized as compared with 2,713,181 pills and 31 ounces in 1938. Most of these seizures were made in heroin pill factories and the figures are the more meritorious in that it is known that the amount of heroin entering the Colony was less than in previous years.
An unwilling tribute to the success of the department's detective work is also paid by the immeasurably greater precautions now being taken by smugglers in covering their tracks. Unfortunately it is inexpedient to give details in a public report but it may be safely said that though these precautions have undoubtedly increased the difficulties of detection they have also increased the expenses and reduced the profits of the heroin trade.
24. Approximately 36 factories have been successfully raided during the year. More than a third of these have been large scale establishments employing between 5-10 workers and provided with ample apparatus. A feature of the year's successes has been that many of these factories were located and raided almost immediately after they had first commenced work and before they had had time to show a profit. It is undoubtedly due to these successes, as well as to the housing shortage already referred to, that factories have been established in outlying suburbs and even in remote country districts. Perhaps the most interesting and satisfactory seizure of the year was made at a lonely beach on Lan Tau Island, where a large scale factory had just been established in a matshed. No less than 48 ounces of heroin were seized together with 56,200 pills and 1,429 lbs. of auxiliary ingredients. Five persons were arrested and all were convicted and sentenced to five years' hard labour. The raid was carried out on the night of the day on which the factory commenced work.
25. As in the case of opium the system of intensive and repeated raiding of divans was carried out with marked success. The number raided by this department alone was 649 and approximately 5,000 pipes and 11,000 lamps were seized and destroyed. As the year progressed there was a marked decline in the prosperity of the divans and there was ample evidence that the depression in the heroin traffic was making itself felt. Analysis of pills seized revealed a considerable diminution of the heroin content, and it was noticeable that most of the divans were catering more and more for opium smokers as an offset to the loss of heroin trade.
VII. LEGISLATION.
26. Early in the year a new ordinance called the Hydrocarbon Oils Ordin- ance was passed and the Motor Spirit Ordinance was repealed.
The new ordinance provided for the taxation of all light oils as had been in the case of the Motor Spirit Ordinance, but it went a stage further by taxing heavy oils imported into the Colony for use as fuel in any heavy oil road vehicles. The change was rendered necessary by the fact that many buses had been converted from petrol into heavy oil vehicles and Government was losing revenue formerly drawn from this source.
VIII. CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN.
27. There has been a considerable increase in the work done by this depart- ment in connexion with the issue of certificates of origin. The total number of certificates issued was 26,586 an increase of 9,120 over the 1938 total of 17,466.
+
1
28.
E 5
"new"
As explained in the report for last year, goods manufactured for export to the Colonial dependencies now require a certificate of Empire content to qualify for admission to Empire preference. These certificates, known locally as certificates, were introduced in May, 1938, and 6,036 were issued during the remainder of that year.
In 1939 this total has risen to 14,670, evidence that the system is working smoothly and is proving of benefit in those very markets which probably hold the best prospects for the industry of the Colony.
29. When these 'new' certificates were introduced it was expected that there would be a decrease in the number of 'old' certificates, the use of which was now confined to exports to the United Kingdom and the Dominions. This, however, has not been the case and, owing mainly to an increase in exports to South Africa, the number of 'old' certificates issued was 10, 337, or 120 more than in 1938.
30. Form N certificates issued in respect of "spun, woven and finished" goods also show an increase of 480 over 1938 figures, in fact the only decrease is in "late certificates" which have fallen from 149 to 35. This would appear to indicate that manufacturers are becoming better acquainted with the system generally and are taking greater pains to avoid errors. There were 402 factories on the register at the beginning of 1939 and 60 were added during the course of the year as com- pared with 68 during 1938. On the other hand only 2 factories were removed from the register as against 12 in the previous year so that the final record is 460 registered factories. Among the new entries are 24 knitting factories, 9 weaving factories and 11 factories for the manufacture of clothing.
31. Inspection of factories has been carried out as usual, though the increase in numbers, combined with the increase of work in connexion with the issue of certi- ficates, has thrown a heavy strain on the staff involved.
IX.-TRADE STATISTICS.
32. Despite continued hostilities in China, and in particular the Japanese blockade of South and Middle China ports, and notwithstanding the inevitable reper- cussions of the European War, the trade of the Colony was well maintained during the year 1939. In the aggregate the total trade in merchandise decreased by only 0.2% as compared with 1938. Imports declined by 3.9% on average, whilst exports increased by 4.2%.
33. Trade with the South China area dropped very considerably during the year, but this was largely offset by increased trade with North China and French Indo-China. Trade with Germany automatically ceased after the declaration of war in September. Before this the Colony had imported German merchandise valued at $13.1 millions in 1939 as compared with $39.0 millions in the full year 1938, and had exported to Germany $12.6 millions as compared with $13.1 millions in the full year 1938. There were increased exports to the U.S.S.R., consisting mainly of China tea, the export market for which is now located in the Colony. Both im- ports from and exports to Japan showed a marked increase. Imports from the United Kingdom declined, whilst exports thereto increased slightly.
34. Total imports of merchandise were valued at $594.2 millions in 1939 as compared with $618.1 millions in 1938, and exports $533.4 millions as compared with $511.9 millions.
35. There were increased percentages of the total import trade recorded by Japan, French Indo-China, British Malaya, and miscellaneous countries at present grouped under the heading of "Other Countries"; and increased export percentages by British Malaya, French Indo-China, Japan, United Kingdom, Macao, U.S.A., Kwong Chow Wan, Philippine Islands, India and "Other Countries" (chiefly U.S.S.R.).
- E 6
36. According to an index constructed at the Statistical Office, wholesale prices in the Colony showed a general average decline of 2.0% in 1939, as compared with 1938, and 2.4% as compared with 1937. The foodstuff group increased by 2.5% in 1939 as compared with 1938, and decreased by 1.0% as compared with 1937; the textile group decreased by 8.5% in 1939 as compared with 1938, and 9.8% as compared with 1937; metals and minerals group decreased by 1.6% as compared with 1938, and 0.8% as compared with 1937; the miscellaneous group decreased by 1.1% as compared with 1938, and increased by 1.2% as compared with 1937.
Conclusion.
37. It will be obvious from this report that 1939 has been a very busy year for all members of this department. Some reflection of the increase in routine duties is to be found in the record net revenue of $12,508,468 collected during the year, while the outbreak of war and the appointment of the Superintendent of Imports and Exports as Controller of Trade have necessitated the assumption of additional work in connexion with the prevention of enemy trading and the control of specified exports.
April, 1940.
E. W. HAMILTON,
Superintendent of Imports & Exports.
"
匾
•
'
3
E 7
Table I.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE FOR LAST THREE YEARS.
Personal Emoluments (1)
1937.
1938.
1939.
363,839.82 376,783.79
376,783.79 372,863.11.
Other Charges:-
Advertisements
19.58
12.50
Binding Permits
120.00
120.00
120.00
Torches & Batteries
225.46
160.88
197.66
Conveyance Allowance
4,843.34
4,871.90
4,547.61
Elec. Light, Fans & Heating
1,382.12
1,316.91
1,389.59
Gas for Laboratory
166.06
145.06
103.08
Incidental Expenses
442.82
354.43
467.25
Laboratory Stores
717.83
895.06
981.17
Liquor Labels, Printing
1,795.00
1,965.00
2,470.00
Office Cleaning Materials
174.47
222.59
204.98
Overtime Allce. for Clerical Staff
297.75
281.25
333.00
Rent of Public Telephone
103.17
114.00
114.00
Rent of Staff Quarters in N. T.
1,680.00
1,680.00
1,680.00
Stationery, &c.
52.95
107.59
31.20
Transport
825.54
1,032.43
1,330.85
Uniforms & Equipment
3,461.01
5,805.46
4,982.89
Opium: Incidental Expenses
15.68
25.10
73.55
Preparation & Carriage
20,123.54
22,519.12
84,418.02
Rewards for illicit
Opium Seizures
31,750.00
12,471.00
7,923.00
Transport
22.00
17.20
64.00
Expenses of 13 Government
Opium Shops
17,880.80
17,938.89
18,645.94
Statistical Branch:-
Book Binding
Cleaning Materials
Elec. Light & Heating
Incidental Expenses
Miscellaneous Stationery
Printing of Reports
Transport
Uniforms for Coolies & Messengers..
120.00
120.00
120.00
77.90
62.68
85.12
308.61
362.07
411.16
198.44
192.67
192.54
3.54
6,858.00
6,972.00
6,862.00
77.97 87.38
75.07 112.23
81.90 138.60
93,830.96
79,940.59
137,981.61
Total Other Charges
Special Expenditure:-
Purchase of 1 Long Carriage Typewriter
336.00
""
""
1 Gestetner Duplicator ...
945.00
4 Bicycles
240.00
""
Total Special Expenditure
336.00
945.00
240.00
Grand Total
458,006.78
457,669.38
511,084.72
Footnote:-(1) Includes Officers of Cadet, S.C. & A. Staff & Junior Clerical Service.
....
Duties:-
Liquor Duties
Motor Spirit Duties
Tobacco Duties
Licences & Internal Revenue:-
Liquor Licences
Motor Spirit Licences
Opium Monopoly
Tobacco Licences
Fines & Forfeitures:-
Table II.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF REVENUE FOR LAST THREE YEARS.
1937
1938
1939
Gross
Net
Gross
Net
Gross
Net
$
2,504,330.70
2,393,904.53
3,048,480.44
2,959,386.93
3,497,039.71
809,022.49
6,601,683.40
799,303.73 4,432,203.16
964,300.44 8,528,036.29
3,397,959.71 955,033.69 1,405,748.81 1,395,516.72 5,190,701.10 9,348,099.37 6,362,972.58
162,115.84
162,115.84
161,587.50
161,587.50
166,898.84
3,860.00
3,860.00
4,085.00
4,085.00
5,630.00
317,789.60
314,769.60
348,090.64
345,090.64
1,028,269.76
*1,025,269.76
| 166,898.84
5,630.00
E 8
72,359.50
72,359.50
82,504.50
82,504.50
82,234.17
82,234.17
Forfeitures
77.92
77.92
26,191.40
26,191.40
Fees of Court or Office:-
Official Signatures Fees Official Certificates
3,700.00
21,229.00
3,700.00
21,229.00
9,265.00
17,928.00
9,265.00
10,930.00
10,930.00
17,924.00
28,114.00
28,112.00
Miscellaneous Receipts:-
Other Miscellaneous Receipts
Total
4,572.77
4,572.77
17,795.16
17,795.16
6,752.94
6,752.94
10,500,741,22
8,208,096.05 | 13,182,072.97
9,743,373.52 15,605,909.00
12,508,468.12
*Less Opium Expenses shown in Table I-$111,124.51-Net $914,145.25
E 9
Table III.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE & REVENUE FOR LAST THREE YEARS.
Personal (1)
Emoluments
Year
and Other
Charges
Special Expenditure
Total Expenditure
Total
Revenue
$
1937.....
457,670.78
336.00
458,006.78 8,208,096.05
1938.....
456,724.38
945.00
457,669.38 9,743,373.52
1939.....
510,844.72
240.00
511,084.72
12,508,468.12
(1) Includes Officers of Cadet Service, S.C. & A. Staff and
Junior Clerical Service attached to Department.
Table IV.
RETURN OF LIQUOR DUTY COLLECTED DURING THE YEAR 1939.
EUROPEAN TYPE LIQUOR.
Class of Liquor.
Gallons.
Amount of Duty
collected.
$
C.
Ale, Beer, Cider and Stout,
478,161
382,528.64
Beer (Local),
168,358
117,850.46
Brandy,
17,628
190,427.67
""
(Empire),
5,540
29,586.23
Whisky,
40,509
417,622.24
Gin and Cocktail,
19,022
196,095.42
Rum,
4,231
44,161.88
Champagne and Sparkling Wine,
2,795
42,023.67
Claret,
872
4,502.28
Port Wine,
8,413
59,316.18
Sherry, Madeira and Malaga,
5,670
38,042.41
Vermouth;
2,786
14,350.80
Liqueur,
2,779
39,640.37
Spirits of Wine,
31,340
176,779.97
Spirituous Liquor,
22,840
56,303.92
Miscellaneous,
8,825
48,304.34
Difference on over-proof, fractions
and arrears of duty,
8,264.14
Total
819,769
1,865,800.62
NOTE: Fractions of a gallon are not shown in this Table.
E 10
Table IVA.
RETURN OF LIQUOR DUTY COLLECTED DURING THE YEAR 1939. CHINESE AND JAPANESE LIQUOR.
Liquor distilled locally. collected.
Amount of duty
Imported Liquor.
Amount of duty collected.
Gallons.
C. Gallons.
C.
Total Amount of duty collected.
C.
Native Spirits not more than 25% of alcohol by weight,
844,080
1,266,120.00 63,061
110,357.44
1,376,477.44
Native Spirits over 25% of alcohol by weight,
16,376
32,885.28
3,694
192,193.34
225,078.62
Northern Spirits over 25%
of alcohol by weight,
61,042
Northern Spirits not more
than 25% of alcohol by weight,
Japanese Sake,
15,689
27,455.15
27,455.15
1,485
2,227.88
2,227.88
Total
$1,631,239.09
NOTE: Fractions of a gallon are not shown in this Table.
Table V.
RETURN OF LIQUOR LICENCES ISSUED AND SUMMARY OF REVENUE DERIVED FROM LIQUOR DURING THE YEAR 1939.
$
Brewery Licence
Dealer's Licence
Licensed Warehouse Licence
Chinese Liquor Shop Licence
Chinese Liquor Importer's Licence: Restricted Grocer's Licence
Distillery Licence:-
(a) Hong Kong and Aplichau .... (b) Kowloon, South of Kowloon Hill
(c) New Territories, North
(d) New Territories, South
Canteen Licence
1
400.00
33
33,000.00
1
210
125,945.84
19
23
3,400.00 3,450.00
疯
5
1 2 3
4
14
3
700.00 3.00
Total
166,898.84
Duties on European Type Liquor
1,632,716.73
Duties on Spirituous Liquor
233,083.89
Duties on Chinese & Japanese Liquor
1,631,239.09
3,497,039.71
Refund of Liquor Duties
99,080.00
Net Total
3,397,959.71
Grand Total
3,564,858.55
$
E 11
Table VI,
RETURN OF TOBACCO LICENCES ISSUED AND SUMMARY OF REVENUE DERIVED FROM TOBACCO DURING THE YEAR 1939.
Importer's Licences
Licensed Warehouse Licences
Manufacturer's Licences
Retailer's Licences :---
(a) $30.00
(b) $20.00
(c) $10.00
Squatter's Licences
Canteen Licences
Miscellaneous
Duty on:-
Total
Cigars
Cigarettes
European Tobacco
Chinese Prepared Tobacco
Clean Tobacco Leaf
Raw Tobacco Leaf (Empire)
$
$
CA
41
4,100.00
3
600.00
16
2,308.33
1,397
1,288
468
72.242.84
356
2,848.00
29
29.00
106.00
82,234.17
lbs
10,071
26,184.60
480,401
793,529.87
25,441 45,793.80
16,596 23,234.40
42,910
53,637.50
889,893 800,903.70
Raw Tobacco Leaf (Non-Empire) Snuff
6,913,467 7,604,813.70
1
1.80
Less Drawback
9,348,099.37 2,985,126.79
Net Total
Grand Total
6,362,972.58
6,445,206.75
Table VII.
RETURN OF LICENCES ISSUED AND REVENUE DERIVED FROM MOTOR SPIRIT DURING THE YEAR 1939.
Licensed Warehouse Licences
Importer's Licences (General)
Importer's Licences (Special)
Retailer's Licences
Total
Duties on Imported Motor Spirit
Total
$
$
6
1,500.00
35
3,500.00
3
300.00
66
330.00
5,630.00
1,395,516.72
1,401,146.72
E 12
Table VIII.
TOTAL AMOUNT OF PREPARED OPIUM SOLD DURING THE YEAR 1939.
Kam Shan Bengal Opium
2,703.00 taels
Singapore Opium
Total
Table IX,
80,475.80
22
83,178.80 taels
STATEMENT OF OPIUM TRANSHIPPED DURING THE YEAR 1939.
Turkish
Iranian
Total
Chests.
Chests.
Chests.
From Bushire via Bombay
450
450
To Macao
450
450
Total
450
450
Table IXA.
STATEMENT OF OPIUM IN TRANSIT DURING THE YEAR 1939.
From Hamburg
To Keelung via Kobe
Total
Turkish
Iranian
Total
Chests.
Chests.
Chests.
"
35
35
35
35
35
35
1
#
A
E 13
Table X.
CONTRABAND SEIZED BY REVENUE OFFICERS IN HONG KONG,
KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES, 1939.
(1) Opium.
Prepared
Raw
Opium Dross
(2) Arms.
Dynamite
Seizures.
9,615.8 Taels 8,686.91
27.9
1,265
138
,,
4
""
164
Sticks.
1
(3) Tobacco.
Cigars
1,975
Pieces.
1
Cigarettes
99,003
14
Chinese Tobacco
9,0961
Pounds.
311
(4) Liquor.
Chinese Spirit
European Spirit
(5) Dangerous Drugs.
Heroin
1,4942 Gallons.
5.1/6
167
4
""
95.7/12 oz & 15 grains.
7
Heroin Pills
3,360,276
Pieces.
700
Heroin Pipes
5,115
678
Morphine Sulphate
.096
Gram.
1
Morphine Pills
2,776
Pieces.
3
(6) Hydrocarbon.
Turpentine
(7) Miscellaneous.
208
Gallons.
1
Illicit Stills
89
Stills.
75
Forged Bank Notes
1
($10 Note)
1
Lottery Tickets
Small Crafts confiscated ...
3
3
Bicycle confiscated
1
1
Dutiable Motor Spirit
4
Gallons.
1
Larcenies
3
Bicycles.
3
(8) Unmanifested Cargo.
Silver Ingots
Silver Ingots
Silver Dollars
Wolfram Ore
Electric Ware
Tins & Zinc.
3,945
Pounds.
1
104
Pieces.
1
6,541
""
174
Pounds.
1
Lot.
42 2
5 Tons.
1
Cotton & Silk
65 Bags.
E 14
Table XA.
Chinese Tobacco
Cigarettes
CONTRABAND SEIZED BY THE POLICE, 1939.
Chinese Spirits
European Liquor
Raw Opium (Chinese and Iranian)
Prepared Opium (2nd and 3rd grade) Opium Dross
Diacetylmorphine Pills
Diacetylmorphine Hydrochloride
Diacetylmorphine Admixture
818.88 lbs.
4,150 551.93 gals. 2.70 gals. 1,420 taels
614 taels
1.1 taels
381,638
20.32 ounces
8 ounces
Table XI,
Possession
Boiling
PROSECUTIONS BY IMPORTS & EXPORTS DEPARTMENT IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON, & NEW TERRITORIES, 1939.
(1) Opium.
Arrests.
Convictions.
Bail Estreated.
1,484
1,420
13
12
9
1
Exporting
(2) Arms.
Possession (Dynamite)
7
(3) Tobacco.
Possession Cigars
1
Possession Cigarettes
8
5
2
Possession Chinese Tobacco
280
250
9
Importing
2
2
Unlicensed Selling
4
4
(4) Liquor.
Possession European Wine
3
3
Possession Chinese Spirit
129
121
3
Possession Stills
40
37
Distilling
Unlicensed Selling
(5) Dangerous Drugs.
Possession Heroin
33
33
1
1
20
15
Possession Heroin Pills
809
777
Possession Heroin Pipes
683
668
Possession Morphine Sulphate
2
2
(6) Hydrocarbon.
Possession Turpentine
1
1
(7) Miscellaneous.
Unmanifested Cargo
15
14
Dutiable Motor Spirit
1
1
Forged Bank Notes
1
1
Larcenies (Bicycles)
3
3
Total
3,538
3,368
28
4
E 15
Table XII.
Fines and Forfeitures collected by the Courts under Opium, Liquor & Tobacco Ordinances.
Hong Kong Magistracy
Kowloon
""
District Office, North
District Office, South
Total
$14,203.21
4,673.65
2,948.50
3,234.58
$25,059.94
REWARDS PAID.
For Opium
For Drugs, Liquor & Tobacco, &c.
$ 7,924.00 20,742.42
Total
$28,666.42
Table XIII,
OPIUM & DANGEROUS DRUG SEIZURES DURING THE YEAR 1939.
Raw Opium:-
Number of Quantity in
Cases.
Taels.
Chinese
142
7,380
Iranian
38
2,727
Total
180
10,107
Prepared Opium :-
Red Lion
15
5,746
French Indo China
16
1,015
Macao
5
80
Amoy
1
11
Kwong Chow Wan
105
1,949
Doubtful
1,318
1,429
Total
1,460
10,230
Opium Dross
6
29
Opium Water
13
23 gallons.
Dangerous Drugs :-
*
Diacetylmorphine Hydrochloride
11
115 9/10 ounces and 15 grains.
Diacetylmorphine Pills
794
3,741,914 pills.
Diacetylmorphine Admixture
1
8 ounces.
Morphine Sulphate
1
0.096 gram.
Morphine Pills
3
2,776 pills.
Kind of Opium
Water front, Quarry Bay.. Iranian, Raw
E 16
Table XIV.
MAJOR SEIZURES OF OPIUM DURING THE YEAR 1939.
Place of Seizure
Destination Indicated by Circumstances of Seizure
720 | Hong Kong.
Taels
Garage of 18 Tai Hang
Road
Iranian, Raw
564 | Hong Kong.
Garage of 18 Tai Hang
Road
Red Lion, Prepared
1,080 | Hong Kong.
Hillside, Pokfulam
(A) Red Lion,
Prepared
1,999 Unknown.
1
Chinese, Raw
S.S. "Wing Wo" Victoria
Harbour
Chinese, Raw
S.S. "Tak Sang" Victoria
Harbour
Unnumbered hut, Ma Wan
Island
Wing Fong Co. Godown
Gindrinker's Bay,
(B) Kwong Chow
Wan, Prepared..
841 2,840
2,650 | Hong Kong.
1,500 | Hong Kong.
500 Unknown.
Red Lion, Prepared ..
Tsun Wan, New Territories
(A) Red Lion
Prepared
China (B) French Indo-
1,000 Probably for
export.
"
902 1,902
10 Clarence Terrace, 3rd
floor
Red Lion Prepared
920 | Hong Kong.
Navy Street
Iranian, Raw
720 | Hong Kong.
Connaught Road Central
Chinese, Raw
575 | Hong Kong.
Table XV.
IMPORTATION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS DURING THE YEAR 1939.
Kilos.
Codeine as Alkaloid
3.452
Codeine, in preparations containing
0.172
Ethylmorphine
0.240
Ethylmorphine, in preparations containing
0.720
Raw Opium (Medicinal type)
0.907
Medicinal Opium
2.261
Medicinal Opium, in preparations containing
8.758
Morphine as alkaloid, salts and preparations containing.
0.738
Cocaine as alkaloid, salts and preparations containing
0.321
Dicodide, in preparations containing
Eukodal, in preparations containing
0.008
- E 17
Table XVI.
Table showing Registration of Factories for purpose of Issue of Certificates of Origin, and the number of such Certificates for the period 1.1.39 to 31.12.39.
Number
State of
Register
Regist-
Enterprise.
ered
Number removed
State of No. of Register Certs. of
on
during
during
on
Origin
31.12.38.
1939.
31.12.39. issued.
1939.
Aerated water & prop., med.
1
1
Bakelite Art.
1
1
11
Batteries for Flashlamps.
13
13
127
Beer.
1
1
11
Bulbs for Flashlamps.
3
3
78
Buttons.
1
1
2
4
Camphor and teakwood Boxes. ...
15
1
16
481
Canning & Preserving.
15
1
16
182
,
Cement.
1
1
204
Chemicals.
1
1
2
Cigarettes & Cigars.
3
3
10
Clothing i.e. Tailored suits.
5
LO
5
Confectionery and Biscuits.
4
4
9
Cosmetics & Perfumery.
11
11
392
Dyeing Paper.
1
1
Embroidery..
5
3
8
Feather Dusters.
1
1
Firecrackers.
1
1
83
Flashlights.
17
2
19
628
Garments-made up.
32
11
43
5,429
Glass Bottles.
3
3
2
Handkerchiefs.
1
1
Ink.
Hardware.
Hats and Caps.
Hurricane Lamps.
Ivoryware.
2
2
3
8
8
965
1
1
64
....
1
1
3
3
Knitted Wear.
93
24
1
116
11,083
* Included in Garments-made up.
E 18
Table XVI-Continued.
CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN Continued (1).
Number
State of
Enterprise.
Register
Regist-
ered
on
31.12.38.
during 1939.
on
Number State of No. of removed Register Certs. of
during
Origin
1939. 31.12.39.
issued.
Leather and art.
19
19
286
Leather Goods.
Lard and dried meats.
7
7
Mosquito Destroyer.
4
4
57
Mirrors.
4
27
Noodles & Macaroni.
1
1
Oil, groundnut.
3
CO
Paint, Varnish, and Lacquer.
2
Pencils and Crayons.
1
Printing, Paper and Cartons.
3
Printing, silk.
N
Rattan and Seagrass Ware.
17
Rope.
1
Silverware.
1
119
2
21
1
3
3
6
53
17
189
1
4
1
Shoes, leather and misc. foot-
21
1
22
wear.
437
Shoes, Rubber.
4
ون
3
1
6
1,747
Soap.
2
2
String.
2
2
36
Sugar refining.
1
1
497
Thread.
1
1
Toothpicks.
1
1
4
Towels and napkins.
now included in Weaving
Toys.
1
1
23
Umbrellas.
12
12
200
1
Vermillion.
4
4
Weaving.
44
9
53
1,569
Motor boat hull.
2
TOTALS
402
60
2
460
25,042
E 19
Table XVII.
COMPARATIVE TABLE OF NUMBERS OF DECLARATIONS RECEIVED
AND ITEMS ENTERED. THEREFROM IN 1938 AND 1939.
DECLARATIONS.
ITEMS.
1938.
1939.
1938.
1939.
January February March
40,455
32,181
87,229
78,968
26,806
27,272
63,265
64,495
48,187
35,573
107,703
88,225
April
44,897
35,053
99,817
87,318
May June July
44,987
38,739
99,687
97,977
39,294
36,988
84,481
93,735
38,670
33,264
82,800
83,900
August
44,280
34,887
95,574
87,128
}
September
42,956
30,701
95,595
77,268
October
35,437
32,891
84,512
82,880
November
28,373
32,110
70,289
83,751
December
32,371
32,521
78,407
87,955
Total:
466,713
402,180
1,049,359
1,013,600
Average:
38,893
33,515
87,447
84,467
Table XVIII.
NUMBER OF MANIFESTS RECEIVED DURING 1939.
Ocean.
River.
Junk.
Total.
January
609
688
1,046
2,343
February
562
725
517
1,804
March
677
811
841
2,329
April
680
681
655
2,016
May
739
713
716
2,168
June
714
691
599
2,004
July
662
667
638
1,967
August
652
643
497
1,792
September
563
764
533
1,860
October
628
785
639
2,052
November
580
763
680
2,023
December
553
779
1,147
2,479
Total:
7,619
8,710
8,508
24,837
Average per month :-.....
635
726
709
2,070
E 20
Table XIX.
COMPARATIVE TABLE OF NUMBER OF MANIFESTS RECEIVED
IN 1938 AND 1939.
Inward.
Outward.
1938.
1939.
1938.
1939.
Ocean
4,064
3,742
4,290
3,877
River
3,699
4,391
3,74
4,019
Junk
4,101
4,489
3,818
4,319
Total
11,864
12,622
11,852
12,215
1938.
1939.
Grand Total :---
23,716
24,837
Average per month :--
1,976
2,070
རྐ་
Appendix F.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY,
HONG KONG, FOR THE YEAR 1939.
I.-GROUNDS, BUILDINGS AND INSTRUMENTS.
The Beckley instrument was dismantled at Victoria Peak on the 5th January. A modern head for the Dines Baxendell Anemograph was installed at the Observatory on the 11th January. Registration by Dines anemographs was commenced at Victoria Peak on the 19th January, and at Kai Tak Aerodrome on the 29th March.
II. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
2. Automatic records of the temperature of the air and evaporation were obtained with the resistance thermometers and thread recorder. Direction and velocity of the wind were recorded by a Dines-Baxendell anemograph, rainfall by a Casella pluviograph, sunshine by a Campbell-Stokes universal recorder and barometric pressure by a Marvin barograph. Eye observations of barometric pressure, temperature and cloud were made hourly, and of the direction of cloud motion every three hours. Observations of pilot balloons were made with a Watts 11 inch prismatic theodolite at 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. when conditions were favourable.
3. The principal features of the weather in 1939 were:-
(a) an excess of rainfall in April and May, and a deficiency in the
succeeding five months.
(b) the typhoon of November 23rd. This was the only occasion on which the wind reached gale force in Hong Kong during the year, a maximum gust of 74 m.p.h. being registered. Although the typhoon was not a severe one, it was of great interest since the calm centre passed directly over the Observatory for the first time on record.
(c) a drought which began on November 27th, and was still unbroken at the close of the year. The total sunshine registered in December (269 hours) was a record for the month.
4. The tracks of 32 typhoons which occurred in the Far East in 1939 are given in plates which will be included with the Meteorological Results for 1939, now in the press. The following tables give summaries of the meteorological data published monthly in the Government Gazette during the year :—
F 2
Temperature.
Humidity.
Wind.
1939
Cloud-
Sun-
Rain
Month.
Abs.
Mean
Mean
Mean Abs.
iness.
shine
Direc- *Velo-
Rel.
Abs.
Max. Max.
Min.
Min.
tion.
city.
O
%
January
73.6
65.5
60.4
56.8
49.9
79
February
76.1
67.8
62.7
59.2
53.9
79
March
78.1
68.4
64.6
61.9
53.7
de 8 8 8
ins.
do
hrs.
ins.
m.p.h.
0.42
69
130.2 1.100
E by N
9.2
0.45
63
138.2
0.020
E
10.8
89
0.55
94
44.1
3.540
E
12.1
April
80.6
72.5
68.4
65.0
50.4
82
0.59
$3
91.3
15.800 E by N
9.8
May
89.0
80.8
75.9
72.5
67.5
85
0.76
79
131.6
20.985
E
11.0
June
89.5
85.7
81.5
78.2
70.9
85
0.91
83
133.7
8.645
SSW
9.1
July
94.0
87.8
82.3
78.3
73.9
84
0.92
71
197.6
12.695
SW
5.3
August
93.2
87.2
81.6
77.4
72.0
83
0.89
65
206.8
12.820
E by S
7.2
September
92.3
86.0
80.9
77.1
68.9
77
0.81
61
185.7
4.865
E by N
8.4
October
91.8
83.2
77.7
74.3
64.7
73
0.69
55
203.8
1.410
E by N
8.5
November
87.0
76.6
71.2
67.4
53.8
75
0.59
75
123.6
4.825
ENE
9.5
December
78.2
68.8
61.9
56.9
52.0
62
0.34
24
269.2
0.000 NE by E
7.3
Mean, Total or Extreme
94.0
77.5
72.4
68.7
49.9
79
0.66
69
1855.8
86.705
E
9.0
*Wind velocity from the records of the Dines Anemograph. The records of former years should be reduced 27% for comparison purposes.
*
RAINFALL, 1939.
F 3
STATION
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Year.
ins.
ins.
ins.
ins.
ins.
ins.
ins.
ins.
ins.
ins.
ins.
ins.
ins.
Royal Observatory
1.10
0.02
3.54
15.80
20.98
8.65
12.69 12.82
4.87
1.41
4.82
0.00
86.70
Botanical Gardens
1.15
0.00
3.40
17.24
23.73
7.43
10.53
10.81
5.64
2.00
4.49
0.00
86.42
Victoria Peak
1.31
0.08
3.58 16.18
24.60
9.30
11.12
10.69
6.62
1.77
4.65
0.00
89.90
Mount Kellett
(Matilda Hospital)
1.34
0.00
3.18
17.82
22.34
6.61
8.87
8.84
3.64
0.00
2.41
0.00
75.05
Pokfulam (W.W.)
0.82
0.00
2.72
15.75 19.52
5.96
8.93
11.96
4.87
1.08
3.07
0.00
74.68
Aberdeen (W.W.)
1.05
0.00
2.93
18.94 19.93
7.10
9.50
9.90
5.06
1.14
4.28
0.00
79.83
Wong Nei Chong
(Water Works)
1.09
0.04
3.70
20.55
18.57
9.54
11.94
11.87
5.71
1.04
5.15
0.00
89.20
Tytam (Water Works).
1.39
0.13
3.88
20.22
20.34
11.23
13.25
12.98
6.47
1.58
5.14
0.00
96.61
Tytam Tuk (W.W.)
1.41
0.08
4.34
18.08
18.24
8.32
11.87
12.03
4.91
1.13
4.71
0.00
85.12
Kowloon Reservoir
(Water Works)
0.88
0.00
4.37
15.54
21.42
9.30
9.42
13.04
8.15
1.62
6.22
0.00
89.96
Shek Li Pui (W.W.)
0.69
0.00
4.23
19.52
14.56
6.71
9.19
12.14
6.80
1.58
5.26
0.00
80.68
Shing Mun No. 1
(Water Works)
0.58
0.00
6.02
20.70
28.05
11.33
10.49
15.60
6.00
2.20
7.55
· 0.00
108.52
Shing Mun No. 2
(Water Works)
0.50
0.00
5.46
17.96 23.37
11.12
9.53
11.48
4.93
2.54
7.85
0.00
94.74
Shing Mun No. 3
(Water Works)
0.47
0.00
4.60
16.47 21.03
9.30
9.42
10.01
4.46
1.04
2.24
0.00
79.03
Un Long (W.W.)
0.33
0.00
5.09
15.11 14.30
4.67
5.09
6.62
3.10
0.88
7.15
0.00
62.34
Tai Po (Police)
1.18
0.06
6.13
14.95
20.78
11.13
9.61
7.21
7.01
1.29
6.47
0.00
85.82
Sai Kung (Police)
1.14
0.21
6.04 17.90
21.06
12.19
9.65
8.45
4.04
1.33
4.17
0.00
86.18
Lok Ma Chau (Police)
0.74
0.00
5.98
8.03
13.90
9.82
6.57
8.23
3.89
1.13
5.16
0.00
63.45
Ping Shan (Police)
1.17
0.01
5.17
14.81 13.36
5.72
6.01
6.59
3.84
0.76
5.60
0.00
63.04
Cheung Chau (Police)
0.99
0.00
4.09
19.39 11.60
3.85
8.90
7.41
4.24
0.79
3.55
0.00
64.81
Fanling (Royal H.K.
Golf Club)
1.14
0.10
4.32
10.30
17.57
6.94
8.82
6.90
6.22
0.94
6.38
0.00
69.63
1
F 4
III. PUBLICATIONS.
5. The following publications have been made during 1939:---
Magnetic Results, 1938.
Meteorological Results, 1938.
The Typhoon of April 20th-May 4th. App. B. to above.
Meteorological Records and Climatological Notes 1884-1938.
The following is in the press :-
Meteorological Results, 1939.
A monthly abstract of meteorological observations is published in the Govern ment Gazette and copies are supplied to any firm or individual requiring them, and a monthly seismological bulletin is issued and distributed to other observatories.
6. A weather map of the Far East for 6 a.m. of 120th meridian time is constructed daily and forecasts are issued for the following districts :—
A. Shanghai to Turnabout.
B. Turnabout to Hong Kong.
C. Hong Kong and neighbourhood.
D. Hong Kong to Hainan.
E. Northern China Sea.
The map, weather report and forecast are exhibited at the Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry piers, the Harbour Office, Telegraph Offices and General Post Office. The weather map may be purchased by the public at a subscription rate of 15 dollars
per annum.
There were 30 subscribers in 1939. A weather map for 2 p.m. is also prepared but is not published. Morning and afternoon weather reports and forecasts, together with observations made at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are published in the local press.
IV.—WEATHER TELEGRAMS, FORECASTS AND STORM WARNINGS.
7. The telegraph Companies continue to transmit twice daily, free of charge, meteorological observations from Japan, Shanghai, Manila, and Labuan, and extra observations at half rates when desired. The various meteorological radio services of the Far East are also utilised upon the daily synoptic charts.
8. Weather Telegrams from ships 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 5
British (Including H.M. Ships)
H.M. Ships in
Port.
Other Nationalities.
No. of ships
No. of messages
No. of ships
No. of messages
No. of ships
No. of messages
No. of ships
Total.
No. of messages
January
326
546
4
60
111
173
441
779
February
262
414
3
55
84
141
349
610
March
314 491
50
97
147
416
688
April
220 300
34
71
101
296
435
May
237
354
53
96
161
338
568
June
234
324
43
67
104
306
471
July
214
316
46
63
93
281
455
August
157
233
23
66
99
227
355
September
2
3
17
27
19
30
October
14
17
14
17
November
21
30
21
30
December
13
19
13
19
Totals.....
1939 1,966 2,981 1938 3,071 5,063 1937 1,874 2,955 1936 1,896 3,049
35 364
720
1,112
2,721
4,457
98 909 100 1.134 115 1,575
1,073
1,755
!
4,242
7,727
1,016
1,699 2,990
5,788
1,001
1,568
3,012
6,192
>
9. Weather forecasts, storm warnings and time signals are distributed by radio telegraphy as detailed in the Notice to Mariners issued by this Department. Storm warnings to Hong Kong and vicinity are also given by means of the Local and Non- local Signal Codes. A telegraphic adaption of the Non-local Code is used for issuing warnings by cable to places outside the Colony.
10. Local signals, day and night, have been hoisted during the past 5 years according to the following table.
Number of hours displayed.
Signal No. 10 Bombs.
Number of
times fired
Warning Signal.
Signals 2-9.
Year
Number of times.
Number of hours displayed.
Number of times.
1935
1936
1937
1938
3
1939
Or W or CA
4
86
5
93
5
80
34
50
GO LO LO mo co
3
5
5
3
6
SERR
60
77
1
53
1
29
28
V.METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FROM SHIPS, TREATY PORTS, ETC.
11. In addition to meteorological registers kept at about 40 stations in China, meteorological logs were received from 92 ships operating in the Far East. These logs, representing 6,323 days observations have been used for amplifying the weather maps and verifying typhoon tracks. The corresponding figures for 1938 were 112 and 7,596.
12.
- F 6
VI. MAGNETIC OBSERVATIONS.
The Magnetic Station at Au Tau has been kept in action throughout the year, and the results of the observations are being prepared for press.
VII. TIME SERVICE.
13. Clocks Cottingham and Mercer 507 (Sidereal) and Leroy 1350 were in use throughout the year. The necessary astronomical observations for the determination of the error of the former were obtained each evening (weather permitting) by the local staff. Observations of the radio time signals emitted by Nauen have been made daily whenever possible during the year and utilised for Clock regulation.
14. Time Signals were given throughout the year by radio from 9.55 a.m. to 10 a.m. each morning and 8.55 p.m. and 9 p.m. each evening. Dots of about 0.1 second duration were transmitted at each second except for periods marking the minutes and half minutes. The evening programme was duplicated by three white lights (vertical) on the radio mast, the lights being extinguished each second in accordance with the radio programme.
Hourly signals were sent to the General Post Office, Radio Studio, Railway, the associated Telegraph Companies and the Telephone Company.
The errors of the time signals have been published monthly in the Government Gazette.
XI. MISCELLANEOUS.
15. Aviation service.-A synoptic chart of the Far East, on which is also all available information concerning upper winds, is prepared and exhibited in the aerodrome, and a senior officer is available for consultation by departing pilots. An hourly weather report is broadcast daily, usually from 06.00 to 16.00 Hong Kong Standard Time, and is communicated in Q code directly to incoming planes. A route forecast is also furnished to the pilots of outgoing planes.
16. Seismographs.-The seismographs have been kept in good order throughout the year, 285 earthquakes were recorded, compared with 372 in 1938. The seismograms have been forwarded to the International Seismological Committee, Oxford. New electrical driving clocks installed in March have performed satisfactorily.
+
17. Upper Air Research.-Observations of upper air temperature and humidity by means of aeroplane flights to the approximate level of 4 Kilometres were commenced on September 8th, 1938, and continued until the end of March 1939. In all 93 flights were made and acknowledgement is again made to the personnel of the Far East Flying Training School Ltd., and of the Civil Airport. The observations, plotted in the form of entropy diagrams proved of material assistance in forecasting cloud formation, and funds were accordingly provided for a daily flight from April 1st. 269 flights have been accomplished since that date and the results have been of the greatest assistance in providing aviation forecasts, and it is hoped that investigation of the data accumulated will reveal valuable information concerning local atmospheric structure.
Whilst in England the Director was afforded opportunities by the Director of the Meteorological Office and the Superintendent of the Kew Observatory to study the operation of the Thomas and Vaisala radio-sondes. These instruments are practical and reasonable in price, but a shortage of supplies for manufacture etc. will prevent their extensive use, until the termination of hostilities.
18. Lithography.-Lithographic work for other departments was undertaken as follows:-
Botanical & Forestry Department Central British School
Colonial Secretariat
Kai Tak Airport
Medical Department
Maps
400
200
">
1.550
300
550
- F 7
19. Expenditure.-The annual expenditure on the Observatory for the past 10 years has been as follows:-
Personal Emoluments
Year.
and Other Charges.
Special Expenditure,
Total Expenditure.
Total Revenue.
$
&
$
$
&
1930.
68,696.59
1,670.07
70,366.66
506.80
1931...
76,037.81
76.037.81
735.00
1932..
69,518.23
69,518.23
598.00
1933..
63,165.42
63,165.42
600.00
1934..
59,327.62.
1,259.57
60,587.19
529.00
1935
56,333.76
56,333.76
488.00
1936...
71,416.17
71,416.17
612.40
1937...
83,631.91
338.08
83,969.99
458.00
1938...
86,743.10
6,198.06
92,941.16
522.00
1939.
96,940.33
13,408.75
110,349.08
469.60
20.
In the following table the expenditure and revenue for 1938 is compared with that for 1939.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE, 1938 AND 1939.
Personal Emoluments
1938.
1939.
$
&
79,930.62
90,580.72
Other Charges
Electric Light and Power
Gas
Incidental Expenses
909.66 97.65 411.37
1,025.30
78.15
405.74
Maintenance of Instruments and Plant.
1,673.08
1,938.80
Postage
179.78
155.23
Printing
2,986.00
2.198.50
Rent of Public Telephone.
117.00
117.00
Subscription to International Meteorological Organisation.
161.34
162.03
Transport
120.17
139.17
Uniforms
156.43
139.69
Special Expenditure
Balloon Theodolite
2,150.00
Renewal of Anemographs
4,048.06
Aerological Investigation (England)
Steel Cupboard
140.00
Aerological Investigation (Hong Kong)
13,268.75
Total, Other Charges
13,010.54
19,768.36
Total, Royal Observatory.
92,941.16
110,349.08
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF REVENUE, 1938 AND 1939.
Fees of Court or Office, Sale of Publications
1938
1939
$
Ć
522.00
469.60
F 8
21. The Director was on leave from 2nd February to 21st December, during which time Mr. B. D. Evans acted as Director and Mr. G. S. P. Heywood as Assistant Director.
22. Acknowledgements are here made to the Director of the Weather Services of the Far East, the Chinese Maritime Customs, and the Commanders of all ships for the observations forwarded during the year, to the Telegraph Companies for continuing to forward observations free or at reduced rates, to the Police and other rainfall observers at out-stations, to all institutions and individuals who have contributed to the Library and to the Observatory Staff for the efficient performance of their duties. Special acknowledgements are due to the staffs of the Gap Rock and Waglan lighthouses for co-operation during the approach of typhoons, and for assistance to the aviation service.
Royal Observatory,
6th March, 1940.
C. W. JEFFRIES,
Director.
Appendix G.
REPORT OF THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT OFFICIAL TRUSTEE, OFFICIAL ADMINISTRATOR AND REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES FOR THE 1939.
3
}
1
ORIGINAL JURISDICTION.
196 actions were instituted during the year 1939 as against 196 in 1938.
The claims amounted to $927,196.24 as against $1,056,615.63 in 1938.
The fees collected amounted to $13,310.60 as against $14,294.00 in 1938.
56 miscellaneous proceedings were heard during the year.
IN PRIZE.
8 causes were instituted during the year and the fees collected amounted to $338.00.
SUMMARY JURISDICTION.
1,420 actions were instituted during years as against 1,383 in 1938.
The claims amounted to $325,352.88 compared with $336,104.49 in 1938.
1,538 distraints for rent were issued representing unpaid rents amounting to $229,370.02 as against 3,040 and $304,233.87 respectively in 1938.
Fees collected amounted to $18,552.75 as against $29,194.75 in 1938.
SUITORS' FUNDS.
The sum of $232,541.81 was paid into Court on judgments in actions and $239,055.10 paid out to various judgment creditors.
CRIMINAL JURISDICTION.
477 persons were committed to Criminal Sessions of whom 381 were convicted.
APPELLATE JURISDICTION.
Criminal: There were 9 appeals against conviction. Or sentence at the Criminal Sessions.
Magistrates: There were 16 appeals against conviction or sentence.
Civil: There were 8 appeals against judgments of the Supreme Court Judges.
ADMIRALTY JURISDICTION.
Four actions were instituted during the year. The fees collected amounted to $454.50 as against $142.00 in 1938.
PROBATE JURISDICTION.
384 Grants (157 Probates and 227 Letters of Administration) were made by the Court. 69 Grants by other British Courts were sealed, making a total of 453 Grants made during the year compared with 509 in 1938.
Of the above number of Letters of Administration 2 were grants made to the Official Administrator.
G 2
Court fees in respect of all Grants amounted to $25,658.40 as against $26,159.00 in 1938.
DIVORCE JURISDICTION.
2 new petitions were filed during the year. 1 decree absolute was made, this petition being pending at the end of the year 1938. The fees collected amounted to $183.50 as against $638.50 in 1938.
OFFICIAL TRUSTEE.
The number of Trust Estates in the hands of the Official Trustee at the end of the year was 19. The invested funds totalled $128,436.27 and £1,850. 0. 0 producing an income (including interest on fixed deposit) of $10,200.34. One new trust was opened during the year and three trusts were closed.
The amount of commission collected was $104.90 as against $532.39 in 1938. Several are charitable trusts and therefore not liable for commission.
OFFICIAL ADMINISTRATOR.
During the year 30 deceaseds' estates were taken into the custody of the Official Administrator and the administration of 20 estates was completed. Official Administrator's commission amounted to $982.32 as against $3,732.41 in 1938.
COMPANIES REGISTRY.
76 Hong Kong companies, 8 Hong Kong China companies, and 25 Foreign corporations were registered during the year, the total number of Hong Kong companies being 703, Hong Kong China companies 130, and foreign corporations 301 at the end of the year. 17 companies were in process of liquidation.
The fees collected from the above companies amounted to $24,670.10.
Deposits to the total value of $2,616,000.00 have been made by insurance companies under the Fire and Marine Insurance Companies Deposit Ordinance, 1917, $1,463,500.00 being cash deposits.
Deposits under the Life Insurance Companies Ordinance, 1907, amount to $1,170,000.00 of which $201,920.49 consists of cash deposits.
A deposit of £20,000. 0. O was made by one company under both Fire and Marine Insurance Companies Deposit Ordinance and Life Insurance Companies Deposit Ordinance to cover business done under both these ordinances.
The fees collected for licences to keep branch registers outside the Colony amounted to $2,250.98. The fees collected from the Registrar of Companies at Shanghai in respect of China companies amounted to $101,823.62.
The total of all fees collected is $128,744.70 as against $168,821.42 in 1938.
BILLS OF SALE.
SO Bills of Sale were registered during the year as against 72 in 1938.
REVENUE (FEES, COMMISSION, ETC.).
The total collected during the year amounted to $240,916.78 compared with $302,802.00 in 1938.
•
+
*
1
L. R. ANDREWES,
Registrar, Supreme Court,
Official Trustee, Official Administrator,
and Registrar of Companies.
20th March, 1940.
S
?
Appendix G. (1).
REPORT OF THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AND REGISTRAR OF
TRADE MARKS AND PATENTS FOR THE YEAR 1939.
BANKRUPTCY AND COMPANIES WINDING-UP.
AMOUNT OF INSOLVENCY.
The following comparative table shews the amount of insolvency in the Colony under the Bankruptcy Ordinance, No. 10 of 1931, during the years 1938 and 1939.
Year:
1938
1939
No. of Receiving Orders and Adminis-
tration Orders.
5
3
¡
Estimated Liabilities.
Estimated Assets.
$ 22,686.63
$ 6,106.00
188,930.00
186,500.00
1.
The amount of insolvency in 1939 under the Companies Ordinance, No. 39 of 1932, was not available as no Statement of Affairs was filed by the Ching Kee Steam Navigation Co., Ltd., the only company wound-up during the year.
GENERAL.
Eight petitions in bankruptcy were presented during 1939, five by creditors. and three by debtors. Of these two were dismissed, one was adjourned, two were withdrawn and in the remaining three cases Receiving Orders were made. In 1938 there were ten petitions.
The failure in 1939 under the Bankruptcy Ordinance, 1931, included one battery manufacturing company, one import and export firm, one toilet shop, one grocery, one junk owner, one tailor shop and an employee of commercial firm. One company wound-up in 1939 under the Companies Ordinance, No. 39 of 1932, was a steam navigation company.
No applications for discharge by bankrupts were presented in 1939.
During the year dividends were declared in respect of one bankrupt estate.
During the year the Court granted the Official Receiver his discharge from trusteeship in respect of six bankrupt estates and outside trustees three estates, all of which were fully administered. "One outside liquidator was released.
FEES.
The total amount of the Official Receiver's statutory fees and commission under the Bankruptcy Ordinance, 1931, and the Companies Ordinance, 1932, was $9,596.50 for 1939 as against $6,236.86 for 1938. The increase was due to the fact that the failures were slightly larger in 1939,
2
BANKRUPTCY ESTATES ACCOUNT.
The payments into and out of the Bankruptcy Estates Account in respect of bankrupt estates in process of administration under the Bankruptcy Ordinance, 1931, for the years 1938 and 1939, have been as follows:-
Payments in
Payments out
1938.
$22,207.08
32,720.68
1939.
$45,187.56
88,972.04
COMPANIES LIQUIDATION ACCOUNT.
The payments into and out of the Companies Liquidation Account in respect of companies in process of winding-up under the Companies Ordinance, 1932, for the years 1938 and 1939, have been as follows:-
Payments in
Payments out
1938.
$11,609.38
1,181.67
1939.
$20,539.85
40,748.20
REGISTRATION OF TRADE MARKS.
The following comparative table shews the business done under the Trade Marks Ordinance, 1909, during the years 1938 and 1939.
Year.
No. of applications for registration
received.
No. of Trade Marks registered.
No. of Registered Trade Marks
Fees.
renewed.
1938
436
350
333
$22,355.57
1939
436
375
343
$24.121.33
REGISTRATION OF UNITED KINGDOM PATENTS.
The following comparative table shews the business done under the Registration of United Kingdom Patents Ordinance, 1932, during the years 1938 and 1939.
Year.
1938
1939
No. of Patents registered.
15
7
Fees.
$186
117
L
3
STATEMENT OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE OF DEPARTMENT.
REVENUE.
EXPENDITURE.
Under the Bankruptcy
Ordinance, 1931
$9,476.20
Salaries of Officers
33
the Companies Ordinance, 1932.
Incidentals
120.30
Special
the Trade Marks
93
Ordinance, 1909
24,121.33
the Registration
of United Kingdom
Patents Ordinance,
1932
117.00
the Unclaimed
Balances Ordinance,
1929
6,264.55
$40,099.38
$27,305.04
253.55
1,544.76
$29,103.35
Excess of Revenue = $10,996.03
In 1938 the excess of revenue was $30,057.94.
The decrease of revenue in 1939 was due to fewer unclaimed balances.
MISCELLANEOUS,
Mr. J. B. Prentis was appointed Official Receiver and Registrar of Trade Marks on 1st December, 1939, in succession to Mr. L. R. Andrewes who had become Registrar of the Supreme Court.
J. B. PRENTIS,
Official Receiver and Registrar of Trade
Marks and Patents.
Appendix H.
REPORT OF THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON MAGISTRACIES
FOR THE YEAR 1939,
HONG KONG.
1. Mr. R. A. D. Forrest was First Police Magistrate from the 1st January to the end of the year.
Mr. R. Edwards was Second Police Magistrate from the 1st January to the end of the year.
Mr. T. J. Houston was Third Police Magistrate from the 1st January to the end of the year.
The number of cases was 29,779 as compared with 38,612 in 1938.
KOWLOON.
2. Mr. Q. A. A. Macfadyen was First Police Magistrate from the 1st January to the end of the year.
Mr. E. Himsworth was Second Police Magistrate from the 1st January to the end of the year.
The number of cases was 27,666 as compared with 34,181 in 1938.
GENERAL.
3. Table I shows the expenditure of the two magistracies for the years 1938 and 1939 including the cost of all officers in the departments who belong to the Cadet, Senior Clerical and Accounting, and Junior Clerical Services.
4. Table II shows the collections of the two magistracies for the same years.
5. Table III shows their revenue and expenditure for the last ten years in comparative form.
6. Table IV gives an abstract of cases under cognizance of the Magistrates' Courts during the years 1938 and 1939 in comparative form. The number of offenders previously convicted who were sentenced during the year is shown and the number of offenders who were placed under police supervision in addition to their sentences is given. Orders made for confiscation of unmanifested cargo, etc. are also shown.
7. Table V is an analysis of the "convicted and sentenced" column in table IV showing the penalties inflicted under each of the seven main heads of crime in the table. The number of offenders previously bound over whose bonds have been enforced on committing a breach of the conditions of the bonds is also shown.
1
1
H 2
8. Table VI is a return of boy juvenile offenders brought before the Hong Kong and Kowloon Magistrates' Courts during the years 1938 and 1939 giving their ages, the offences committed by them and the sentences imposed.
Y
9. Table VII is a return of girl juvenile offenders, giving information similar to that in table VI.
10. Table VIII gives the number of writs issued from the two magistracies during the years 1938 and 1939.
11. Table IX is an abstract of all cases brought before the Hong Kong and Kowloon Magistrates' Courts during the last ten years.
12.
13.
Table X shows the work done by the Magistrates sitting as Coroners.
The number of bonds enforced during the year is also shown in tables IV, VI, VII, and IX.
14. Proceedings were taken under the Extradition Acts against two persons for crimes committed outside the Colony. Both of them were committed to Police custody pending arrangements to be made for their return to face charges at Saigon and Shanghai respectively.
15. Summonses under the Separation and Maintenance Order Ordinance, 1935, in Hong Kong numbered 28 as against 16 in 1938. Orders were made in 17 of them. In Kowloon these summonses numbered 6 against 5 in 1938. Orders were made in 3 of them.
16. The number of convictions for offences in respect of heroin and opium has continued the serious upward trend noted in the report for 1938; for which the figures were 1,185 and 2.220 respectively. The corresponding figures for 1939 were 2,095 and 2,555 being increases of 75% and 15% respectively..
The persons who appear before the Courts charged with keeping the divans are not the owners but are in fact employed to go to prison in their stead. They are generally destitutes and do not fear imprisonment. I understand they or their relatives are paid by their employers a certain sum for each month spent in prison.
17. There has been a sharp decrease in cases of earring snatching due to a more vigorous policy of flogging. Bag snatching has, however, increased.
18. The figures of other serious crimes remained approximately the same as in 1938.
19. A drop of 50% was recorded in the number of hawking cases heard. This was due to the Courts discouraging such cases being brought unless the arrest was made under the supervision of a European sergeant. It was felt that indiscriminate and unsupervised arrests by constables did not solve this perennial problem and led to grave abuses. Several constables were convicted of obtaining illegal exactions from hawkers during the year.
J
1
H 3
20. Most of the petty larcenies and forestry offences were due to poverty. Unfortunately the Refugee Camps would not admit such persons even if first offenders because of their alleged criminal taint. Much use has been made of the power of expulsion granted to Magistrates this year and many grants to such persons have been made from the Poor Box to aid them on their journey back to their village. It is true that in some cases the money so given has been used to pay their fare back to Hong Kong but many have been successfully repatriated by this
means.
21. Crimes by juveniles shew a slight increase. Gangs led by adults are still appearing in the Courts. Little of a reformative nature can be done in the absence of the necessary reformatory.
30th March, 1940.
H. G. SHELDON, First Police Magistrate.
H 4
Table I.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE, 1938 AND 1939.
HONG KONG.
1938.
1939.
$109,793.00
$ 72,934.30
Personal Emoluments
OTHER CHARGES.
Electric Fans and Light
Fees for Interpretation
308.00
351.19
193.00
110.00
Incidental Expenses
Law Books
425.00
308.36
72.00
52.54
Transport
134.00
163.63
Uniform for Messengers
144.00
147.30
SPECIAL EXPENDITURE.
Typewriter
Total
313.00
$111,069.00
$ 74,380.32
KOWLOON
Personal Emoluments (1)
1938.
$ 66,820.00
1939.
$ 58,644.00
OTHER CHARGES.
Electric Fans and Lights
492.00
437.00
Fees for Interpretation
76.00
34.00
Fuel Oil
63.00
128.00
Incidental Expenses
197.00
200.00
Transport
184.00
153.00
Uniform for Messengers
98.00
140.00
SPECIAL EXPENDITURE.
Law Books
119.00
162.00
One Typewriter
Total
$ 68,049.00
$ 59,898.00
(1) Includes officers of Cadet, S.C. & A., and J.C. Services.
1
Fines
Fees
H 5
Table II.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF COLLECTIONS 1938 AND 1939.
Forfeitures
Liquor (Temporary permit)
Arms forfeitures
Poor Box
Arms Fine Fund
Revenue Reward Fund
HONG KONG.
Other Miscellaneous Receipts (Fees for
warrants issued)
Total
Fines
Fees
Forfeitures
Poor Box
Arms Fine Fund
Revenue Reward Fund
Other Miscellaneous Receipts
KOWLOON.
1938.
1939.
$ 84,357.00
$ 88,549.26
256.00
31,179.00
301.16
35,813.28
70.00
170.00
2,628.00
3,136.15
170.00
145.00
15,938.00
14,073.21
20.00
6.30
$134,618.00
$142,194.36
1938.
1939.
$ 62,348.00
$ 68,323.00
319.00
175.00
7,600.00
10,426.00
1,045.00
1,219.00
185.00
170.00
6,730.00
4,755.00
62.00
32.00
Total
$ 78,289.00
$ 85,100.00
H 6
Table III.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE
FOR LAST TEN YEARS.
HONG KONG.
Year.
Personal Emoluments and other charges.
Special Expenditure.
Total Expenditure.
Total Revenue.
1930
70,168.00
70,168.00
86,738.00
1931
70,000.00
70,000.00
136,913.00
1932
73,453.00
...
73,453.00
109,300.00
1933
69,259.00
115.00
69,374.00
126,559.00
1934
78,151.00
64.00
78,215.00
139,210.00
1935
60,297.00
51.00
60,348.00
84,836.00
1936
62,109.00
62,109.00
85,596.00
1937
74,206.00
288.00
74,495.00
95,259.00
1938
111,069.00
111,069.00
115,882.00
1939
74,380.00
313.00
74,693.00
124,840.00
KOWLOON.
1930
$21,223.00
$21,223.00
$61,687.00
1931
40,698.00
40,698.00
74,027.00
1932
38,067.00
38,067.00
65,175.00
1933
32,405.00
32,405.00
75,592.00
1934
38,746.00
38,746.00
63,168.00
1935
37,772.00
717.00
38,489.00
48,363.00
+
1936
56,752.00
119.00
56,871.00
43,700.00
1937
51,321.00
446.00
51,767.00
58,930.00
1938
67,930.00
119.00
68,049.00
70,329.00
1939
59,736.00
162.00
59,898.00
78,956.00
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDE
Classification of Offences.
Total No. of Total No. of
charges.
Defts.
Convicted and sentenced.
OFFENCES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS
Cases, hou
Discharged.
M.
F.
Total.
M.
F.
(a)—Against their property.
1. Larceny Simple
Stealing from the person
Embezzlement and fraudulent
conversion
Robbery
Piracy
1938
1939
1938
1939 1938
1939
1938
1939 1938
1939
1938
1939
1938 1939
*2,171 1,898 |2,2511,991 1,766 1,418
588 637 601 653
14
41,780 1,422
148 178
5
534
583
1
1
535
584
60
52
888888
Burglary and house breaking
Demanding with menaces
False pretences and cheating
Receiving and possession of stolen
goods
Larceny by servant
2. Arson
3. Malicious damage
4. Forgery
5. Other offences
(b)Against their persons.
1,797 12,096 1,870 2,211 1,188 1,340
68
58
57
19
23
28
98
90 107
5
10
5
89
142
93
69
85
70
18
20
24
163
54
60
367
271
388
༅། ིིཀྐཎྜ ཀྑཱུནི།ཨོཾཙྪོ
37
51
37
51
13
3
9
4
91
97
91
97
14
8
4
71 121
∞
73
129
15
H.
1
4
15
235
1231,423 1,463
312
402
20
14
42
50
47
50
10
30
18
18
18
18
11
59
27
44
27
44
14
5
307
257
210
258
211
98
53
1. Murder
2. Manslaughter
3. Ill-treatment and grievous harm
4. Common assault
5. Kidnapping
6. Sexual offences
7. Other offences
OFFENCES OF A PUBLIC NATURE,
(c)Against the Crown and Govt.
Co
51
178
ཌ॰།
11
7 * 29
T
}
17
3
3
1
48
52
59
25
196 216
254
88
121
220
22
6
1
8888
31
26
15
89
122
53
55
2
6
2
6
3
27
14
27
19
10
5
14
13
1
18
15
| | | | | |
1
lollll
1
2
1. Passport and aliens registration
offences
161
2. Weights and measures offences
10
3. Currency offences
11
4. Sedition and intimidation
6
13
8758
171
81
123
56
14
137
10
7
9
9
a8
60
25
17
7
1
11
5
2
3
8
15
7
7
1
5. Unlawful societies
7. Misconduct by Government officers...]
8. Opium offences
9. Dangerous drug offences
10. Tobacco and Liquor offences
23
1
23
23
1
6. Trespass and damage on Crown Land
173
205 191 261
111
169
19
8
130
177
51
2
2
2 946 1,044 1,006 1,183
3
2
1
2
1
891 1,087
45
27
936 1,114
65
53
910 507 969
11. Other offences
450 446 396 497 407 313 327 405 352 445 377 368 294
.406 858
13
10
419 868
51
57
97
20 410 347
64
42
23
14
391 308
50
52
Carried forward
8,327 8,675 8,729 9,388 6,406 6,906
489
226 6,895 7,132 1,066 1,102
59
33
* 1 Extradition.
Under this heading are included 1,757 cas
Macada
H 7
Table IV.
BSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNISANCE OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATES' COURTS DURING THE YEARS 1938 A
HONG KONG.
Cases, how disposed of, and the Number of Male and Female Adult Defendants under each Head.
Discharged.
Committed for trial at the Supreme Court.
Committed to prison or detained pending orders of H.E. the Governor.
Bound over without further penalty.
To keep the peace and be
of good behaviour.
To come up for
judgment.
Total.
M.
F.
Total.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
M.
F.
38
1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939
1938
1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939
1938 1939
1938
1939
1938 1939 1938 198
301,422
148 178
5
1
153 179
3
279
309
3
30
78
3
65
584
60
52
60
52
5
14
1
3
=7
51
13
3
13
9
4
9
* w
21
97
14
14
3
6
19
34
2
3
3
4
1
1
3 129
15
15
1
15
16
3
5
3
131,463
312
402
20
14
332
416
1
75
208
21
49
7
50
100
13
57
5
8
10
8
10
11
24
1
3
5
∞∞
8
18
4
11
11
1
1
7
44
14
5
15
5
17
8
1
8
211
98
53
98
53
3
5
18
32
8
6
3
1
26
9 122
53
17
1455
1 1
3
8
15
1
1
17
11
1
4
15
11
121
1
54
56
2
1
17
5
1
Co
I
| |
11
68
3
3
1
7
60
9
1302 6 σ OT
7
86-9
25
17
7
32
1
1
1
2
1
CHEE
2151
17
3
5
177
51
43
1
51
44
2
1,114
9 868
0 347 64
1 308
6555
65
53
7
68
60
51
57
60
57
24
37
42
7
71
43
50
52
2
52
56
5 7,132 1,066 1,102 59 33 1,125 1,135
95 117
11
10
5
2
Q
this heading are included 1,757 cases of offences against the Forestry Ordinance,
I
I
―
| | |
1
5
31
1
7
4108
I
3
1
T
478
729
43
63
2
2
CT OF IA OT
5
70
182
1111
1
18
24
G THE YEARS 1938 AND 1939.
reach Head.
thout further penalty.
nd be
To come up for
Under Police supervision.
Previously convicted.
Bonds enforced.
Order made.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
1939
1938
1939 1938 1939
1938
1939 1938 1939
1938 1939 1938 1939
1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939
3
30 78
3
1
3
2243
12
34
29
49
417 302 128 210
2
24
42
66
6
11
1
1
judgment.
M.
I
4
14
24
1
1
3
2
2
9
49
13
1
co co
57
5
18
3
176
191
12
7
7
36
3
5
3
1
Magy
1
1
1
2
8
6
3
6
60
32
4
| |
15
111
2
ง +
~
111
1
3
3
| | | | |
| |
3
2 2
63
70
182
18
24
45
100
5
1
คง
1
2
111
| | | | | | │
| | | | | | |
17
23
19
17
464
55
1
4
62
1
10
1
2
1
}
|
1
+ 3
† 2
869 924
16
13
37
113
2
3
+ Confiscation order.
I
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDE
Classification of Offences.
Total No. of Total No. of
charges.
Defts.
Convicted and sentenced.
Brought forward
(d)-Against Public Justice.
1. Escape and breach of prison
2. Returning from banishment
3. Perjury
4. Bribery
5. Other offences;
(e)—Against the Public peace.
1. Breach of the peace
2. Unlawful possession of arms
3. Other offences
(f)-Against trade.
M.
F.
1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939
8,327 8,675 8,729 9,388 6,406 6,906 489 226
Cases, how
Discharged.
Total.
M.
F.
1938 1939
1938 1939 1938 1939
6,895 7,132 1,066 1,102 59
333333
3.
1
299
319:
299
319
252
302 12
2
264
3 304
286
10.
10
7
2
2
9
14
9
18
10
14.
17
10
11
5
10
2
12
114
70
264
184
63
40
24
23
29
26
2
6
1
N
105
1
65 11
13
1
031
40 23
25
3
3
3
on ca
2
1. Unmanifested
cargo
79
21
81
12
51
11
2. Stowing away
4
{
3. Trade Marks infringement
20
60
19
60
2
36
4. Employers and workmen offences
5:
5
}
5. Food and drugs offences
19
19
18
6. Other offences
71
72
71
75
59
68
1 1 1 1
888
14
8888
65
11
12
36:
17
21.
1
1
18
1
1
60
69
10
5
H
LA
(g)Against Public Morals and Police.
1. Begging and touting
416
2. Brothels and procuration of women.. 3. Lotteries and gambling
195 457
4. Offences against public health
5 Street hawkers offences
71 17 283 202 288
14 16 272 430 660 2,075 3,193 1,747 2,809 227 1,605 767 1,614 778 1,175 615 153 43
209. 322 238
7
339
78
97
76
13
3
184 190
286 200
- 2
32
1,974 2,999
87
161
11
1,328 658 242
106
40
6
6: Obstruction
18,865 11,385 18,918 11,385 12,065 8,203 4,2322,676 16,297 10,879 2,012
380
592
118
955
7: Offences with fire crackers
955 897
131
91 131
8. Drunkenness
11
11. Vagrants
9: Traffic offences of a technical nature. 4,505 4,473 4,506 4,473 4,173 4,211 10: Dangerous driving of vehicles
6
11
897 697 711
91 100 10
2
2
699 713; 254
180
1
1
73
100
73 31
18
10
5
27
3
4,200 4,214 301
258
303 200 303 200 280
167
283 168 20
32
31
12: Unlicensed and unmuzzled dogs
20
35
21
35
14
35
14
6.
13. Mur Tsai offences of a technical nature 14: Ill-treatment of Mai Tsai
231 294 231
294
192
236
196 237 35
57
112
72 113
74
11
16 31
26
42
42 5
5
3
13
3
15
2
5
2
15: Other offences
432
365
413
294 213 158 106
33
319
191 69
51
516
26.
6
24
Total'
37,298 28,92839,598 32,281 27,911 24,713 5,595 3,405 33,506 28,118 4,301 2,506 762 255 5
1 defendant absconded
+ Confiscation order.
To pay wages.
To pay costs.
H S
Table IV,-Continued.
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNISANCE OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATES' COURTS DURING THE YEARS 1938
HONG KONG.Continued.
Cases, how disposed of, and the Number of Male and Female Adult Defendants under each Head.
tenced.
Discharged.
Committed for trial at the detained pending orders Committed to prison or Supreme Court.
of H.E. the Governor.
Bound over without further penalty.
To keep the peace and be To come up fo
of good behaviour.
judgment.
F.
M.
F.
M.
Total.
M.
F.
Total.
M.
F.
M.
1988 1939 1938 1939
1938
1939 1938 1939
1938
1939 1938
1939 1938 1939
6,895 7,132 1,066 1,102 59
331,1251,135
95 117
5
2
1
264
304
යක
ཧྥུལ་
7
28
14
1
10
1
6
1
2
2
12:
2
2
65
40 23
11
13
1
262
25
3
cr co
3
11
1
33
26
28
6
11
6
: 2
65
11
12
16
1
42.
36
17
21
17
21
1
1
8.00
18
60
69 10
5
10
cr
339
286
78 97 200
76
13
3
110
79
2
32
2
32
1,974 2,999 87
161
11
1
98
162
1,328 658
242 106
40
6
292
112
6,297 10,879 2,012
380
592
118 2,604
498
699
713 254 180
255 181
1001 73
10
5 4,200 4,214 301
31
18
31
18
1
258
305
258
283 168 20
32
20
32
35
14
6.
196 237 35
57
35
57
42
42 5
5.
25
26
30
31
2
7
1
6
1
7
3191
191
69
51
24
75
75
3,506 28,1184,301 2,506
762
255 5,063 2,761 137
139
To pay costs.
............
10
5
2
111
| | |
1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938
! ! !
478 729 43
63
70 182
18
151
102
21
10
1
1
1
7
21
25
3
1
4
1
16
7
1
2
Co
11
1
3
7
3
671
897
79
91
79 217
41
9 to pay maintenance, 33 for redemption of articles under Pawnbroker's Ordinance,
3 confiscation orders,
5 for money granted from or paid into Poor Box.
17 t
THE YEARS 1938 AND 1939.
ach Head.
hout further penalty.
F.
M.
Order made.
F.
1939 1938 1939 1938 1939
be
To come up for judgment.
Under Police
supervision.
Previously convicted.
Bonds enforced.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
888
39
1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939
63
70 182
18
24
45 100
869 924
16
1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938
113
13
37
10
1
||
1
a
M.E
11
TH
111
42
130
2
111
1
| 11
111
2
1 1 1 1 1
111
| | | | | |
111
111
111
25
2
74
12
2
1
6
17
6
5
13
1
13
3
11
91
·
79
ce,
1
9
6
10
217
41
28
45
101
Į
Co
9
† 3 † 4
16
I
1
† 10
§ 3
4
|| 50
T 99
TITI
11,0211,085 4.7
20
38
114
2
63
129
1
17 to pay maintenance, 70 for redemption of articles under Pawnbroker's Ordinance,
8 for money granted from or paid into Poor Box,
2 for allowing bail to appear,
1 for confiscation of bail,
1 for ejectment.
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNIS
Cases, how disposed o;
Discharged
M.
F.
Total.
M.
F.
Classification of Offences.
Fotal No. of Total No. of]
charges.
Defts.
Convicted and sentenced.
OFFENCES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS.
(a)-Against their property.
1938
1938 1939
1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939
1938 1938 1939
1939
1. Larceny and. attempted larceny:
Simple Larceny
1,711 1,901 1,712 1,803 1,259 1,330
20
Stealing from the person
368 497 367 499 318 453
1
Embezzlement and fraudulent conversior
69
43
49
38
32
26
2
132
111,279 1,341
114
101
12
319 456
38 37
1
34
28
10
4
Robbery
23
41
30
99
5
5
5
34
Piracy
Burglary and house breaking
123
86 111
Demanding with menaces
12
19
19
23
False pretences and cheating
52
58
37
42
Receiving and possession of stolen good: 1,269 881 1,347
914
Larceny by servant
55
73
58
78
2. Arson
3. Malicious damage
13
.28
16
4. Forgery
24
30
5
៩១៨៖១ |
| ឌ១ន | គង
75
92
75
11
5
10
9
10
10
29
25
30
5
5
1
2
560
379
190
82
750
461
40
54
6
1
46
55
༤
463
371
38
13
9
-
30
8
30
4
6
5
6
5. Other offences
370
602
389
640
251
478
16
256
494
93
72
652
5
(b)—Against their persons.
1. Murder
2. Manslaughter
3. Ill-treatment and grievous harm
4. Common assault
5. Kidnapping
6. Sexual offences
7. Other offences
3
13
36
5
2
5
2
11
31
41
36
46
15
16
172
228
229
275
63
74
6
1
1
1
78
181
11
11
Į
1
16
2
1
17
17
10
14
68
82
34
56
2
7
1
6
1
1
1
1
82
48
93
54
43
19
14
11
57
30
18
9
111
2
3
4
ප
圣
OFFENCES OF A PUBLIC NATURE.
(c) Against the Crown and Govt.
1. Passport and aliens registration offences
2. Weights and measures offences
3. Currency offences
4. Sedition and intimidation
·40
උස
888
18
13
16
2
8
10
පස
16
621
621
430
6
1
5. Unlawful societies
1
1
6. Trespass and damage on Crown Land
89
167
104
7. Misconduct by Government officers
10
197 7
65 4
115 5
21
39
86
154
2
2
4
5
1
8. Opium offences
9. Dangerous drugs
10. Tobacco and Liquor offences
11. Other offences
1,274 1,5111,322 1,583 1,205 1,440 735 1,185 761 1,253 660 1,115
54
58 1,259 1,498
48
70
12
14
21
44
681 1,159
57
70
13
11
429
281 339 251 249 189 292 215
248 382
244 180
70
45 319
234
12
9
5
5
63
26 307
206
51
30
16
4
Carried forward
7,270 7,996 7,464 8,253 5,167 6,044
479
3495,646 6,393 1,008 942 116
82
Under this heading are included 473 cases of offences against the Forestry Ordinance.
H 9-
Table IV,-Continued.
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNISANCE OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATËS' COURT DURING THE YF
Convicted and sentenced.
KOWLOON.
Cases, how disposed of, and the Number of Male and Female Adult Defendants under each He
Bound ove
Discharged.
Committed for trial at the Supreme Court.
M.
F.
Total.
M.
F.
Total.
M.
F.
1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939
1938 1939
1938 1939 1938
1939 1938
Committed to prison or detained pending orders of H.E. the Governor.
M.
F.
To keep the peace of good behavi
M.
}
1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938
1,259 1,330
20
818
453
32
26
13 2
242
111,279 1,341
114 101
12
8
126 109
1
319 456
38
37
1
1
39
38
34
28
10
4
1
11
4
2
5
5
5
34
5
34
20
63
92
75
92
75
5
11
6
9
10
9
10
10
8
10
2
21
29
25
80
5
2
6
7
560
379
190
750 461
463
371
38
13
501
384
1
2
40
54
6
46
55
7
9
7
9
8
30
5
6
85
88
4
6
251
478
5
16
256
494
93
72
642
5
7
111
5
5
5
9
98
81
Co
3
|||
2
11
!
11
1
16.
1
1
15
16
17
17
10
14
3
10
63
74
.68
82
34
56
4
36
9-E8
16
19
1
1
17
4
60
1
1
2
1
2
5
1
1
1
5
5
43
19
14
11
57
30
18
6
4
24
13
5
4
16
621
16
2
7
5
10
10
6
Co
1
6
co
1
1
65
115
10 10
21
39
86 154
5
2
7
5
5
2
1,205 1,440
54
58 1,259 1,498
70
12
660 1,115
21
44 681
1,159
70
13
249 189
70
45 319 234
12
9
244 180
63
26 307 206
51
30
16
2356
14
60
84
11
70.
81
5
17
14
4
67
34
15,167 6,044 479
3495,646 6,393 1,008 942
116
821,124 1,024
70 125
re included 473 cases of offences against the Forestry Ordinance.
Co
6
1
27
4
2
1
1
3
7
6
6
5
111
103
21
3
2
2
11
161
133
40
T DURING THE YEARS 1938 AND 1939.
dants under each Head.
Bound over without further penalty.
on or
rders
Police Supervision.
Previously convicted.
Bonds enforced.
rnor.
To keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
To come up for judgment.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
1939
1938
1939
1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939
27
4
2
2 268 337
9
10
23
29
31
17
96
1
467
432
124
129
1
3
1
1938 1939 1938 1939
83
***
3
50 5
| 1
2
8
35
4
1
61
51
20
16
3
132
4
14
22324
17
1
11
32
8
5
1
3
1
7
6
2
ลง
24
43
1111
1
5
2
76
83
7
9
6
5 111
20
103
21
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
T
Co
2
2
1
| | │
161 133
།༥
13
2
19
2
ON
40
28 385
482
32
59
73
93
T
T
9
11
1
862
701
10
2 111
73
1
Į
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER CO
Classification of Offences.
Total No. of Total No. of
charges. Defts.
Convicted and sentenced.
Brought forward
(d)-Against Public Justice.
1. Escape and breach of prison
2. Returning from banishment
3. Perjury
4. Bribery
5. Other offences
(e-Against the Public peace.
1. Breach of the peace
3. Other offences
2. Unlawful possession of arms
(f)-Against trade.
Cases, how disposed o
Discharged
M.
F.
Total.
M.
F.
1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939
1938
1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939
7,270 7,9967,464 8,2535,167 6,044
479
349 5,646 6,393 1,008 942 116
82
247
78∞
7 420
246
418
8
18
7
311
41 310
2015
20
18
18
211 380
10
12
221
392
2
2
5
1
6
13
4
11
12
2
51
263
24
39
1
802
25
5
21
2
64 184
166
407
24
65
18
56
96
105
108
105
28
28
56
9
9
37
13
77
588
37
13
80
2
79
88899985
65
10
37
80
19
929
12
948
1. Unmanifested cargo
2. Stowing away
27
3. Trade Marks infringement
3
4. Employers and workmen offences
7
5. Food and drugs offences
11
11
6. Other offences
25
92
CELEST
2
1
19
66
27
50
13
3
10
28-
1
2
1
21
1
3
8-
50
21
12
1
3
2
3
7
3
11
11
11
24
99
19
8888
10
11
82
2
10
21
0803
10
92
3
(g)-Against Public Morals and Police..
27715
8
3
1. Begging and touting
3. Lotteries and gambling
2. Brothels and procuration of women
983 1,0561,010
946 295 232
42
58 337 290
39
44
6
10
360
348 364 360 277 213
81
137 358 350
2
3
4. Offences against public health
224
12. Unlicensed and unmuzzled dogs 13. Mui Tsai offences of a technical nature 14. Ill-treatment of Mui Tsai
5. Street hawkers offences
6. Obstruction
7. Offences with fire crackers
8. Drunkenness
9. Traffic offences of a technical nature 10. Dangerous driving of vehicles 11. Vagrants
42 .102 1 4 3,582 3,421 3,528 3,350 3,275 3,004
204
203
3301,086 1,683 1,006 1,449 895 1,196 904 1,241 685 680 11,967 9,395 11,960 9,4137,256 7,447 4,175 5,021 1,295 5,024 1,291 2,755 1,013 1,768
103
49
179 1,055 1,628
26
43
3
43 100 728 780
145
455
25
1,825 11,4319,272
290
115 207
23
171 4,523 1,184
334
99 164
CLK2R4
1
45 4
86
34 3
86
34
16
11
3
32
35 3,307 3,039
212
292
3
81
81 192
76
1
193
76
10
5
6
4
4
164
201
157
173
108
102
19
60 72
4
55
71
10
22
28
4
2
1
15. Other offences
1,014
509
936
539
713 379
92
68
885
12 127 114
26
45
13
26 38
1
1
805
447
86
51
229
12
10
3219
Total
32,685 26,936 33,7708,683 22,503 21,413 6,867 2,995 29,370 24,408 2,256 2,219 569 160
* figures included in 6 other offences (1)
H 10
Table IV,-Continued.
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNISANCE OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATES' COURT DURING TI
KOWLOON,-Continued.
Cases, how disposed of, and the Number of Male and Female Adult Defendants under each'H
Discharged.
Committed for trial at the Supreme Court.
Committed to prison or detained pending orders of H.E. the Governor.
J
M.
F.
Total.
M.
F.
Total.
M.
F.
M.
F1.
Convicted and sentenced.
Bound ove
To keep the peace of good behav
M.
161
133
40
1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938
1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938
5,167 6,044 479
349 5,646 6,393 1,008
942 116
821,124 1,024 70 125
6
9
18
18
211
380 10
12
221 392
5
1
6
4
11
1
4
263
24
39
1
302
2257545
12
28
28
56
13
77
58
37
80
G
2
2
cr bo
2
1
5
21
2
E
1 1 1 1 1
2
6
18
24
2
1
1
7
21
9
9
2503
37
13
79
358
65
10
37
80
19
ON!
49
8
1
2
4
12
11
២២២
18
2
19
12
BA8
50
4
8
12
3
50
28-
1
21
3
11
19
888
10
82
2
| | | | |
2
1
50
21
12
1
3
2 2 2
2
3
11
10
10
21
92
27715
1.
423
15
3
111
1 1 1 1 1 1
277
295 232
42
58
337 290
39
44
6
10
45
277 213
81
137 358 350
2
3
4
3
6
1,006 1,449
49
1791,055 1,628
26
43
3
5
29
48
685 680
43
100 728 780
145
455
25
170
457
7,2567,4474,175 1,825 11,431 9,272
,755 1,013 1,768
290 115 207
497
198
171 4,523 1,184
334
99
164
498
103
86
34
86
34
16
11
16
11
3
3
5,275 3,004
32
35 3,307 3,039
212 292
192
76
1
193
76
10
4
NO ON
2
❤
214
295
10
5
108
102
19
12 127
114
26
45
4
13
4
10
22
28
26
38
1
12
1
1
1
1
713
379
92
68
805
447
86
51
10
229
3219
30
58
13
3
2
96
60
2,503 21,413 6,867 2,995 29,870 24,408 2,256 |2,219 569 160 2,8252,379 93
other offences (1)
..
1 1 1 1
85
210
26
5
4
111
1 1 1 1 1 1
| | |
| | | | | |
167
6
11
1
1| 1| 1|
19
3
12
2
4
120
∞ ∞
1
I
I
1
1
10
23
12
7
915
373
101
COURT DURING THE YEARS 1938 AND 1939.
dants under each' Head.
on or rders
Police Supervision.
Previously convicted.
Bonds enforced.
rnor.
To keep the peace and be
of good behaviour.
To come up for judgment.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
Bound over without further penalty.
1939
1938 1939 1938 1939 1938
1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939
1938 1939 1938 1939
1938 1939 1938
1939
161
133
40
28 385 482 32
59
59
73
33
}
862 701
10
2 111
73
| | | | |
I
| 11
11111
1
2
85 210
26 80
5
4
11
3
6
1
| | |
| | │
| | | | |
| | | | |
་
192
267
10
4
1
62
12
།།ཡ
3
111
111
1
111
| | | | | |
19
3
12
3
486
440 111 156
165
164
15
6
101
104
14
16
2
14
6
4
1
2
1
5
13
10 00
27
1
4
54
18
15
1
10
18
23
12
7
5
13
5
11
3
1
315 978 101 193
903 982 157 230
133
73
33
I
1,382 1,154
60
13
216 179
14
16
Hil
Punishments.
Table V
Hong Kon
Return of Punishments awarded at Magistracy in respect of Certain Clas
Number of Persons
Offences against Individuals.
Punished.
Description.
Against their Property.
Against their Persons.
Ag
a)
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M
Fined
20,924 17,621 4,811
Imprisoned in default
3,608 3,697 698
1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939
3,070 97 189
2921,2631,274 211
1939 1939 1938 1939
1938
24
40
29
60
2
5
509
75
27
28
5
1,546
Imprisoned without option
3,084 3,018 76
40 2,529 2,210 22
22
20
49
43
13
168
Imprisoned and birched
137 164
135 164
† 2
}
*
:
To be sent back to country
Expelled from the Colony
Sentenced to House of Detention
54 126
10
1
9
91
1
1
30
18
1
29
33
14
Bound over to be of good behaviour
466
783
58
80
371
593
22
54
16
33
Co
1
11
Bound over and fined
19
16
1
Co
6
Bound over and ordered to pay compensation
4
32
1
9
1
20
Bound over, ordered to pay compensation, and fined
1
1
Bound over and imprisoned
2
I
1
1
I
Bound over to keep peace
205
114
21
11
22
8
56
40
5
Imprisoned until Court rises
15
7
2
Bound over to come up for judgment
79 217
41
28
59 154
12
18
4
3
7
Enforcement of bonds
(38) (114)
(2) (37) (111)
(2)
Total
*
28,661 25,827 5,715 3,524 4,487 4,695 294 209 194 233
33
12 2,273 2,
KOWLOON.
Punishments.
Number of Persons
Punished.
Offences against Individuals.
Against their
Description.
Property.
Against their Persons.
Agai: and
M.
F
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
Fined
Imprisoned in default
Imprisoned without option
Imprisoned and birched
1938 1939 1938 1939
15,457 14,160 5,990 2,500
4,310 4,523 701 422
2,421 2,499 76
92 127
1938 1939 1938 1939
75 115
832 1,016
64 1,522 1,568
1938
1939 1938 1939 1938 19
45
29
39
33
7
11 253
122
77
3
18
3
21,829 2,5′
14
5
33
30
9
4 358 2.
92 127
Expelled from the Colony
48
16 30
1
3
Sentenced to House of Detention
11
1
1
Bound over to come up for judgment
903
932 157
230
376 457
29
34
1
1
2
8
Bound over to be of good behaviour
180
330 68 118
42
10
4
5
29
99
4
20
5
Bound over and fined
74
11 52
2
23
33
23
7
2
2
Bound over and ordered to pay compensation
16
35 1
4
6
20
1
2
14
2
Bound over, ordered to pay compensation, and fined
3:
3
2
1
3.
Bound over and imprisoned
74
27
14
3
47
21
13
3
15
5
1
Bound over to keep peace
135
43 33
15
3
82
20
21
3
Imprisoned until Court rises
1
3
1
Fined and ordered to pay compensation
Enforcement of bonds
(16) (109)
(69)
Total
*
(216) (179) (14)
23,721 22,768 7,125 3,358 3,021 3,337 261
46 2,457 3,09
Figures under "Enforcement of bonds" are excluded, as they have already been included in fiœures und-
1
(2)
(2)
(2)
155 235 232
48
H 11
Table V.
HONG KONG.
of Certain Classes of Offences during the Years 1938 AND 1939 Adults only.
Offences of a Public Nature.
heir
Against the Crown
and Government.
Against Public Justice.
Against the Public Peace.
Against Trade.
Against Public Morals and Police.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
938
1939
1938 1939 1938 1939
1939
1939 1938
1939
1938
1939
1938
1939
1938 1939
1938 1939
1938
1939
1939 1939
2
509 382
53
21
8
10
38
33
2
124 104
16
5
1,546 2,019
151
51
1
15
4
13
2
9
11
1 20,119 16,843 4,714 3,003
749 348 331 162
13
1
168
386
7
10
254
306
12
2
14
5
1
71
68
22
Co
1
[
1
10
5
29
16
1
1
6
1
11
55
5
3
7
5
2
44
30
9
1
33
14
36
39
10
4
31
63
15
18
10
10
2
3
1
117
63
11
6
7
3
15
4
1
8
27
23
(1)
(1)
1
6
7
25
6
(2)
33
12 2,273 2,889
223
92
264 333
12
229 161
23
11
134
116
16
KOWLOON.
Offences of a Public Nature.
1 21,080 17,400 5,114 3,193
their
ons.
Against the Crown
and Government.
Against Public Justice.
Against the Public Peace.
Against Trade.
Against Public Morals and Police.
F.
M.
M.
F
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
1938
1939 1938
1939
1938
1939
1938 1939
1938 1939
1938
1939
1938
1939
1938
1939 1938
1939
1938
1939
1938 1939
7
11
253 229
88
68
31
3
8
2
7
44
9
29
92
2
10 15,023 13,644 5,840 2,371
3
21,829 2,565
111
137
185
10
27
17
50
32
17
1,412 847
438 206
9
4
358 254
28
7
266
420
12
12
68
75
21
3
153 149
13
36
1
47
30
12
1
3
1
5
3
1
2
8
22
2
23
2
4
11
5
512
482
125
171
4
20
10
4
11
2
42
191
14
68
1
59
26
35
336
25
3
2
2
1
17
11
9
1
1
1
21
3
1
1
1
48
23
12
12
1
3
2
2
6
―
(2) (2)
(1)
(105) (105) (14) (16)
48
46 2,457 3,090
242 235 487
435
50
14
212 398
37
89
84 122
2
10 17,225 15,154 6,485 2,809
-
n included in figures under "Fined" or "Imprisoned”
1 without imprisonment.
Classification of offences.
Total No. of Charges.
Total No. of Defendants.
OFFENCES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS.
1938 1939
RETURN OF BOY
Caned in Court.
Fined.
† 1
2
3
4
1
2
3
1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1938 1939 1933 1939 193
1. Simple larceny
100 136
103 144
¡
3
1
14 8
30
38
1
1
2. Larceny from person
95
162
98
170
1
1
15
4
19 55
3. Receiving & unlawful possession
51
65
52
66
1
1
6
1
10
8
1
4
1
4. Larceny by servant
7
3
7
3
3
5. Other offences
13
16
15
18
1
1
-
(a)-Against their property.
(b) Against their person.
1. Common assault
2. Bodily harm
3. Other offences
14
6
Co
14
6
3
1
1
5
I
I
I
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
I
I
OFFENCES OF PUBLIC NATURE.
(c)—Against the Crown and Govt.
1. Trespass and Damage on Crown Land...
2
9
11
2. Opium offences
1
4
4
3. Tobacco and Liquor offences
15
12
15
13
4. Dangerous drug offences
7
4
7
5. Other offences
9
6
14
6
(d)—Against Public Justice.
Į
1
I
1. Returning from banishment
(e) Against Public Peace.
1. Breach of peace
5
5
6
(f)—Against Trade.
1. Other offences
3
1
3
1
(g)—Against Public Moral and Police.
I
1
1
f
2
2
3
-
1
1
2
1. Offences against Public Health
13
14
13
14
2. Traffic offences
3565
28
35
28
3. Begging and touting
12
11
12
11
4. Lotteries and Gambling
9
7
9
7
5. Hawkers offences
721
230 729
230
6. Other offences
2
22
3
24
1
Total
1,118
747 1,141 774
1
1
1
1
}
1
ļ
T
1
i
T
T
p
1
2
4
Į
I
1
1
6
T
1
1
2
2
8
4
3 2
24
2
!
2
1
3
1
3
12 1 64
1 116
32 235 9
1
1
2
1
2
LO
5
3
47
17
79 105
13
1 72
5 126
45 280 13€
† (1)
Age under 10.
Appendix I.
REPORT OF THE LAND OFFICER AND REGISTRAR
OF MARRIAGES FOR THE YEAR 1939.
PART I.-LAND OFFICE.
REGISTRATION.
1. During the year 3,839 instruments were registered under the provisions of Ordinance No. 1 of 1844,-an increase of 87 compared with the preceding year.
2. The total number of instruments registered under the provisions of the above mentioned ordinance (since 1844) to the end of the year 1939 was 163,957.
3. The number of instruments registered each year during the last ten years is shewn in Table I.
4. The total consideration on sales, mortgages, surrenders and miscellaneous land transactions registered in the Land Office amounted to $49,929,581.05 particulars of which are shewn in Table II.
5. 497 Crown Icases were previous year a decrease of 23.
CROWN LEASES.
issued during the year, as against 520 in the
Particulars are set out in Table III.
6. The number of leases issued each year during the last ten years is shewn in Table I.
FEES.
7. The total amount of fees collected (exclusive of the New Territories) amounted to $94,832.00, being an increase of $2,881.25 on the preceding year. Table IV shews the monthly revenue.
8. Land. Registration Fees in the New Territories amounted to $11,470.90, and Crown Lease Fees to $240.00.
9.
The total fees collected during the past ten years is shewn in Table V.
GRANTS OF LAND.
10. The total area of land leased during the year under review was 686 acres 0 rood and 20.6 poles, of which 632 acres, 1 rood and 30.4 poles were dealt with by the District Officers.
11. Particulars of grants, surrenders and resumptions during the year are shewn on pages U 2 and 3 of the Blue Book for 1939.
SURRENDERS.
12. 64 surrenders of land required for public purposes (including surrenders under contracts of exchange) were prepared and registered in the Land Office.
I 2
STAMP DUTIES.
13. Stamp Duties paid on registered documents (exclusive of Probates and Letters of Administration) amounted to $269,869.00 a decrease of $2,956.10.
CROWN RENTS.
11. The number of lots entered on the Hong Kong and Kowloon Crown Rent Roll-as shewn in Table VI-was 12,487 an increase of 813 on the preceding year.
15. The Crown Rents on this roll amounted to $747,969.64-an increase on the preceding year of $28,372.42.
16. The number of lots entered on the Village Crown Rent Roll-as shewn in Table VII was 1,937 a decrease of 14 on the preceding year.
17. The Crown Rents on this roll amounted to $1,307.80 a decrease of $7.00 as compared with the preceding year.
18. The total Crown Rents amounted to $749,277.44 an increase of $28,365.42 on the year 1938-mainly due to the re-grant of lots after re-entry.
19. During the year the number of sections the Crown Rents of which were determined under the Crown Rents (Apportionment) Ordinance, 1936 was 370 and the total sum of fees collected was $4,699.00.
20.
DOCUMENTS.
1,015 miscellaneous documents were prepared in the Land Office during the year, being an increase of 36 compared with the year 1938; viz :—
(a) 497 Crown Leases (with counterparts).
(b) 261 Memorials for the registration of Undertakings relating to verandahs
and balconies over Crown Land.
(c) 64 Surrenders of land required for public purposes, street improvements
and private exchanges.
(d) 164 Agreements for exchanges and surrenders.
e) 22 Memorials of Re-entry.
(f)7 Deeds of Convenant relating to scavenging lane.
TABLE I.
Number of Instruments Registered and Crown Leases Granted During
The Years 1930 to 1939.
Instruments Registered.
Year.
Crown Leases Granted.
1930
5,517
874
1931
6,181
517
1932
6.345
938
1933
5,152
721
1934
4,441
673
1935
4,044
503
1936
3,962
638
1937
3,347
742
1938
3,752
520
1939
3,839
497
A
I 3
TABLE II.
Consideration on Instruments Registered in the Land Office During the Year 1939.
No. of Lots
Description of Instruments.
Number Registered.
or Portions
of Lots Affected.
Total Consideration.
$
Assignments
1,277
1,594
23,236,495.71
Satisfaction
Mortgages and Transfer of Mortgages. Reassignments and Certificates of
Surrenders .....
987
1,340
13,091,162.61
821
1,121
12,991,372.73
64
80
108,350.00
Judgments and Orders of Court
60
145
396,200.00
Miscellaneous Documents
511
919
106.000.00
Probates and Letters of Administra-
tion, (Estate Duties and Interest
$222,297.25)
119
293
Total ...
3,839
5,492
49,929,581.05
TABLE III.
Crown Leases Granted During the Year 1939.
Hong Kong
Kowloon New Kowloon
Total
Victoria Marine
Victoria Inland
Rural Building
Victoria Garden
Victoria Permanent Pier
Shaukiwan Inland
Aberdeen Inland
Shek O Inland
5
285
со
1
1
Kowloon Inland
New Kowloon Inland
New Kowloon Dairy Farm
Tai Po Inland
CO
3
2 2
116 71
N
1
497
I 4
―
TABLE IV.
Return of Monthly Revenue Faid in Stamps to the Land Office During the Year 1939.
Registration
Month.
of Deeds.
Searches, Copy Documents,
Crown Lease Fees.
Total.
and
Certifications.
co
$
$
EA
$
¢
$ ė
January February
5,691.00
583.50
2,490.00
8,764.50
4.814.00
448.00
1,440.00
6,702.00
March
5,116.00
2,890.50
2,760.00
10,766.50
April
3,806.00
668.00
2,100.00
6,574.00
May
5,415.00
1,488.75
2,840.00
9.743.75
June
4,738.00
1,332.50
3,210.00
9.280.50
July
5,076.00
515.00
1.920.00
7.511.00
August
5,426.00
538.00
1,650.00
7.614.00
September
3,957.00
749.75
1,470.00
6.176.75
October
4,275.00
1,142.00
1,440.00
6,857.00
November
5,196.00
535.00
2,910.00
8,641.00
December
4,219.00
542.00
1,440.00
6,201.00
Totals
57,729.00
11,433.00
25,670.00
94,832.00
94,832.00-1939 Total.
91,950.75—1938 Total.
2,881.25 Increase.
TABLE V.
Fees Collected During the Years 1930 to 1939.
Year.
Registration
of Deeds.
Searches, and Copies of Documents.
Grants of Leases.
Total.
$
$ &
$
&
$
¢
1930
84,339.00
7,043.75
25,472.00
116,854.75
1931
94,054.00
7,254.00
17,290.00
118,598.00
1932
98,335.00
8,789.25
44,430.00
151,554.25
1933
$1,508.00
8,547.25
36,810.00
126,865.25
1934
67.345.00
6,863.25
35,850.00
110,058.25
1935
61.133.00
6,811.50
25,270.00
93,214.50
1936
59,310.00
6,296.75
33,960.00
99,566.75
1937
47,887.00
8,639.50
39,760.00
96,286.50
1938
54,332.00
10,258.75
27,360.00
91.950.75
1939
57,729.00
11,433.00
25,670.00
94.832.00
>
x
I 5
TABLE VI.
Hong Kong and Kowloon Rent Roll.
Locality and Description.
No. of Lots.
Total Crown Rent.
$
&
Victoria Marine Lot
479
71,054.09
Praya Reclamation Marine Lot
28
858.91
Inland Lot
5,021
244,985.90
Quarry Bay Marine Lot
3
Inland Lot
وو
13
18,946.00 4,024.00
Victoria Farm Lot
6
381.55
Garden Lot
61
وو
Rural Building Lot
302
2,458.00 60,287.70
Aberdeen Marine Lot
7
579.16
Inland Lot
>>
85
1,208.97
Aplichau Marine Lot
Inland Lot
Shaukiwan Marine Lot
Inland Lot
20
113.88
46
282.48
10
2,308.00
30
236
5,109.30
Stanley Inland Lot
9
135.00
Pokfulam Dairy Farm Lot
4
2,712.00
Kowloon Marine Lot
55
50,920.80
Inland Lot
""
3,318
146.225.55
Garden Lot
>>
1
1.00
Hung Hom Marine Lot
Shek O Inland Lot
Tai Tam Inland Lot
Tong Po Inland Lot
New Kowloon Marine Lot
3
6,590.00
Inland Lot
203
9,286.00
19
105.00
1
1.00
1
1.00
3
18,938.00
Inland Lot
2,485
76,794.35
Farm Lot
2
36.00
Rural Building Lot
1
42.00
Tai Po Inland Lot
9
748.00
Fan Ling Lot
2
1,898.00
Sheung Shui Lot
8
Mining Lot
1,304.00
3
2,670.00
Tsun Wan Marine Lot
6
12,436.00
Inland Lot
JJ
15
2,658.00
New Kowloon Dairy Farm Lot
20
1,160.00
Tsing I Marine Lot
1
76.00
Ping Shan Inland Lot
1
634.00
Total
12,487
747,969.64
I 6
TABLE VII.
Village Rent Roll.
No. of Lots. Total Crown Rent.
Locality and Description.
$¢
Aberdeen
15
43.50
Pokfulam
24
28.25
Tai Hang
156
632.50
Ah Kung Ngam
25
18.25
Shaukiwan
27
15.00
Hau Pui Loong
12
44.00
Wong Tsuk Hang
2
34.50
Tai Hang Stream
12
47.00
Tong Po
1
2.50
Tytam Tuk
3
2.50
Chung Hom Bay
1
.50
Chinese Joss House Bowen Road Victoria
1
3.00
Telegraph Bay
11
33.00
Little Hong Kong
174
68.10
Shek O
Hok Tsui
Chai Wan
Stanley
313
67.50
123
26.80
723
125.80
314
115.10
Total
1,937
1,307.80
k
- I 7
PART II.-MARRIAGE REGISTRY.
MARRIAGES.
1. The number of marriages celebrated in the Colony during the year was 781, (of which 579 were between Chinese persons) as compared with 544 (and 336) respectively in 1938-an increase of 237. Particulars are given in Table I infra.
FEES.
2. The total amount of fees received under the second schedule of the Marriage Ordinance 1875, was $7,439.00 as compared with $5,081.00 in 1938-an increase of $2,358.00. Particulars are shewn in Table II. The increase is mainly accounted for by the greater number of marriages solemnized at the office of the Registrar.
3. The number of marriages solemnized and the total amount of fees collected each year during the past ten years are shewn in Table III.
TABLE I.
(1) Marriages by SPECIAL LICENCE, 23.
(a) At Licensed Places of
Public Worship.
7.
(b) At the Office of the Registrar of Marriages.
16.
(2) Marriages by REGISTRAR'S CERTIFICATE, 758.
(a) At Licensed Places of
Public Worship.
265.
(b) At the Office of the Registrar of Marriages.
493.
•
I 8
TABLE III.
Fees Received During 1939.
760 Certificates of Notice (Registrar's Certi- ficates) under Sec. 8 of Ord. No. 7 of 1875
3 Certificates of Notice (Registrar's Certi- ficates) under Section 5 of Foreign Marriage Ordinance, 1903
8 Searches
75 Certified Copies
19 Licences to Registrar of Marriages to issue his Certificates under Sec. 9 of Ord. No. 7 of 1875
1 Licence to Registrar of Marriages to issue his Certificate under Sec. 6 of Foreign Marriage Ordinance, 1903.
26 Special Licences
509 Marriages at the Office of the Registrar
3 Miscellaneous
Fee.
Total Fees.
$
¢
@
$ 1.00
760.00
$ 1.00
3.00
(@
$ 1.00
8.00
$ 1.00
75.00
(0
$10.00
190.00
$10.00
10.00
$50.00
1,300.00
$10.00
5,090.00
$ 1.00
3.00
Total
$7,439.00
TABLE III,
Year.
No. of Marriages Solemnized.
Total Amount of Fees Collected.
$
¢
1930
187
2,059.00
1931
228
2,705.00
1932
265
3,198.97
1933
283
2,440.00
1934
325
3,327.90
1935
368
3,197.00
1936
375
3,168.00
1937
421
!
3,286.16
1938
544
5,081.00
1939
781
7,439.00
PART III.--GENERAL.
STAFF.
There has been no change of staff. Mr. T. J. Gould (now Crown Counsel and Marshal in Prize in addition) having acted as Assistant Land Officer and Deputy Registrar of Marriages throughout the year.
19th March, 1940.
T. S. WHYTE-SMITH, Land Officer and Registrar of Marriages.
Appendix J.
REPORT ON THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE YEAR 1939.
A. NORTHERN DISTRICT.
EXPENDITURE AND REVEnue.
1. Appendices I and II show some comparative details of expenditure and revenue in 1938 and 1939. Except for land sales there was a general increase in revenue, reflecting the prosperity and increased demand for licences, etc., which has followed the abnormal increase of the population by the influx of refugees, some of whom are, by local standards, rich, and by the steady settlement in this District of comparatively rich persons who are tired of urban life, or consider the country potentially safer. Once more, the crown rent paid exceeded $100,000. It is not considered that there is any real diminution in the present rather strong demand to buy crown land: the figures under this head are notoriously capricious.
2. In the absence of the normal damage due to typhoons, floods, and so on, the demand for assistance from the local public works vote was exceptionally slack. The natural typhoon refuge near Wong I Au, Tai Po, was deepened and widened. the undergrowth around it cleared, and its banks strengthened. It can now shelter most of the small boats likely to use it, and is quickly used when typhoon signals are hoisted.
MAGISTRACY, AND SMALL DEBTS COURT.
3. Appendices V to IX show details of the cases, both criminal and civil, heard by the District Officer sitting as magistrate during the year.
The magistrate's court was busier than ever. The total number of charges was a little short of the highest previous figure, recorded in 1937, but the number of persons committed for trial at the Supreme Court, 116, was very easily the highest yet recorded. The average for the 10 years 1927-1936 was under 11. Circumstances, of course, continued to be exceptionally favourable for persons of criminal intention, and a distinct risk attached to travel on the waters of Mirs Bay and Deep Bay, to say nothing of the Chinese waters beyond. The largest class of offences was that of dealing in opium or heroin, or smuggling tobacco or spirit. The towns of Yuen Long and Tai Po, and other large centres such as San Hui (near Castle Peak), Shek Wu Hui (near Sheung Shui), Sha T'au Kok, and Sai Kung, all have divans. There were periodical strong demands from Chinese territory, especially Tung Kun, for opium, and many persons were caught running opium, even Hong Kong Government opium, out of the Colony, which is an unusual trend. Illicit distilling of rice-spirit undoubtedly continues in remote places. The second largest class of offences was those under the Larceny Ordinance, and, once again, a feature of these cases was the frequent success of the Police in recovering the property stolen.. Traffic offences constituted the third largest class, and the magistrate issued a written circular warning to drivers of lorries, buses, and other heavy vehicles that drivers convicted of exceeding 20 miles an hour world he severely punished. Drivers, however, are apparently willing to take the risk. and, in spite of exemplary fines of $15, $20 and $25, "speeding" by heavy vehicles continues to be the rule. The failure of such fines to act as a deterrent For the unlawful suggests that the business of transportation is a profitable one. possession of arms 17 persons were convicted and sentenced, and 40 committed for trial. 20 persons were accused of homicide, but only 4 were committed for trial. 37 persons were committed to stand their trial for robbery, and 10 burglars were convicted and sentenced. The habit of the local people of secreting large quantities of cash in their houses. instead of depositing it in banks or other safe places, undoubtedly encourages deliberately planned robbery. The Police again had a very busy year.
J 2
4. As was to be expected, the number of deaths in unusual circumstances, 216, was easily the greatest recorded. Most of the subjects were needy refugees, including a number of children. Of the latter, there was not a noticeable prepon- derance of females over males. Deaths again occurred on the roads and railway, and in the mine at Lin Ma Hang. 27 death inquiries were held, as against an average of under 5 for the years 1929-1936.
5. The diminution in the number of small debts cases was due to a stricter classification, whereby some cases hitherto falling under this head were transferred to the Land Court.
LAND AND AGRICULTURE.
6. Statistics regarding the sale, etc., of crown land are shown in Appendix X.
In last year's report reference was made to "a marked rise in the value of land throughout the "district." In the year under review the value was well maintained, and there is reason to hope that for some years yet the demand for crown land will not weaken. Yuen Long New Market, in particular, shows signs of expanding rapidly. More deeds were registered than in 1938, and there was a greater increase in the fees paid.
7. The land resumed was for extending the forestry reserve at Tai Po Kau, and widening the road to the Volunteer Camp at Fan Ling and the main road at Shek Wu Hui.
8. There was no slackening, of course, in the demand for housing, and landlords did well. There were a number of evictions, but landlords appear to be aware that though the Prevention of Eviction Ordinance, 1938, does not apply to the New Territories, it might be applied to its urban areas if the need were shown, and this apprehension acts as a useful brake.
There was
9. The farmers were once again very lucky in their weather. considerable rain earlier than usual, in March; and April, with a rainfall nearly three times the normal, ensured abundance of water for the first crop of padi. Rain again fell propitiously for the second crop, and conditions were good for both harvests, which were exceptionally satisfactory. Rice-in-husk averaged $5.50 a picul. The small typhoon of the 23rd of November, though it damaged vegetables to an estimated extent of $14,000, ensured a sufficiency of water for the winter. Prices for vegetables and livestock were good, and farmers, gardeners and breeders had a satisfactory year. Sai Kung and Tai Po had 20% more rain than Lok Ma Chow and Ping Shan.
10. The great demand for firewood in the Colony led, as was expected, to an increase in the demand for licences for afforestation. Illicit cutting also continued on a large scale.
11. Sea-fishing continued to be handicapped by the Sino-Japanese conflict, and the exportation of dried fish ceased. The oyster harvest was unsatisfactory, because, it seems, lack of rain early in the winter, resulting in excessive saltness of the water in Deep Bay, stunted their growth and spoilt their quality.
12. There were 144 disputes in the Land Court, as against 127 and 91 in the two previous years, but the increase, being chiefly due to the stricter classification mentioned in paragraph 5 above, was more apparent than real. These cases are the most troublesome part of a District Officer's work, and may be long and complex. They are apt to recur, too, after lying dormant for a decade or longer.
J 3
GENERAL.
13. For the first time, sanitary inspectors were posted to the New Territories. They are Chinese, under a Chinese Health Officer. The latter and his staff were very active and accomplished much, without a single prosecution. Incinerators were built at Shek Wu Hui and Sai Kung. The Government dispensaries at Tai Po and Yuen Long, and the travelling dispensary, as also St. John Ambulance, were exceptionally busy.
14. In the course of the year the department issued and distributed notices on a large scale (600 copies) urging villagers to assist the Police in catching robbers at night by giving prompter and louder alarm; and drawing attention (not for the first time) to the necessity for compliance with the Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance and to the penalties provided thereby.
15. There were 52 "Women and Girls" and 14 "Miscellaneous" cases.
16. Mr. S. F. Balfour was Assistant District Officer from the 9th of August te the 24th of September, and Mr. J. H. B. Lee came out to assist from time to time, chiefly in the magistrate's and coroner's court.
17. I was again greatly indebted to the gentlemen of the Heung Yi Kuk for ready assistance and sound advice. Their steadiness and good sense is most helpful.
27th of March, 1940
J. BARROW.
District Officer, North.
J 4
Appendix I.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE IN
1938 AND 1939.
Personal Emoluments*
1938.
$60,994.59
1939.
$68,537.91
Other Charges.
Conveyance Allowances
1,585.37
1.992.00
Electric Light & Fans
179.25
197.90
Incidental Expenses
449.70
449.36
Local Public Works
3,900.00
431.77
Transport
420.10
296.63
Scavenging
1,795.10
8.711.51
Uniforms
295.52
242.14
Upkeep of Grounds of Island House
180.00
184.00
Special Expenditure.
Law Books
Ni
92.34
Total Other Charges
$8,805.04
7,525.31
Total Special Expenditure
Total Department
$76.155.56
*Includes cfficers of Cadet and Junior Clerical Services attached to the Department.
Nil
$69,799.63
92.34
Appendix II.
1938 AND 1939.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF REVENUE COLLECTED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER IN
Dangerous Goods Licences
1938. $2,036.25
Ferries Licences
3.00
Forestry Licences, N.T.
6,736.10
1939. $2,132.46
3.00
8,103.08
Liquor Licences
1,662.50
1,968.75
Money Changers' Licences.
275.00
450.00
Pawnbrokers' Licences
1,500.00
1.500.00
Tobacco Retailer Licences
2,521.00
2,872.00
Assessed Taxes (Rates) N.T. North
8,049.87
8,300.36
Fines
4,458.70
5.672.25
Building Covenant Fines
762.16
802.66
Forfeitures
938.00
705.00
Court Fees
38.75
42.07
Boundary Stone & Survey Fees
144.00
192.00
Crown Leases
30.00
Permits to cut earth, etc.
3,762.83
4,680.83
Certified Extracts
138.00
110.00
Sunprints
120.00
95.00
Warrant Fees (Crown Rent & Small Debt's Court)
411 00
603.00
Grave Certificates
Legal Costs
Stamps for Deeds
Matshed Permits
1.00 15.60
3.50
4,556.20
5.883.40
5,743.60
5.991.07
Permits to occupy land
Leased Lands (Crown Rent N.T.)
3,587.97
4.735.78
99,292.16
100.878.81
Pineapple Land Leases
Stone Quarries Permits
Overpayment in Previous Years
Other Miscellaneous Receipts
Timber Sales
Land Sales
389.76 1,295.00
443.79
1,331.00
0.50
137.00
72.53
333.50
20,394.93
11,435.04
Total:.
$169,000.38
$169.341.38
The following Revenue from this District was collected by the Accountant-General in Hong Kong.
Mining Royalties
Crown Rent
Estate Duty on estates wholly within the District
Total:
$13,713.01
$23.339.07
4,868 00 1,648.35
4,868.00
1,782.65
$20,229.36
$29.989.72
L
די
J 5
Appendix III.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS.
Year.
*Personal Emoluments &
Other Charges.
Special Expenditure.
Total Expenditure.
Total Revenue.
$
$
$
$
1930......
61,273.56
61,273.56
146,300.10
1931...... 61,241.64
1932...... 61,663.99
61,241.64
165,014.61
61,663.99
179,033.92
1933....
67,216.42
67,216.42
195,021.92
1934...... 67,365.49
67,365.49
169,816.21
1935..... 60,061.01
60,061.01
151,919.41
1936...... 76,498.19
214.204
76,712.39
159,080.75
1937...... 75,107.19
75,107.19
151,706.17
1938.....
69,799.63
69,799.63
169,000.38
1939.....
76,063.22
92.34†
76,155.56
169,341.38
*Includes Officers of Cadet and Junior Clerical Services attached to the Department.
AFor Maps.
For Law Books.
NOTE.-Only money expended or collected by the District Office is included in the above table and no account is taken of revenue collected by other departments or expenditure by them, or expenditure on Public Works, Police, Medical, Educational and other services.
Receipts.
Appendix IV.
LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS, 1939.
Payments.
Amount
$
451.77
1,048.23
Total...
$1,500.00
Ordinary Vote $1,500 Marine typhoon refuge near Wong I Au, Tai Po
Unexpended
Appendix V.
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNISANCE OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATE'S COURTS AT TAI PO AND PING SHAN DURING THE YEAR 1939.
Total No.
Classification of Offences.
of
Charges.
Total No.
of
Defendants
Convicted
and
Sentenced.
Committed for trial at the
Discharged.
Supreme
Court.
Bound over without further Penalty to keep the peace & be of good behaviour.
Convicted
and
Cautioned.
Police
Supervision.
Previously
Convicted.
OFFENCES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F'.
M.
F
(a) Against their Property.
1.
Larceny (simple)
265
302
242
16
31
12
Stealing from the person
7
7
6
1
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
1
3
65
5
Einbezzlement
and fraudulent
conversion
Robbery
18
Burglary and Housebreaking
12
Demanding with menaces
False pretences and cheating
28247
4
2
43
13
4
2021
37
9
2
Receiving and possession of stolen
goods
154
186
71
13
63
3.
Malicious damage
4
8
7
5.
Other offences
19
26
10
1
818
13
13
5
11-11 | H
6
1101-
6
1
1
15
3
19100
(b) Against their persons.
1.
Homicide
8
20
2.
Ill-treatment and grievous harm
10
19
3.
Common assault
46
74
35
01 10
16
11
14
5.
Sexual offence
1
1
6. Other offences
10
14
1
00
107 | 11
4
11
6
1101-
1151-
2
OFFENCES OF A PUBLIC NATURE.
(c) Against the Crown & Government.
4.
Trespass and damages on Crown
Land
27
42
20
6
7
7.
Opium and Revenue offences
511
543
352
145
27
8.
Dangerous drug and goods
106
133
84
11
29
9.
Other offences
7
13
5
17001
10+ 1
110000
2
1
23
5
8.
Carried forward
1,220
1,461
864
204
229
25
69
2
42
14
10
Q
4
127
6
CO
J 6
+
Appendix V, Continued.
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNISANCE OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATE'S COURTS AT TAI PO AND PING SHAN DURING THE YEAR 1939.
Classification of Offences.
Total No.
of
Total No.
Charges.
of
Defendants
Convicted
and
Sentenced.
Committed for trial at the
Discharged.
Supreme
Court.
Bound over without further Penalty to keep the peace & be of good
Convicted
and
Cautioned.
Police
Supervision.
Previously
Convicted.
behaviour.
M.
1,220
1,461
F.
864 204 229 25
M.
F. M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
69
42
14
10
2
4
127
6
J 7
Brought forward
(d) Against Public Justice.
1.
Escape and breach of Prison
2.
Returning from Banishment
96
5.
Other offences
12
732
96
17
==
1
1
86
| |。
86
N
| 888-
5
i
(e) Against the Public Peace.
1.
Breach of the
peace
15
49
2.
Unlawful possession of arms
38
75
16
3.
Other offences
9
188
1
11
1
12
22
181
40
Juma N
1 1 1
(f) Against trade.
3.
Employers and workmen offences
4.
Other offences
2
12
1
2
2
(g) Against Public Morals and Police.
3.
Lotteries and gambling
16
104
102
4.
Offences against public health
9
9
20
3
11
5.
Street hawkers offences)
59
59
51
I col
2 00
6
6.
Obstruction
9.
Traffic offences of a technical
nature
207
208
180
10.
Dangerous driving of vehicles
2
2
12.
Unlicensed or unnuzzled dogs
55
40
13.
Other offences
74
89
69
2015
15
27
1
13
1
2
8
Total.
1,813
2,287
1,437
218 274
27 114
2
78
20
62
4.
5
249
11
Appendix VI.
403 6
TAI PO AND PING SHAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
RETURN OF PUNISHMENTS AWARDED IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN CLASSES OF OFFENCES DURING THE YEAR 1939.
Punishments.
Number of
Persons
Offences against Individuals.
Offences of a Public Nature.
Punished.
Against
their
Property.
Against
their
Persons.
Against the Crown and Government
Against Public Justice.
Against
the Public
Peace.
Against
Trade.
Against
Public Morals and Police.
M. F. M.
F. M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
15
12
N
O
57
J 8
87
6
24
1
44
2
Fined
500
49
13
00
12
7
53
26
Imprisoned in default
703
158
222
22
17
1
392
131
Imprisoned without option
242
13
122
1
1
22
10
Bound over to keep peace and to be of good behaviour
75
16
20
CD
13
7
10
N
Convicted and cautioned
63
3
1
Bound over and fined
10
N
10
2
Bound over, ordered to pay compensation and fine
6
5
10
2
3
Total..
1,599 246 382 34
58 22
480 165 99
62
10
3
515 12
}
Appendix VII.
ABSTRACT OF CASES BROUGHT UNDER COGNIZANCE OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATE'S COURTS AT TAI PO AND PING SHAN
DURING A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS.
Cases, How Disposed Of, And The Number Of Male And Female Prisoners Under Each Head.
J 9
Years.
Total
Number
of Cases.
Convicted and Punished.
Discharged.
Committed for Trial at Supreme Court.
Ordered to find Security to keep the Peace, to be of good Behaviour, and to answer any
Convicted and Cautioned,
Total Number of Defendants.
charge.
10
14
15
16
25
26
27
28
29
30
1.
2
3
M.
F.
J.
M.
F.
J.
M.
F.
J.
Μ.
F.
J.
M.
J.
M.
F.
J.
1935.
1,675
1,484
102
5
202
26
16
98
29
86
1,886
165
14
1936..
1,884
1,521
182
13
197
22
7233
100
13
59
3
1,899
158
19
1937.
1,881
1,661
190 11
266
13
1
39
Q
115
23
22
2,103
281
12
1938.
1,418
1,257
170
23
156
12
74
2
61
17
62
1
1,616
202
23
1939.
.1,813
1,437
219
274
27
4
114
2
78
20
1
62
4
1,965
272
16
Total
8,641
7,360
818
59
1,095
85
12
265
6
CO
452
102
1
297
22
12
9,469 1,028 84
Average
per
1,728
1,472 168
12
219
19
N
53
1
90
20
1
59
2
1,894
206
17
Year.
Appendix VIII.
RETURN OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS BROUGHT BEFORE THE POLICE MAGISTRATE'S COURTS AT TAI PO AND PING SHAN DURING THE YEAR 1939
A-Boys.
Classification of Offenders.
Total
No. of
Convicted & Sentenced
Committed to
Defend-
ants.
Fines
Remand Home.
Committed to Industrial School,
(Inflicted on Parents).
2
1
4
5
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
5
Possession of Prepared
Opium
Possession of dutiable
tobacco
Possession of wild tree
N
Guardian Bound over for Good
Cautioned.
Behaviour of Defendants.
5
2
3 4
wood
2
Larceny
1
Total.
10
1
2
J
(1) Age under 10.
(2)
Over 10 and under 12. (3) Over 12 and under 14. (4) Over 14 and under 15.
(5) Over 15 and under 16.
Appendix VIII.
B.--GIRLS.
Total No.
Fines
Classification of Offenders.
of
Defendants.
(Inflicted on Parents).
Committed to Salvation Army Home for Women and Girls.
Cautioned.
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
5
Possession of wild tree wood Possession of Raw Opium Possession of Prepared Opium...
3
5
1
1
2
2
Total.
6
2
2
(1) Age under 10.
(2)
Over 10 and under 12. (3) Over 12 and under 14.
(4)
Over 14 and under 15.
(5)
Over 15 and under 16.
Cases heard
Writs of Execution ......
Appendix IX.
SMALL DEBTS COURTS.
1938.
1939.
125
72
30
24
Average from 1934-1938.
140
34
置
J 10
1
Appendix X.
ن
No. of
Increase
Decrease
Amount
Sales,
Heading.
Permits,
No. of
Lots.
Area in
acres.
of
Licences,
Annual
Rent.
of
Annual
of
Premia,
Amount
paid for
Resumption
Term
of
Years.
Rent.
Fees, etc.
of Land.
etc.
J 11 -
Sales of Land for Agriculture
Building
56
295
52
123
22.44
42.00
3,857.00
75
58
1.32
214.00
1,557.00
75
& Garden
5
.36
11
11
11
70.00
608.00
75
Orchard
12
11.34
20.60
1,659.00
75
""
& Agriculture
3
5
2.27
4.00
367.00
75
Garden & Agriculture
1
.22
1.10
96.00
75
>>
Threshing Floor
.37
5.70
161.00
75
Garden
1.93
""
}}
243.00
1,534.00
75
Fish Pond
1
1
3.09
3.10
62.00
75
Lime Kiln
1
1
.01
"}
1.00
5.00
75
Conversions
Permits to occupy land for Agriculture
144
3.80
578.00
917.04
75
2
2
4.40
63.00
21
4
6
19.19
63.40
10
""
83
152
"
33
,
""
108.49
693.86
5
> }
""
384
593
288.59
3,601.50
1
""
Other purposes
22
52
68.06
314.02
I
Extensions
Exchanges
Re-entries
9
9
.16
13.50
612.00
1
4
.10
24.00
Nil
75
310
24.10
101.19
221
75
Surrenders
Resumptions
35
2.37
57.96
57
2.80
5.77
2,197.43
Stone Quarry Permits
149
1,331.00
Permits to cut Earth, etc.
513
Matshed Permits
1,269
Ferry Licences
2
Forestry Licences
652
652
Pine-apple land Leases
366
366
Grave Certificates
7
Deeds registered and fees
2,963
1119811
4,680.83
22.93
40,515.40
147.93
5,991.07
3.00
8,103.08
443.79
3.50
5,883.40
1
5
Appendix J (1)
REPORT ON THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE YEAR 1939.
Southern District.
STAFF.
Mr. H. J. Cruttwell continued as District Officer throughout the year.
2.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE.
Tables I and III show comparative details of revenue and expenditure of the department in 1938 and 1939.
3. In spite of a considerable decrease in fees for earth and stone, and of an apparent falling off (explained in the footnote to Table II) in the yield from permits for occupation of Crown Land, pineapple plantations, and for matsheds, bathing sheds and temporary structures on private land, the revenue collected exceeded the 1938 total by $18,533.15. The chief factors in this increase were the rise of nearly $11,000 in premia on land sales and the collection of rates at the full rate. There was also an increase in revenue from court fines and from registration of deeds.
4. Table III shows a comparative statement of revenue and expenditure of the department for the last 10 years.
MAGISTRACY.
5. Tables IV to VIII give details of the cases heard by the District Officer as Police Magistrate and as Judge of the Small Debts Court.
6.
Police cases increased by 10%.
again forestry offences were numerous.
There were There were more larcenies and once
Two persons were under arrest at the end of the year on a charge of murder and there was one case of manslaughter sent for trial.
The number of opium offences decreased by more than half.
7. During the year eight juveniles were dealt with.
8. The number of small debts cases fell off considerably, but land cases increased.
9. The District Officer as coroner held eight death inquiries.
LAND.
{"
10. The work of the Land Office is shown in Table X.
Largely as a result of big sales in the Lo Wai area of Tsun Wan and in the Mui Wo area of Lantao premia increased by $10,756.25. During the latter part of the year somewhat higher rates of premium for building land were in force in some parts of the district, while agricultural rates were relaxed.
11. There was a general increase in sales of building and of agricultural land both to villagers and non-villagers: it is particularly satisfactory to see that purchases of agricultural land by the former increased from 1.47 acres in 1938 to 14.20 acres.
12. The rather high figure for re-cntries is largely on account of non- payment of Crown Rent: but a number of lots near Hang Hau purchased in 1937 were re-entered on for failure to build.
J (1) 2
GENERAL.
13. Once again the mainland had a more satisfactory year than the islands, Tsun Wan being particularly prosperous. The introduction of unavoidable war- time measures affected both transport and fishing.
AGRICULTURE.
14. Unfavourable weather conditions resulted in rice crops being only moderate, though two quite good crops were obtained on Lamma, and a fairly good first crop on Lantão.
Pineapple again had a poor year.
15. Towards the end of the year free distributions of manure under the direction of the Special Commissioner for the extension of agriculture were made with a view to increasing vegetable production.
FISHERIES.
16. The existing difficulties were increased by the necessity of laying mine- fields in some areas, Lamma and Cheung Chau being principally affected.
17. The following table gives the approximate figures for the catches during the year at Tai 0:-
Price per picul.
Ma Yau
Herring
Wong Fa
Shrimps
Catch.
1938.
1939.
1938.
1939.
80 piculs.
40 piculs.
$17.50
$20.00
2,000
3,000
$13.00
$ 7.00
وو
J
14,750
2,900
12,510
$10.50
$11.00
3)
وو
2,500
$10.00
$12.00
وو
وو
For the
The herring catch increased again, but the price fell heavily. other fish the prices all shewed some increase.
Fairly good catches were made off Tsun Wan and the price improved.
TRANSPORT.
18. The buses on the mainland continued to be crowded. Up till the autumn ferry services were maintained fairly satisfactorily.
As a result of wartime measures ferries to Cheung Chau had to go by East Lamma Channel, taking about two hours as against one hour by the normal route. Up to the end of the year only two journeys a day each way were being made, only one ferry being in use. The service to Tai O was also affected to some extent, but the Ping Chau-Silver Mine Bay and Tsun Wan-Tsing I services were maintained as usual, and were well patronised.
REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS.
19. Altogether 1,018 births and 872 deaths were registered in Tai 0, Cheung Chau and Tsun Wan compared with totals of 846 and 762 in 1938.
PUBLIC HEALTH.
20. Except for the beach coolie at Cheung Chau and for some coolies still employed by the kaifong there, the scavenging staff was transferred to the medical department. Sanitary inspectors were appointed at the beginning of the year. As a result of these measures there was a definite improvement in
conditions.
+
>
J (1) 3
21. A mid-wife was in attendance at the Tai O dispensary, and medical officers paid regular visits to the islands. In the early summer dressers were sent out to vaccinate, and to inoculate against cholera: at Ping Chau the South China Boat Mission rendered valuable assistance. During the summer cholera posters were distributed in the principal centres of population.
22. A campaign against illegal and insanitary matsheds was started in conjunction with the medical authorities. A considerable number of sheds were cleared from the neighbourhood of Chung On Street in Tsun Wan, though not without some opposition. By contrast it is satisfactory to be able to record that the occupants of a large group of sheds in Cheung Chau readily co-operated in improving their sheds in accordance with the requirements of the medical authorities.
LANTAO.
23. Tai O had quite a gool year, considering the Typhoon in November and general conditions at sea.
24.
All the market stalls did quite good business.
25. The output of boat-building yards decreased again, but the yield of boat and junk licences rose by $900 to over $5,100.
26. The pig and poultry trades did well, the value of ducks exported increasing considerably.
27. In spite of a slight fall in the output compared with 1938, the salt pans had a very successful year as a result of a large increase in price.
28. Silver Mine Bay, where the Ferry Company had built a pavilion, was visited by numerous bathers during the summer. There was also promise of considerable agricultural and building development.
29.
LAMMA ISLAND.
Another rather poor year for chickens and eggs, but the papaya crop was fairly good, the trees having recovered from the 1937 Typhoon.
30. Many head of cattle were disposed of in Aberdeen and regular supplies of pigs were sent to Hong Kong markets.
CHEUNG CHAU.
31. A moderate year; war-time measures unavoidably affected both com- munications in general and fishing.
32. Business in the market was generally indifferent. But not all local industries suffered: some, such as feather and tannery businesses, were active.
33. Vegetable gardeners had a fairly good year and remunerative prices were obtained in Hong Kong markets.
34. In the village, the Fong Pin Sho was renovated with the help of a grant from the Secretary for Chinese Affairs and was re-opened early in the
year.
35. Nearly all the houses in the Reservation were occupied throughout the summer and autumn and preparations were put in hand for extending the Electric Light supply to the Reservation.
:
— J (1) 4
TSUN WAN.
36. Development according to the Lay-out continued, blocks of three and four houses and shops being put up near the market area. Private sites were also under development along the Castle Peak Road and the building trade did well.
37. The market did good business and a fairly high standard of cleanliness and order was maintained. To relieve the congestion on Chung On Street, the setting aside of an area of land to the south of the market as a pitch for licensed hawkers was approved.
38. Business generally did well. Prices improved in bean curd, Chinese wine and spirit, white lead, lime and soy trades. The Texaco and the Hong Kong Brewery had fairly good years, and the Ilume Pipe Company did good business, employing many local hands. The South China Iron Works built extensive workshops.
39. In September the rating area was extended to include the factories and some other buildings, and the increased yield is estimated at about $1,000.00.
40. Work on the extension of the Shing Mun Catchwater continued through the year.
41. Tsing I Island again had only a moderate pineapple crop, but developed industrially in a small way, a paper and hydrochloric acid factory being erected, and the lime kilns being fairly busy.
42. An area of Crown Land was appropriated to the kaifong for the erection of a village school.
:
HANG HAU.
43. This peninsula develops very slowly unfortunately the war stopped some of the buildings begun at Hang Hau. However at Ha Yeung the Seventh Day Adventist Mission erected a large number of excellent school buildings and had about 200 pupils at the end of the year.
29th March, 1940.
:
H. CRUTTWELL, District Officer, South.
A
•
J (1) 5
Table I.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE 1938 AND 1939.
Personal Emoluments
OTHER CHARGES.
Conveyance Allowances
Incidental Expenses Lighting
Local Public Works
Rent for Office
Scavenging
Transport
Uniforms
Total Department
*Includes Officers of Cadet and Junior Clerical Services.
Table II.
1938. *$58,987.79
1939. $33,442.40
664.16
648.35
315.16
210.97
718.54
853.97
2,405.00
2,310.69
5,000.00
4.800.00
1,776.09
1.524.00
749.97
598.55
114.34
120.33
$70,731.05
$44,509.26
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF REVENUE COLLECTED BY THE
DISTRICT OFFICER, 1938 AND 1939.
*
Assessed Taxes (Rates)
Forestry Licences
1938. §$ 1,966.93 2,456.70
1939. $ 4,642.00 *1,340.05
Hawkers' Licences
147.00
Miscellaneous Licences
13.00
Building Covenant Fines
47.12
199.00 *9.50 249.73
Fines
1,177.27
1,733.58
Forfeitures
495.00
Boundary Stones and Survey Fees
212.00
$62.00 2,048.00
Crown Leases
60.00
240.00
Earth and Stone Permits
2,987.12
1,556.16
Legal Costs
102.00
54.00
Miscellaneous Fees
240.25
265.50
Deeds Registration Fees
3,543.70
5,587.50
•
Bathing Matshed Permits
6,619.37
*4.162.99
Matshed Permits
829.00
*521.00
Temporary Structure on Private Land
1,093.00
*804.00
Permits to Occupy Crown Land
530.80
*440.60
Miscellaneous Permits
4,912.75
*‡4,043.13
Leased Lands
†24,021.81
†27,623.18
Markets Fees
3,877.31
3,842.00
Pineapple Land Leases
444.26
*194.96
Stone Quarries
Other Miscellaneous Receipts
Premia on New Leases
Poor Box
Arms Fine Fund
234.00
275.00
29.20
90.50
4,276.40.
15,032.65
101.08
68.92
162.23
310.72
Revenue Reward Fund
Total
318.80
3,234.58
$60,898.10
$79,431.25
*Fees for half year ending 31.12.39 only C.S.O. 1432/24.
Including one permit for ten months at $370.00 per month.
Half Rates only C.S.O. 3210/33.
† 1. Actual Collections, including normal arrears for previous year.
2. Amount due on 1938 Rent Roll including $3,170.00 remitted for Salt
Pan No. 2.
Amount due on 1939 Rent Roll
$27,076.76. 27.494.65.
J (1) 6
Table III.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE OF THE
DISTRICT OFFICE FOR LAST TEN YEARS.
Total Expenditure
*Personal Emoluments and
Other Charges.
Special Expenditure.
of the
Department.
Total Revenue Collected by the Department.
$ ¢
$
$
&
"
1930......
39,410.90
39,410.90
46,715.94
1931.....
36,282.47
36,282.47
51,285.59
1932..
42,073.65§
42,073.65
56,679.19
1933......
47,116.63
47,116.63
62,282.58
1934....
41,790.00
41,790.00
63,912.43
1935..
43,911.09
43,911.09
53,658.04
1936......
48,207.58
48,207.58
51,882.66
1937...
47,989.50
200.00
48,189.50
64,874.52
1938....
1939.....
70,731.05
70,731.05
60,898.10
44,509.26
44,509.26
79,431.25
* Includes Officers of Cadet and Junior Clerical Services attached to Department.
§ Includes salary, May to November, of Cadet Officer on leave.
Table IV.
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNIZANCE OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATE'S COURT AT DISTRICT OFFICE, SOUTH, DURING THE YEAR 1939.
CASES, HOW DISPOSED OF, AND THE NUMBER OF MALE AND FEMALE DEFENDANTS UNDER EACH
HEAD.
Classification of offences.
Total No. Total No.
of
Charges.
of Defen-
Convicted
and
Committed for
Discharged.
dants.
Sentenced.
trial at the Supreme Court.
M. F.
J. M. F.
J. M. F. J.
Bound over to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
M. F. J.
Bail
Estreated.
M.
F. J.
OFFENCES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS.
(a)—Against their property.
Larceny (Simple)
༣
122
12
119
105
5
100
46
Robbery
Forgery
False pretences
3
4
Stealing from person
Larceny from dwelling house
12
11
10
Receiving stolen property
10
9
(b)—Against their person.
30
Assault (Common)
Assault (Bodily Harm)
Murder
Manslaughter
291
822-
75
40
OFFENCES OF A PUBLIC NATURE.
(a)-Against the Crown and Government.
الاسم
1
1
23
23
Co
21
Dangerous Drugs
11
Dangerous Goods
5
Opium Offences
25
33
12
Revenue Offences
39
29
2828
1
COTT
3
1
1
16
1
00
(b)-Against Public Justice.
Deportation
11
11
11
(c)-Against Public Peace.
Unlawful Possession of Arms
00
10
7
1
(d)-Against Public Morals and Police.
Gambling Offences
Hawking Offences
២២៖
35
148
37
67
67
38
Other Offences
202
205
146
29
12
1
110
20
1
1
122
Sand Stealing
6
10
3
2
Keeping Sly Brothel
8
3
3
Total.
622
817
458
59
60
6
2
27
30
1 150 6
M. Male
F. Female.
J.Juvenile.
J (1) 7
-
Table V.
RETURN OF PUNISHMENTS AWARDED IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN CLASSES OF OFFENCES AT DISTRICT OFFICE, SOUTH, DURING THE YEAR 1939.
Offences against Individuals.
Offences of a Public Nature.
No. of
Persons
Punished.
Against
their
Property.
Against
their
Person.
Against the Crown and Government.
Against
Public
Justice.
Against
Public
Morals and
Other
Offences.
Police.
M.
F.
J. M.
F.
J. M. F.
J M.
F. J. M. F.
J. M.
F. J.
M.
F. J.
Fined
331 33
28
25
31
1
Imprisoned in default
172
31
27
Co
14
32
Peremptory Imprisonment
Bound over to keep peace and to be of good behaviour
Total
192 10
2 122
3
1 18 I
30
10
6
2.1
5
2
1
13
178 9
1 68
16 2
34
60 16
32
I.
725 84
8183 6
2
78
9
70
16
2
19
212 12
1
163 4.1 3
M. Male.
F. = Female.
J. = Juvenile.
J (1) S
Classifi-
cation of
Offences.
Larceny
Cutting trees.
Distilling
Wine
Table VI (A).
•
RETURN OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS BROUGHT BEFORE THE POLICE MAGISTRATE'S COURT AT DISTRICT OFFICE, SOUTH, DURING THE YEAR 1939.
A.-Boys.
Convicted and Sentenced.
Bound Over.
Total No. of Defendants.
Caned in
Court.
Caned and
Bound over.
Fined.
Imprisoned. be of good
To keep the peace and
behaviour.
To come
up for
Judgment.
Convicted
and
Cautioned.
Discharged
or
Previously Bail Convicted. Estreated.
Order made.
2
3
1
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
1.
* (1)—Age under 10.
(2)-Over 10 and under 12.
(3)-Over 12 and under 14. (4)-Over 14 and under 15.
(5)-Over 15 and under 16.
9.
.
Convicted and Sentenced.
Table VI (B).
B.-Girls.
Bound Over.
Classifi-
cation of
Offences.
Total No. of Defendants.
Caned in
Court.
Caned and Bound over.
Fined.
To keep the
peace and Imprisoned. be of good behaviour.
To come
up for
Judgment.
Convicted
and
Cautioned.
Discharged
or
Order made.
Previously
Convicted.
Bail
Estreated.
Disorderly
Conduct
1
Hawking no Licence
1
i
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
1.)
(1)-Age under 10.
(2)-Over 10 and under 12. (3)-Over 12 and under 14. (4)--Over 14 and under 15. (5)-Over 15 and under 16.
J (1) 10
Table VII.
ABSTRACT OF CASES BROUGHT UNDER COGNIZANCE OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATE'S COURT DURING A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS.
Cases, how disposed of, and the Number of Male and Female Prisoners under each Head.
Years.
Total
No.
of
Cases.
Committed
Convicted
and
Punished.
for trial at
Discharged.
Supreme
Court.
Committed to Prison or
detained pending order
Order to find
Security.
charge or giving false
of His
Excellency the
To keep the peace, to be of good behaviour and to answer
Did not
appear and
Escaped before
Punished for preferring false
Total No.
being brought
for trial at the
Escaped.
Undecided,
absconded.
of
Defendants.
Magistracy.
testimony.
Governor.
any Charge.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11 12
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26 27
28
29
30
31
32
33
M.
F. J. M.
F. J. M. F.
J.
M.
F.
J.
M. F.
J.
M.
F.
J.
M.
F.
J.
M.
F. M.
F.
M.
J.
F.
است
J.
M.
F.
J.
1935
402
367 29
1936
374
371
26
1937
508
397 56
29
49
1
6 44
10
Q
1 36
7
9
1938
667
403 37
138
1939
670
458
59 5
60
10
CO
3
15
6
2 27
2
223
22 223
C
22
52
20
3
88
1
1
.
15
94
13
38
108 38
6
189
1
30
11
་་
1
150
6
Total
2,621
1,996
207
12 327 24
7
55
2
212
70
7 573
21
1
494
33
523
35
568
91.
853
81
9
725
84
8
3,163
324
27
J (1)
11
Aver-
age
524.2
399.2
41.4
2.4 ¡65.4
4.8 1.4
.4
42.4
14
1.4 114.6 4.2
.2
632.6
64.8
5.4
per
year.
Cases heard
Writs of Execution
Land Cases
J (1) 12
Table VIII.
SMALL DEBTS COURT.
1938.
1939.
17
19
6
8
40
67
Table IX.
CORONER'S RETURN FOR THE YEAR 1939.
Number of Death
Enquiries held
with Jury.
Number of Death Enquiries held
without Jury.
Number of Burial
Orders issued.
Nil.
LO
5
Co
3
Table X.
ཟས
J (1) 13
No. of Sales,
Permits,
No. of
Area in
Increase of
Headings.
Licences,
Lots.
Acres.
etc.
Decrease of Crown Rent. Crown Rent.
Amount of
Premia,
Fees, &c.
Amount
paid for
Resumption of Land.
Term
of
Years.
$ ¢
$ ¢
$
&
$
Land Sales for Building (a) to Local Villagers
33
33
.97
67.50
891.00
75
Land Sales for Building (b) to
non-local persons
46
47
5.20
641.50
4,776.55
2
75
Land Sales for Agriculture (a) to
Local Villagers
21
24
14.20
15.80
1,168.00
75
Land Sales for Agriculture (b) to
non-local persons
64
93
Conversion
29
99
388
72.73
80.60
8,374.00
75
3.80
639.50
93.10
75
Stone Quarry Leases
5
4.46
275.00
2010 1
Permits to Occupy Lands (5 years)
4
30.32
65.50
5
"
"
(Annual)
154
122.17
491.80
1
Matshed Permits on Crown Land
684
6.68
886.00
1
Bathing Matshed Permits
290
2.57
7,259.95
1
Permits for Temporary Structures on
Private Lands
212
2.69
1,232.00
1
Earth and Stone Permits
189
1,556.16
Forestry Licences
128
12,488.85
2,506.10
1
Pineapple Licences
223
120.07
360.82
5
Deeds Registration Fees
1,863
5,587.50
Resumption
304
23.75
352.23
26,136.94
Re-entries
144
23.44
188.27
Surrenders
18
.22
5.62
Hawker's Licences
93
Miscellaneous Licences
15
Permits
204
186.00
15.00
5,008.00
1
1
1
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Fish Pond Leases
2
2.42
26.20
5
Orchard Leases
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE FOR THE YEAR 1939.
Section 1 General.
"
2 Staff and Special Events.
3
""
""
""
""
""
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دو
Contents.
Revenue, licences issued, and expenditure.
4 Buildings.
5 Crime and Social Conditions.
5A Various Sub-Departments.
6 Special Branch.
7 Hong Kong Island.
8 Kowloon.
9 New Territories, North.
9A
South.
,,
"
10 Colonial Waters.
11 Strength, Conduct and Health of the Force.
12 Musketry and Revolver Courses.
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13 Training.
25
14 Anti-Piracy Guards.
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,,
14A Anti-Piracy Searchers.
15 Traffic.
16 Emergency Units.
17 Water Police.
,,
Table I Expenditure 1938 and 1939.
""
II Revenue, 1938 and 1939.
>>
III Revenue and Expenditure 1930 to 1939.
IV Licences issued 1938 and 1939.
V
""
Return of Crime, 1938 and 1939.
""
VI Vehicle Accidents.
Annexe A Police Reserve.
B Remand Home for Male Juvenile Offenders.
C Salvation Army Home for Female Juvenile Offenders.
1.
- K 3
Appendix K.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE 1939.
SECTION I. GENERAL.
In the year 1939 repercussions of Sino-Japanese hostilities were even more marked than they had been in 1938. The Japanese landing in South China in October 1938 followed by the occupation of Canton and the taking up of positions on the frontier caused a large influx of refugees into Hong Kong and led to the disruption of government in Kwang-tung. Japanese troops took up positions along Hong Kong's mainland frontier on 21.2.39 and remained in the neighbourhood in greater or smaller numbers until 30.12.39 when they were withdrawn from the immediate vicinity of the frontier. The occupation of the frontier started with an attack on Shum Chun; during the course of which Japanese planes dropped bombs in British territory, and caused casualties. During August large Japanese forces took up their position near our frontier, but by the end of the month the main forces had been withdrawn and only small parties remained. Further details are given in Section 9.1
2. The continued influx of refugees during 1939 following on the earlier immigration experienced in 1937 and 1938 has produced most serious effects on the social and economic life of the Colony. Throughout this report it has been found necessary repeatedly to refer to "the influx of refugees." Some of the more obvious effects are an increase of serious crime, especially robbery (on land and in Colonial waters), larceny, and of minor offences such as unlicensed hawking. Social evils such as prostitution, gambling and illicit opium and heroin divans have also been accentuated. (See Section 5).
3. The outbreak of war between Great Britain and Germany on September 3rd resulted in a great increase of the duties and responsibilities of the Police Force, particularly of the Special Branch. Police were called upon when war was declared to carry out the internment of certain male enemy aliens, and for a few days only, to guard the premises of enemy firms. Since then the work of the Special Branch, particularly the Passports, Aliens Registration, and Defence Sections, has increased greatly, while a number of regular duty Police have been used in guarding certain essential services. The work of the Special Branch is detailed in Section 6.
4. In view of the abnormal conditions prevailing in the Colony, the strength of the Force becomes of paramount importance. Detailed figures are given in Section 11. The position for 1940 is that there is a deficiency below the number required to man all beats and posts of approximately 30 men, and this deficiency is now magnified by the necessity of providing men for special duties due to the war and Sino-Japanese hostilities. It will therefore be necessary to ask that the Police Force should be further strengthened in 1941.
5. The Police Reserve whose activities are given in Annexe A to this report have rendered valuable services by providing trained reserves for duty daily between 8 p.m. and midnight to make up the shortage of regular police. I take this opportunity to express my thanks for these services.
6. The graph opposite illustrates for the years 1931 to 1939 the following figures:
(a) Population of the Colony (only a rough approximation can be given
for 1937 and onwards).
(b) Strength of the Police Force.
(c) Total serious crime.
The salient features are (a) population has increased by 111% (c) serious crime has increased by 123%. The number of police per 10,000 inhabitants has decreased from 23 in 1931 to 12 in 1939.
24
20
16
12
S
*P
P
S
1982
1983
S
1984
@
1935
1986
1937
1988
1939
A. Graph Shewing Variation of Population in Hong Kong, 1931-1939.
1981
B.
Police Strength per 10,000 Inhabitants, 1981-1989.
C.
Serious Crime 1931-1939.
"
Population in Hundred Thousands.
Police Strength in Units.
Serious Crime in Thousands.-
K 4
www
:
}
K 5
SECTION 2. STAFF AND SPECIAL EVENTS.
7. Mr. C. G. Perdue, Deputy Commissioner, acted as Commissioner of Police during the absence on leave of the Hon. Mr. T. H. King, Commissioner of Police, from 17th March to 13th October. During the same period Mr. W. R. Scott, Divisional Superintendent of Police, acted as Deputy Commissioner of Police.
8. H.E. Sir Geoffry Northcote, K.C.M.G., inspected the Hong Kong Police Force and presented medals at Police Headquarters on 11th April 1939. The number of officers presented to His Excellency for medals or Commendations were:
9.
Hong Kong Police Silver Medal. Colonial Police Long Service Medal
1st Bar to
دو
""
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Officers commended by His Excellency
1
22
2
19
The Police Sports Pavilion which was generously presented to the Police Force by Mr. Eu Tong Sen was formally opened on 9.9.39 by Mr. C. G. Perdue, Acting Commissioner of Police, and has since then been in constant use by all Contingents. I take this opportunity of expressing the gratitude of the Force to Mr. Eu for this splendid gift.
SECTION 3. REVENUE, LICENCES ISSUED, AND EXPENDITURE.
10. Tables I and II show comparative revenue and expenditure in detail for 1938 and 1939. Table III shows total revenue and expenditure for the years 1930 to 1939. Total expenditure for 1939 was $3,579,789 and revenue collected by the Department was $1,160,003.
11. Revenue in 1939 increased by $71,577 as compared with 1938. This is a reflection of the increase in business owing to the transfer to the Colony of industries formerly carried on in Chinese territory.
12. Expenditure in 1939 was $290,299 greater than in 1938. One main cause of the increase is the item "Emergency expenses arising from the Sino- Japanese conflict."
This item alone accounts for an increase of $126,427. The second main increase is in personnel emoluments, with an increase of $127,189. This is due to increase of personnel combined with a change in the salary scale of European sergeants.
13. Expenditure on the Police Department in 1939 represented 9.9% of total Government expenditure for the year, (omitting Public Works Extraordinary), and this compares favourably with the corresponding figure of 10.69% in 1930.
14. Increase of business is also indicated in Table IV which shows the various licences issued by the Department during the years 1938 and 1939. Total number of licences issued in 1939 was 9,646 as against 8,172 in 1938. The most striking increases are (a) total number of motor vehicles licensed was 848 greater in 1939 than in 1938, and (b) printing presses increased by 113 during the same period.
15. During the year 5,943 cinematograph reels and 273 trailers were censored at the Censor Studio, as compared with 5,005 reels and 261 trailers in 1938. Eighteen reels were submitted to the Appeal Board as against twenty seven in 1938.
SECTION 4. BUILDINGS.
16. The gradual increase in the strength of the Police Force which has accompanied the development of the city and of Kowloon has now led to the position that several stations cannot accommodate the number of men required to police the district.
K 6
17. Many of the existing stations are so old that early rebuilding will have to be considered, and the opportunity can then be taken to provide increased accommodation of a suitable standard.
18. The following is a list of stations in Hong Kong Island where the existing buildings are old and unsuitable :—
Gough Hill,
West Point (No. 7, old Sailors' Home),
Bay View,
Shaukiwan,
Stanley.
Some of these stations have been mentioned in the police building programme for years. The list omits "Central Police Station North West Corner which has been included in Public Works Extraordinary for 1940 and which is urgently required to provide extra office accommodation, particularly for the Special Branch now housed in the Chung Tin Building.
19. Kowloon is more fortunate in that it possesses 4 stations built in recent years. Here, however, building development in Kowloon Tong has created the need for a new police station in that area, which is now policed partly from Kowloon City and partly from Mong Kok Police Stations. So far no funds have been granted for a Kowloon Tong Police Station although the request was first put forward by the Police Department in 1927. The Police Training School is housed in a large block of buildings originally intended for dwelling houses, and entirely unsuitable for its present use. A site on Crown land has been reserved for a new training school, but so far Government has not been able to make funds available.
SECTION 5. CRIME AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS.
20. Outstanding crimes which occurred during the year were as follows:-
(A. On 28th January Hiyoshi Sagara, a Japanese, whilst having a meal in a
Chinese restaurant at 81 Hennessy Road, was attacked with a chopper by Li Ping Chun, one of the restaurant's waiters, and received multiple wounds from which he died in hospital some weeks later. A letter found on Li Ping Chun indicated that his relatives had been killed by Japanese soldiers, and there can be no doubt that this was the motive behind the crime. Li Ping Chun was charged with murder but was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to seven years hard labour.)
B.
ARMED ROBBERY AND MURDER.
On 21st May a trading junk on the way to Hong Kong from Tung Kun was attacked by a gang of six robbers when off Tung Ku lighthouse. The junk and cargo were seized and nine out of the twelve persons on board were bound and thrown overboard, only one of the nine is known to have survived. The six men concerned in this robbery and murder were subsequently traced by police and found to have bombs, revolvers and rifles in their possession. They were arrested, charged and convicted of murder and sentenced to death.
C. ARMED ROBBERY.
A
On 30th May an armed robbery was committed by a gang of five armed men who looted a goldsmith's shop in Shanghai Street. On their departure they were followed by one of the shop fokis for some distance until he met Detective P.C. C108 Tang Ka who took up the chase and exchanged shots with the robbers. Chinese female in the line of fire was killed and Detective Tang Ka was wounded in the arm. In spite of his injury Detective Tang Ka pluckily continued in pursuit of the robbers until the arrival of police reinforcements. The robbers made for the Homuntin hills and the chase was taken up by a party of police led by
L
K 7
—
Detective Inspector Carey. Three of the five robbers were arrested and most of the stolen property recovered. They were sentenced to life, five years hard labour, and two years hard labour respectively. Detective P.C.C108 Tang Ka was awarded the Colonial Police Medal for his bravery in this case.
D.
MURDER.
On 29th May, Wong Tak Kin, the master of a rice shop at Cross Street, and his family, consisting of his wife and two children, were brutally murdered. Police inquiries left no doubt that the murders had been committed by the victim's four fokis, the motive being robbery.
The affair was not
was not discovered until many hours after the murders had been committed and police have reason to believe the perpetrators made their escape to territory under Japanese jurisdiction.
E. ATTEMPTED HIGHWAY ROBBERY AND FATAL SHOOTING.
On 5th June, two men attempted to rob a Chinese male who had just left a bank in Queen's Road Central. The victim gave the alarm and the men ran away. Detective P.C.C612 Wan Man and Detective P.C.C623 Tam Chung who happened to be in the vicinity endeavoured to intercept them. One of the robbers drew a revolver and fatally wounded Detective Wan Man. The chase was continued by Detective Tam Chung who shot and killed the man who had shot Detective Wan Man. Without
Without stopping Detective Tam Chung then followed the second man and finally with assistance caught and arrested him with a loaded revolver in his possession. At the criminal sessions he was convicted and sentenced to six years hard labour.
Detective P.C.C623 Tam Chung was subsequently awarded the King's Police Medal for conspicuous bravery.
21. Disturbed conditions in China generally, and in the Kwangtung Province especially, caused a great influx of refugees into Hong Kong, with the result that there was an increase in the number of crimes of violence. There were. 278 outrages as compared with 139 in 1938 and some of the more glaring cases have been mentioned above. There were 115 charge cases and these results may be considered satisfactory.
22. The New Territories North and Colonial waters naturally suffered most from disturbed conditions over the border and in neighbouring waters. Hong Kong and Kowloon also show an increase in outrages, while the New Territories South remained comparatively unaffected. The following table shows the incidence of outrages in 1938 and 1939:-
Year.
Hong Kong.
Kowloon. N.T.S.
N.T.N.
Waters.
Total.
1938...
40
46
30
23
139
1939.
68
79
2
68
61
278
23. Petty thieving increased slightly. The total number of larcenies was 9,458 as compared with 9,411 in 1938. Of these cases 2,055 were larceny from the person, and for this offence there were 1,425 charge cases. Very many of these offences were due to poverty.
24. The estimated value of property stolen during the year 1939 was $685,216 as against $543,545 being an increase of $141,671 or 26%. The average for the last five years is $527,930. The value of property recovered during the year was $128,051 or 18% of the property stolen as against $119,400 or 21% of the property stolen in 1938.
K 8
25. The number of minor offences dealt with was 36,040 as compared with 49,555 in 1938, a decrease of 27%. This decrease is almost entirely due to a modification in the policy of dealing with hawking offences. These offences have in fact increased to such an extent that there are not sufficient police to deal with them, nor is there sufficient gaol accommodation to receive all the offenders. Gaol accommodation is insufficient even for more serious offenders, and special releases have to be made from time to time, so that offenders frequently do not serve their full sentences.
26. Summary of crime:-The total number of cases (except summonses) dealt with by the Police during 1939 was 47,844 as against 60,943 in 1938, a decrease of 13,099 or 21%.
27. There were 11,804 serious crimes in 1939 as against 11,388 in 1938, being an increase of 416 or 3.6%. The table below shows the increase or decrease in the following crimes :
Nature of Crime.
Increase:
1938.
1939.
Increase.
Arms
65
120
55
Deportation Ordinance
565
857
292
Intimidation & extortion
5
13
8
Larceny
8,697
8,883
186
Manslaughter
4
15
11
Murder
19
37
18
=
Murder, Attempted
0
6
6
Obtaining by false pretences
126
150
24
Receiving
240
290
50
Robbery
109
215
106
Women & Girls Ordinance
1
2
1
1938.
1939.
Decrease.
Decrease :-
Assault (Serious)
49
39
10
Assault with intent to rob
7
5
2.
Burglary
311
227
84
Coinage
9
6
3
House & godown breaking
294
218
76
Kidnapping
8
2
6
Larceny in dwelling
491
383
108
Larceny on ship and wharf
223
192
31
Other serious offences
113
109
4
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28. The following table indicates the number of serious crimes for the whole Colony 1934-1939-
Year.
Charge
No charge
Total
cases.
cases.
cases.
| Property
stolen.
Property recovered.
$
$
1934
3,480
2,069
5,549
363,436
50,551
1935
4,322
2,051
6,373
576,203
42,704
1936
6,234
2,804
9,038
303,497
69,739
1937
8,169
4,265
12,434
531,190
115,829
1938
7,002
4,386
11,388
543,545
119,400
1939
7,859
3,945
11,804
685,216
128,051
29. Total serious crime in 1934 was 5,549 and in that year the total C.I.D. (Crime) Cantonese staff was 137. In 1939 total serious crime was 11,804 an increase of 112%, and total C.I.D. (Crime) Cantonese staff was 172 an increase of 251%. In 1934 total European C.I.D. (Crime) staff was 40, as against 42 in 1939, an increase of 5%.
30.
A summary of the number of articles lost or recovered during the year is given below:-
Year.
Articles reported
Value.
lost.
Articles recovered or found but not reported lost.
Value of articles found.
1938....
760
$71,965
100
$5,630
1939....
511
$49,102
39
$415
31. The attention of police authorities is constantly devoted to the suppres- sion of corruption among members of the Police Force, and there were 7 successful prosecutions for this offence during the year.
32. A grave problem raised by the large number of poverty stricken refugees is that of prostitution. Certain limited areas of the Colony have become by night the haunt of a large number of prostitutes. Soliciting for prostitution has become a serious social evil, and the number and poverty of the women concerned have favoured the spread of veneral disease. This problem formed the subject of an inquiry by a Committee appointed for the purpose by H.E. the Governor. It is considered that the time is now ripe to try the experiment of enlisting Chinese women police for this purpose.
33. Another evil effect of overcrowding, poverty and unemployment is the spread of opium and heroin divans. Frequent raids are conducted on such illicit divans by both Police and Revenue officers. During 1939 there were 2,484 cases for offences against the. Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinances, as compared with 2,081 cases in 1938.
34. The rise in the price of firewood and the presence here of large numbers of poverty stricken and unemployed refugees has caused an increase in the number of foresty offences. There were 2,393 cases for such offences as compared with 2,246 cases in 1938. A large number of raids have been made by police and forestry officers, but the position is still serious.
K 10
SECTION 5A. VARIOUS SUB-DEPARTMENTS.
35. During the year a total of 1,728 mendicants were dealt with by the Deportation Office and sent away from the Colony. Of this number 385 were charged and convicted before the courts. The corresponding figures for 1938 are 2,529 and 715 respectively. The decrease in the number is partly due to the Japanese occupation of the frontier and the consequent difficulty of sending mendicants away. The Deportation Office dealt with 8,625 prisoners discharged in the Colony as against 8,666 in 1938: 125 persons were placed under police supervision orders as against 201 in 1938: 3,629 persons were deported from the Colony after serving a term of imprisonment as against 2,535 in 1938:
417 persons were sent away by order of the courts as against 824 in 1938: 55 persons were sent away under the Emergency Regulations as against 159 in 1938: 1,730 persons were sent on to their homes in China in transit from other parts of the world as against 1,184 in 1938.
36. During the year 2,758 unknown dead bodies were found by police as against 2,991 in 1938, and 1,353 in 1937.
37. As a precaution against rabies the muzzling order was enforced through- out the year. 3,544 dogs were licensed as against 3,226 in 1938.
38. During the year in 1938 and 150 in 1937. 240 as against 299 in 1938.
39.
194 cases were heard at criminal sessions as against 167 The number of missing children reported to police was
Of this number 185 were found.
The following table shows the number of weights and measures examined :—
Foreign scales
Chinese scales
Yard measures
Chinese foot measures
Correct.
Incorrect.
Total.
267
2
269
1,179
17
1,196
364
6
370
594
594
Ten prosecutions were instituted under the Weights and Measures Ordinance as against 15 in 1938.
40. There were 34 prosecutions under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance as against 58 in 1938.
41. The photographic department took 169 photographs of scenes of crime, accidents, and other places and issued 5,622 copies of the photographs taken.
42. In the finger-print bureau 28,310 finger print slips were searched, and 7,986 persons were identified, as against 24,747 and 6,848 respectively for 1938. The number of slips filed was 20,851 as against 19,080 in 1938. The number of new records was 12,865 as against 11,922 in 1938. During the year 891 persons were charged under the Deportation Ordinance as against 583 in 1938. At the end of the year the total number of slips on file was 187,034 as against 174,169 at the end of 1938. During the year 3,500 new criminal record files were created, and the total is now 5,176.
K 11
SECTION 6. SPECIAL BRANCH.
43. Chinese Affairs. The year was not marked by any serious anti-British activity on the part of communists. Anti-Japanese feeling remained strong but latent. A number of new guilds and labour associations were formed during the year, and together with older guilds, were active in collecting subscriptions for Chinese war relief and Chinese national welfare. Three small strikes occurred during the year.-
44. Immigration and Passports. During the year there were 42 persons of various nationalities, other than Chinese, put before the court for the following offences :-
Breach of Passports Ordinance (including 2 cases of possession of false passports) 33; stowaways 7; vagrant 1; returning from banishment 1.
Full passport examination service was instituted on 1st April.
45. Registration of Persons. 6,280 aliens registered. 4,223 registered aliens left the Colony. 51 aliens became British subjects by naturalization; 10 persons (Portuguese subjects) renounced British nationality and were registered as aliens. There were 31 convictions for breach of the Registration of Persons Ordinance No. 12 of 1939. On 31st December there were 4,346 registered aliens in the Colony.
46. Enemy Aliens. On the declaration of war there were 262 enemy aliens in the Colony, including 117 of military age. Of this number 99 were provisionally interned, and 161 served with restriction orders under the Defence Regulations, 1939. Following consideration of individual cases the position on 31st December was 23 interned and 167 subjected to restrictions.
47. The outbreak of war with Germany added heavily to the work and responsibilities of the Special Branch which maintains close liaison with the Naval and Military authorities. It was found necessary to make substantial increases to the staff of the Branch during the year.
SECTION 7. HONG KONG ISLAND.
48. In the Island of Hong Kong the influx of refugees continued throughout most of the year and caused extreme over-crowding in Chinese tenements.
49. Large numbers of refugees were forced by poverty to try to make a living by unlicensed hawking, and this offence was the cause of congestion and danger to traffic in the streets and also increased the work of sanitary authorities. Police staff was inadequate to deal effectively with this offence, and in any case, further prosecutions only embarrassed the magistrates and prison authorities.
50. Another effect of the increase of population was the large number of street sleepers and the great number of illegal shacks and sheds on the hillsides from Happy Valley to Shaukiwan.
51. Serious crime for the Island totalled 5,691 as against 5,934 in 1938. Of these 68 were outrages as compared with 40 in 1938. The most spectacular of these crimes was the gun duel in Lee Tung Street East in which a Chinese detective was murdered, one of his assailants slain and the other captured (See paragraph E of Section 5). There were 4,733 larcenies in 1939 as against 4,976 in 1938. Of these 2,910 were charge cases. There were 889 other serious offences, including 743 charge cases, as against 918 cases in 1938. Most of the larcenies were due to extreme poverty. There were 18,033 minor offences as against 24,299 in 1938. The number of hawking cases was 11,580 as against 18,299 in 1938.
-
K 12
52. The number of gambling cases was 478 as compared with 217 in 1938. Here again the influx of refugees is responsible for a large increase in this offence, and some gambling schools have sprung up where the stakes are heavy, and police find considerable difficulty in obtaining information, and carrying out successful raids.
SECTION 8. KOWLOON.
53. Kowloon received a very large number of refugees causing serious overcrowding in Chinese tenements, also an increase in street sleepers, and a great increase in the number of illegal shacks and sheds in all available vacant spaces.
54. Serious crimes in 1939 totalled 5,469 cases as against 5,083 in 1938.
There were 79 outrages as against 46 in 1938.
Firearms were used in 20 cases, and one robbery lead to the gun battle between police and robbers described in Section 5 paragraph 20 c.
There were 4,379 larcenies as against 4,216 in 1938. There were 2,825 charge cases. There were 977 other serious crimes against 813 in 1938. There were 16,993 minor offences as compared with 24,248 in 1938. As in Hong Kong the number of unlicensed hawkers is such that available police staff is inadequate. The number of prosecutions for hawking offences was 10,336 as compared with 17,167 in 1938.
55. Maintenance of discipline at the interned Chinese soldiers' camp at Ma Tau Chung added to the strain on police staff during the year, and considerable trouble was also caused by labour disputes at the Chung Hwa Book Company's depot at Ma Tau Chung.
SECTION 9. NEW TERRITORIES, NORTH.
56. During the whole year conditions in the New Territories, North, were disturbed owing to the presence of Japanese troops on the frontier or in the vicinity. There was a large influx of refugees with an ebb and flow depending on Japanese operations. A large number of firearms found their way into the possession of Chinese robbers and bandits, and many robberies were committed in British territory by bandit gangs from over the border, as well as by robbers who came in as refugees. A large fluctuating number of refugees, totalling 7,294 on 31st December, have been accommodated in five official and five unofficial refugee camps maintained by the medical authorities and relief associations in New Territories, North. Provision of these camps was of great value to police by helping to reduce crime.
57. The two main incidents in connexion with Japanese operations were the Lo Wu bombing on February 21st and the Japanese occupation of the frontier in August.
LO WU BOMBING INCIDENT.
58. On February 21st, at 09.35 a.m., a flight of nine Japanese monoplanes was observed by police stationed at Lo Wu blockhouse approaching Shum Chun from the North-West. They broke formation over Shum Chun and started to bomb the market, refugee camp and Chinese Maritime Customs buildings and wireless station, killing and wounding many Chinese, and causing a stampede of refugees across the frontier.
59. Three of the planes flew over the frontier into British territory and began to bomb the railway and machine gun the fleeing crowds of refugees. Six bombs fell in the vicinity of the Lo Wu railhead; one of these scored a direct hit on the Indian police cookhouse, killing P.C.B750, Surta Singh, and completely demolishing the building. Twelve persons were killed and four injured in British
+
- K 13
territory during this attack. One of these planes flew over Lo Wu military camp and attacked the 09.41 a.m. train near No. 47 railway bridge with bombs and machine gun fire; two bombs were dropped on the railway embankment, damaging two carriages; only one Chinese male was injured.
60. The three planes then followed the course of the Canton Road from Lo Wu to Man Kam To, firing on refugees who had crossed over into British territory, and finally flew back across the frontier to Shum Chun where they rejoined their formation and disappeared from view. The Japanese authorities subsequently paid compensation for the damage and casualties caused by the bombing. >
61. In addition to the casualties inflicted in British territory, forty-four persons were admitted to Kowloon hospitals with injuries received in Chinese territory and a further five died of wounds.
JAPANESE OCCUPATION OF THE FRONTIER IN AUGUST.
62. On August 16th, at 8.30 a.m., a large column of Japanese infantry, cavalry and light artillery, preceded by aerial reconnaissance, were observed from Lok Ma Chau police station, moving towards Shum Chun; they reached the railway line and advanced slowly down it, occupying Shum Chun at 11.50 a.m. Later in the day, the Hong Kong military authorities took over control of the frontier from police; the latter carried on their normal frontier duties in reserve.
63. On August 17th, at 4 p.m., Japanese troops occupied Yim Tin, and at 9.55 p.m., they arrived at Sha Tau Kok in Chinese territory, where they were conducted round the frontier boundaries by the Assistant Superintendent of Police, New Territories; they finally occupied Sha Tau Kok, Chinese section, at 11.45 p.m. Large numbers of refugees crossed over into British territory and were accommodated at San Uk Ling and Cha Hang refugee camps.
64. On August 20th, between 3,000 and 4,000 Japanese troops were landed at Nam Tau and large reinforcements were sent to Shum Chun. By August 21st, there was an estimated total of 20,000 Japanese troops in the Nam Tau' area, including 1,000 cavalry and a large number of mechanized units.
65. On August 22nd, the British military authorities dismantled all frontier bridges leading into British territory and on August 26th, the Lo Wu railway bridge was rendered impassable. On August 27th, Japanese troop movements towards Nam Tau were observed; information was received that garrisons at the frontier and Deep Bay villages had been reduced to a minimum and that large numbers of Japanese soldiers had embarked on transports at Nam Tau.
66. On August 30th, at 10.45 p.m., heavy firing broke out from the direction of Shum Chun, as the result of a raid by Chinese troops, and continued for several hours; this was followed two days later by a small scale raid by Chinese regular troops on Sha Tau Kok, during which five Japanese soldiers were killed and a number injured. On October 2nd, five Japanese aeroplanes bombed Po Kat and Shum Chun, presumably in retaliation for the Chinese attack. No further fighting took place near the frontier during the year. Frequent Japanese patrols, carried out between Nam Tau, Shum Chun and Sha Tau Kok, Chinese territory, were the only signs of activity.
67. On December 30th, the Japanese evacuated Sha Tau Kok; during the following night they evacuated all troops and supplies from Shum Chun and other garrisoned villages to Nam Tau, where they were embarked on transports, leaving the whole frontier area in the hands of the Chinese authorities, who rapidly took over control.
K 14
The
68. The number of outrages in the New Territories, North, excluding adjacent British waters was 68 as against 30 in 1938, an increase of 38. following is a list of crimes, with results of police action:---
Crime.
No charge
Charge
Total.
cases.
cases.
Manslaughter
5
5
Murder
2
2
4
Attempted murder
1
1
Armed robbery
38
4
42
Attempted armed robbery
2
2
Unarmed robbery
2
2
Attempted unarmed robbery
1
1
Armed highway robbery
6
2
8
Attempted armed highway robbery
1
1
Unarmed highway robbery
2
2
Total
51
17
68
69. Between August and December, a large heavily armed gang, operating from Chinese territory, carried out eight armed robberies on villages in Sheung Shui and Lok Ma Chau districts, money and property valued at $7,945.00 being stolen. On 17th October, this gang was intercepted by Detective P.C. C304 So Hung and an Indian patrol. Shots were exchanged without any known result. (This gang was ultimately broken up by police action in February 1940).
70. The following table shows the districts in which outrages occurred:-
Sai Kung
4
Sheung Shui
21
Sha Tin
1.
Lok Ma Chau
17
Tai Po
6
Au Tau
5
Sha Tau Kok
1
Ping Shan
13
"Total
68.
71. The total number of larcenies during 1939 was 302 as against 177 in 1938. Of these 228 were charge cases.
72.
The number of arms cases was 37 as against 19 in 1938. There were 42 persons convicted, and 20 rifles and 23 revolvers were seized and confiscated.
73. The number of banishees convicted was 95 as against 31 in 1938.
74. In addition to cases mentioned above there were 41 other serious crimes as against 10 in 1938.
75. There were 2 Gambling cases as against 21 in 1938.
- K 15
SECTION 9A. NEW TERRITORIES, SOUTH.
76. For police purposes Tsun Wan district is included in the Kowloon area. The two N.T. South districts of Cheung Chau and Tai O remained as regards crime, comparatively unaffected by the disturbed conditions in Kwangtung.
77. in 1938.
78.
There were 2 outrages in 1939 including one charge case as against Nil
Other serious crime totalled 60 cases in 1939 as against 60 in 1938.
79. The main difficulty experienced at Cheung Chau and Tai O was the limitation of the fishing area, due to the fear of Japanese interference with fishing fleets outside British waters.
SECTION 10. COLONIAL WATERS.
80. Sino-Japanese hostilities and the break down of government in Kwang- tung produced a wave of lawlessness among the seafaring people of the Kwangtung coast and there was a great increase in the number of robberies on boats in British waters.)
81. In addition many reports were received of robberies on boats in Chinese waters. Japanese naval forces continued their policy of attacks on Chinese vessels, and 115 attacks of this kind were reported to the Hong Kong police. There were 61 reports of outrages on boats in British waters as compared with 23 such reports in 1938. There were 19 charge cases. These cases were distributed as follows:-
Deep Bay launch beat.
Sai Kung
Tai Po
"J
Lantao
Harbour
Beat.
Robberies.
Murders.
Total.
34
1
35
14
14
,,
4
1
Сл
5
3
2
5
,,
2
2
,,
Total:-
57
4
61
82. The disturbed condition of Deep Bay as shown by the 35 outrages which took place there forced this Department to consider seriously the question of providing a fast shallow draught motor boat to police the waters of Deep Bay with a base station somewhere near Mong Tseng point. The expenditure necessary would be considerable, and further consideration has been postponed as conditions in Deep Bay have improved for the time being.
SECTION 11. STRENGTH, CONDUCT AND HEALTH OF THE FORCE. 83. The following tables show the establishment authorized by Estimates for 1939, and the actual strength on 31st December.
Establishment.
Total: Strength including men on leave on 31st
Contingent.
Absent on long leave.
December.
A European
269
272
37
B Indian
801
774
93
C
Cantonese
763
808
20
D
Wei Hai Wei
317
296
5
E
Russian
40
34
2
Cantonese
Sub-Inspectors
30
36
1
2
CO
6
K 16
This number includes police employed by other Departments, but excludes the Chinese Water Police (See Section 17) and also the following administrative and clerical staff and messengers and coolies.
6 1
1
2 3 1
1
3
41 8
84 156
The following table shows enlistments and casualties during the year.
Contingent.
Enlistments.
Deaths.
Resignation through sickness.
Resignation through expiry of term of
service or otherwise.
Dismissals and
Desertions.
A European
13
1
3
6
1
11
B Indian
55
4
13
13
12
42
C Cantonese
108
5
4
4
20
33
D Wei Hai Wei
1
3
2
8
14
E Russian
1
1
2
1
5
Cantonese S. I.
12
1
1
2
84. The establishment provided in Estimates is distributed into the following main heads:-
(i) Leave and recruits;
(ii) Anti-Piracy guards on ships;
(iii) Hong Kong headquarters staff;
(iv)
Kowloon and N.T.N. headquarters staff;
(v) C.I.D. headquarters staff;
(vi) C.I.D. staff in districts;
:
(vii) Regular duty staff rural districts;
(viii) Regular duty staff urban districts.
After providing the men required for items (i) to (vii), the strength remaining is used for item (viii). This means in effect that any deficiencies fall upon the regular duty police doing beat and section duty in the urban areas. The establishment provided for 1939 was 120 Asiatic police (Indian, Cantonese and Wei Hai Wei) short of the number required to police all beats fully. This deficiency was such that in normal times the reduction in efficiency of police work was a risk which could be accepted. The abnormal conditions prevailing in recent years in conjunction with the outbreak of war with Germany made it essential
Total
Casualties.
K 17
to increase the strength of the Force to enable it to cope successfully with its increased responsibilities. Government has accordingly approved the following increases for 1940:-Europeans 8, Cantonese 90, Cantonese Sub-Inspectors 14. It may be necessary to ask for a further increase of strength in 1941 especially as the increase granted for 1940 reduces the previously existing deficiency to 30 Asiatic police and does nothing to provide men for new beats in newly developed areas. A further large portion of recent increases in establishment has gone to strengthen the Special Branch.
85. The conduct of the various contingents was on the whole satisfactory: The following table shows the number of reports for each contingent.
No. OF REPORTS BY CONTINGENTS.
Year. European.
Indian. Cantonese.
Wei Hai Wei.
Russian.
Cantonese Sub- Inspectors.
1939........
23
419
856
138
4
16
1938....
35
355
739
119
2
12
The conduct of the contingents may be classified as follows:-
European-Good: Indian-very fair: Cantonese-fair: Wei Hai Wei-very fair: Russian--good.
86. The following medals and commendations were granted during the year for gallantry, meritorious service and long service:
King's Police Medal
Colonial Police Medal
Colonial Police Long Service Medal
1
7
16
1st Bar to Colonial Police Long Service Medal
5
2nd Bar to Colonial Police Long Service Medal ... H.E. the Governor's Commendation
1
17
87. Admissions to hospital for the past three years are as follows:-
1937.
1938.
1939.
Contingent.
Estmt. Admission. Estmt. Admission. Estmt. Admission.
A European
267
185
257
170
269
121
B Indian
817
795
818
643
817
767
C Cantonese
722
142
737
117
762
112
D
Wei Hai Wei...
287
133
293
79
317
77
E Russian
41
26
42
9
40
16
Cantonese Sub-
Inspectors
20
9
30
11
30
8
are:
K 18
88. The figures for fever cases among police during the last four years
Cases
Year.
1936.
1937.
1938.
1939.
183
246
320
363
The figures for 1939 are swollen by a number of cases of malaria among police posted for duty on the outbreak of war on various water-works in areas where malaria is prevalent. There is, however, an increase in the number of cases in N.T. North stations where the total number of fever cases was 301 as against 207 in 1938. The greatest number of fever cases occurred in Ta Ku Ling 58; Sha Tau Kok 50; Sheung Shui 46; Lin Ma Hang 44; Lok Ma Chau 39; Steps are being taken as funds are available to have N.T.N. police stations protected with wire mosquito netting. The number of police stationed in the New Territory North stations was above normal owing to Sino-Japanese hostilities.
SECTION 12. MUSKETRY AND REVOLVER COURSES.
89. Musketry courses were fired during the year by the following contingents :- Europeans, Indians, Wei Hai Wei and Indian Special Guards.
90. Revolver courses were fired by the following contingents:--
Europeans (twice), Russians and Indians (twice), Indian Special Guards (twice), Cantonese (twice), Wei Hai Wei (twice) and Water Police coxswains. Officers of other Departments also fired revolver courses as follows:-
District watchmen, European Revenue officers, European Fire Brigade officers.
91. Greener gun and Winchester rifle courses were fired by Water Police coxswains and police watchmen.
92. Members of the police force took a keen interest in the Annual Bisley Meeting held in April 1939. Police were successful in winning 8 silver cups, 22
medals and 40 cash prizes.
SECTION 13. TRAINING.
93. During the year the following recruits passed out of the Police Training School Europeans 18; Cantonese Sub-Inspectors 14; Indians 54; Cantonese 75; Wei Hai Wei 16; Water Police seamen 15; District Watchmen 8.
94. Seven promotion examinations were held. Special training was given to 33 Chinese probationary detectives. Sixteen Russian and 132 Wei Hai Wei police were given refresher courses. 112 Indian and Chinese members of the Police Reserve were trained in knowledge of police duties, and 97 passed; the remaining 15 continue their course in 1940.
95. The following police officers received training in first aid :—
Europeans 32; Indian 101; Cantonese 177; Wei Hai Wei 45. Every member of the four contingents, European, Indian, Cantonese and Wei Hai Wei, now holds one or more first aid certificates except 27 men who were receiving instruction at the end of the year.
96. The following police officers and civilian staff of the Department received instructions in Air Raid Precautions under the supervision of P.S.A139 Bowers who holds the Falfield instructor's certificate :-
K 19
Europeans 154; Indians 411; Cantonese and Wei Hai Wei 620; Interpreters 62; Chinese Water Police 146; Messengers 17. Approximately 75% of the whole Police Force has now received training in Air Raid Precautions.
The
97. Instruction classes in life-saving were held under the supervision of Sub-Inspector Hunt, local representative of the Royal Life-Saving Society. following certificates were obtained :-
Instructors Certificates :-European 1; Indian 1. Life-saving-Indians 13; Wei Hai Wei 15.
Total certificates......30.
A class for Europeans was in progress when war broke out, and unfortunately had to be abandoned.
SECTION 14. ANTI-PIRACY GUARDS.
98. Anti-Piracy Work. Sixteen units of anti-piracy guards composed of one European sergeant and nine Indian special guards were supplied to the British-India Steam Navigation Company and ten units to the Indo-China Steam Navigation Com- pany, for vessels on the Hong Kong Singapore run.
99. The China Navigation Company retained eighteen sets of guards of a total strength of 20 Russian sergeants and one hundred and eight Wei Hai Wei police, throughout the year. They were employed as follows:-16 sets composed of 1 Russian sergeant and 6 Wei Hai Wei police on vessels trading between Hong Kong Shanghai and North China ports, and two sets composed of 2 Russian sergeants and 6 Wei Hai Wei police on vessels trading between Hong Kong-Sing- apore-Penang. In addition to the above the Company retained 3 Russian sergeants and 12 Wei Hai Wei police as a provision for long leave, sickness, etc.
100. The Indo-China Steam Navigation Company retained the services of six sets of guards each consisting of one Russian constable and 4 Wei Hai Wei police during the first six months of the year for vessels on the Hong Kong- Shanghai-Tientsin run. Between July and September under arrangements with the Company, guards were gradually withdrawn as alternative employment offered for the members of the Russian contingent concerned.
101. All Anti-Piracy guards were withdrawn upon the outbreak of the European war at the beginning of September, and returned again to their ships during the following month.
102. Conduct. The following table shows the number of men dealt with as defaulters in the various contingents during 1938–1939 :-
Russian Police
Indian Special Guards
1938.
1939.
1
3
16
10
76
32
Wei Hai Wei Police
103. The conduct of the Russian contingent was good, while that of other contingents was fair.
104. The following shows the establishment and strength of Russian and Wei Hai Wei Police and Indian Special Guards employed as Anti-Piracy Guards.
Strength on 31st December.
Russian Police
Wei Hai Wei Police
Indian Special Guards
Establishment.
30
24
120
120
27
27
K 20
105. The Guards Office staff supervises Police watchmen employed by private employers. The numbers so employed on December 31st were Indian watchmen 436 and Chinese watchmen 227. The number of reports against police watchmen was 587 in 1939 as against 406 in 1938.
SECTION 14 A.
ANTI-PIRACY SEARCHERS.
106. Police searchers for the prevention of piracy of all vessels leaving Hong Kong whose terminal ports do not lie beyond Singapore in the South and Vladivostok in the North were carried out throughout the year.
107. No piracy occurred on any ship searched by police in this way, and no piracy on a steamer was reported to police during the year.
108. Police searchers are divided into two main bodies, one the waterfront searchers who search all ships sailing from wharves in Victoria; and water police searchers, who deal with all ships sailing from buoys in the harbour. In addition to their normal duties, waterfront searchers now meet all incoming steamers from Macau and Canton, and conduct an examination of all incoming passengers with a view to preventing destitute persons landing in the Colony. The number of Water Police Searchers has been reduced, as the men were required for the guarding of Vital Posts.
SECTION 15. TRAFFIC.
109. Table VI gives a survey of traffic accidents reported to police during the year, with an analysis of nature of the accidents. The following is a statement of the number of motor vehicles licensed in the Colony for the last 5 years with the number of fatal and non-fatal accidents each year:-
N.B. This table excludes accidents in which no persons were injured.
Year.
Accidents.
1935.
1936. 1937.
1938.
1939.
Fatal
69
75
77
117
120
Non-fatal
1,160
1,100
1,117
1,647 1,960
Total
1,229
1,175
1,194
1,764 2,080
Motor vehicles in use at year
end
4,584
4,665 5,028
5,826 6,627
110. The increase in the number of accidents in 1939 can be attributed mainly to the influx of refugees, unaccustomed to motor traffic, and partly to the increase in the number of motor vehicles on the road.
111. The parking problem has become very serious in the centre of the city. The number of private motor cars has increased so much that all authorized parking places are filled, and late comers can only find accommodation with difficulty. A large centrally situated garage would solve the problem, but there would be serious difficulties in finding a site and securing funds.
This has
112. The present bus services on the island are inadequate. added to the parking problem as in the absence of reasonable public transport facilities the owner driver now must use his car to reach his office, and thus adds to the number of cars parked. The number of trams was increased, but further increase would cause congestion at stopping places. The China Motor Bus Company has 25 new buses on order. The question of allowing double decker buses is under consideration by Government. Many more buses are urgently
K 21
needed. The position in Kowloon is somewhat better though the service on No. 9 route to Yuen Long and the Castle Peak road bathing beaches is inadequate. Several other routes are overcrowded at rush hours.
113. About 60% of the public rickshas have been fitted with pneumatic tyres, and the remainder will be so fitted in 1940. Taxicabs and public motor cars
compare favourably with any in the Far East.
114. Many complaints have been received of the noise nuisance in the centre of the city. A satisfactory solution of this problem has not yet been found, but the Police Department and the Hong Kong Automobile Association favour the introduction of a 24 hour "silent zone" in this area.
115. The following prosecutions were instituted under the Traffic Regulations (Section 3-Ordinance 40 of 1912):-
Prosecu-
Convic-
Year.
tions.
tions.
With- Dis- Re- drawn. charged. manded.
Total amount of
fines.
1939.....
6,951
6,675
116
108
52
$32,644.70
1938.
6,703
6,357
105
126
115
$29,381.90
116. There were no prosecutions for manslaughter in 1939 as against two
in 1938.
117. The following table shows various items of the work of the Traffic Department:
1938.
1939.
Persons examined as motor drivers
Persons passed as motor drivers
1,856
2,885
1,606
2,404
Public motor vehicles examined and passed
5,216
6,217
Public motor vehicles examined and rejected
478
619
Commercial motor vehicles examined and passed
7,787
7,865
Commercial motor vehicles examined and rejected
802
1,051
Motor drivers licences suspended
43
22
Motor drivers licences cancelled
2
2
118. The number of motor vehicles operated by the Police Department is as follows-motor vans 13; motor cars 4; motor cycle combinations 11; motor cycle solos 12.
119. The Traffic law of the Colony is based on Regulations Ordinance No. 40 of 1912. During the appointed a Traffic Legislation Committee to consider legislation. The work of the Committee had not been year.
The Vehicles and Traffic year H.E. the Governor
revision of the traffic completed at the end of the
K 22
SECTION 16.
EMERGENCY UNITS.
120. The Emergency Units in Hong Kong and Kowloon were kept busy throughout the year. Both units were called upon for duty in connexion with refugees.
121. The Kowloon unit was called to strikes at Ngau Chi Wan Gas Mask Factory and at the Chung Hwa Book Company and rendered valuable services in safeguarding property and maintaining order.
122. The Hong Kong unit carried out duties in connexion with the Gaol Clearing Station in a satisfactory manner and provided guards for prisoners to and from the Hong Kong prison at Stanley. The unit also provided escorts for deportees, mendicants and female prisoners.
123. The calls and fees for both units have increased considerably during 1939. The fees collected by the units in 1938 and 1939 are as follows :—
Fees
Year.
Calls.
collected.
Hong Kong unit
1938
109
$3,142.50
1939
172
وو
وو
$5,433.00
Kowloon unit
1938
139
$6,233.50
1939
186
""
$8,931.00
SECTION 17. WATER POLICE.
124. The following return shows the establishment and casualties of the Chinese Water Police during the year 1939:—
Establish- ment.
Resignation
Enlistment. Deaths. through sickness.
Resignation through expiry of terms of service or
Dismissals and desertions.
Total number of
casaulties.
otherwise.
255
20
3
3
5
8
19
125.
There were 253
The conduct of the Chinese Water Police was fair. reports in 1939 as compared with 224 in 1938. There were 141 men against whom no defaulter reports were made during 1939.
As a
126. There were ten accidents involving Police launches during 1939 as compared with sixteen in 1938. Six of these were trifling, damage being negligible. In seven cases it was found that Water Police officers were not to blame. result of inquiries held by the Harbour Master, two coxswains were dealt with departmentally.
127. During the year only No. 2 and No. 3 cruising launches underwent annual overhaul. Nos. 1 and 4 cruising launches are to be overhauled early in 1940. Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 14 harbour launches have given efficient service throughout the year. The present No. 9 launch has proved very useful conveying P.P.O. searchers to and from ships. It is to be replaced in 1940. The searchlights on five of the harbour launches continue to give satisfaction. No. 7 launch has now been fitted with a battery searchlight. The present No. 9 launch is an old Harbour Department launch and has no searchlight. The new No. 9 launch will be fitted with a dynamo for electric light and a searchlight.
K 23
128. Three beat launches and one general patrol launch were kept on service day and night throughout the year.
129. No. 10 motor boat is to be replaced by a new motor boat now under construction. No. 12 motor boat performs very useful special harbour duty. It is also used by passport officers, who, it is hoped, will be provided with a new motor boat during 1940 for passport examination duties. No. 11 motor boat has performed valuable duties on the Shum Chun river patrol. No. 15 and No. 16 launches are stationed at Sai Kung and Tai O respectively. All motor boats are in good condition for the constant service required.
130. Two half yearly machine gun courses were fired on the four cruising launches with very fair results. The 3-pounder crews of all cruising launches fired one 3-pounder course with satisfactory results. Greener guns and Winchester rifles are supplied to cruising launches. The crews were trained regularly in the use of these arms and fired an annual course in both with good results. Department is again indebted to the courtesy of the Naval Authorities for assistance in maintenance, supervision and practice with 3-pounder guns.
The
June, 1940.
C. G. PERDUE, Commissioner of Police.
K 24
Table I.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE 1938 AND 1939.
Personal emoluments*
Other Charges.
Ammunition
Upkeep of arms
Bedding
1938. $2,660,128
1939. $ 2,787,317
17,205
27,302
3,321
2,053
5,006
5,842
Burial of destitute dead
Cleansing materials and washing
Clothing and accoutrements
Coal and gas
Conveyance allowances
Compulsory Service Expenses
Coolie hire
288
407
243
223
94,188
87,807
48,443
36,490
10,551
11,352
3,213
2,073
2,042
Disinfectants
2,030
2,313
Expenses of anti-piracy guards
19,760
18,398
Emergency expenses arising from the Sino-Japanese conflict
21,386
147,813
Grants to villages in N.T. in aid of village scout scheme
480
480
Identification of criminals
344
587
Incidental expenses
6,477
5,725
Interpretation fees
98
66
Light and electric fans
36,974
38,980
Medals
515
1,094
Mess utensils
520
868
Passages
170,200
Passages for Police Officers
177,753
Passages for Deportees, etc.
4,771
Recruiting Expenses
8,095
Petrol oil, etc. for police cars and cycles
10,012
13,585
Photography
4,387
5,328
Rations for Indian police
55,474
58,434
Remand home for juvenile offenders
7,479
7,288
Rent of stations and married police quarters
24,984
29,228
Repairs to police motor cars and cycles.
6,435
8,298
Rewards
1,730
2,845
Secret service
Transport
Safety First campaign
Small stores
Special course of instruction
Subsistance of prisoners
Telegrams and long distance telephone calls
Telephones
Training of Police Cadets
15,895
22,998
9,392
13,924
1,633
6,098
4,934
583
486
776
1,187
10,312
10,460
9,319
Total other charges
$
595,292
771,988
Special expenditure.
Typewriters
Filing Cabinets
543
1,269
100 38 short revolvers
3,779
3,446
1,176
2 Motor Cycle Combinations.
3,407
40 prs. Peerless Handcuffs
1,078
300 Barrack Steel Cupboards
7,387
Registration Office Equipment
1,902
Expenditure in connexion with Rangoon Deportees
819
Motor vehicles
5,498
Police telephone pillar
1,271
Police van
4,625
20 303 rifles & bayonets
2,768
Anti gas equipment
13.729
Thornton Pickard detective camera
"Copechat" card index system
Six steel filing cabinets
2 flare pistols
Fire extinguishers for police vehicles
Total special expenditure Total Police Department
212
233
660
402
350
$
34,070
$
20,484
$ 3,289,490
$ 3,579,789
*
Includes officers of S.C. & A. & J.C. services.
K 25
Table II,
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF REVENUE 1938 AND 1939.
HEAD OF REVENUE COLLECTED BY POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Duties.
1938.
1939.
Motor spirit
$
7,833 $
6,329
Licences and Internal Revenue.
Arms licences
26,910
24,790
Auctioneers licences
1,225
1,250
Billiard table licences
1,400
1,500
Dangerous goods licences.
20,431
21,477
Dance halls
3,840
3,760
Dogs licences
22,224
24,170
Forfeitures
3,134
5,732
Game licences
5,650
6,515
Liquor licences, N.T.
3,625
4.220
Marine store dealer's licences
9,360
10.440
Miscellaneous licences
13
125
Money changers' licences
15,530
18,275
Pawnbroker licences
150,975
172,750
Printing press
3,430
4,740
Theatrical licences
1,809
4,972
Vehicles, motor licences
340,370
326,842
Vehicles, motor drivers licences
64,100
75,485
Vehicles, other licences
41,442
48,511
Vehicles, other drivers licences.
2.486
2,916
Vehicles, motor special licensing fee,-foreign
registration
94,909
83,830
Fees of Court or Office, &c.
Blake pier tickets
478
554
Contributions for anti-piracy escorts
129.475
111,268
Film censoring fees
5,217
6,077
Miscellaneous fees
Motor ambulance fees
Motor driving tests
1,228
1.671
11,868
14,200
8,130
12,735
Official signature fees
12,935
14,185
Passport
36,416
87,978
Police and other stores
1,513
6,025
Police services
17,987
24,739
Sick stoppages from police force
5,415
4,282
Traffic permits
9,779
5,613
Watchmen's Ordinance
15,366
16,009
Miscellaneous receipts.
Condemned stores, &c.
5,318
3,250
Other miscellaneous receipt
4,522
1,791
Overpayments in previous years
2,083
997
$1,088,426 $1,160,003
K 26
Table III.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE OF POLICE DEPARTMENT.
FOR LAST TEN YEAR.
*Personal emoluments
Year.
and other charges.
Special expenditure.
Total expenditure.
Total
revenue.
$
$
Ꭿ
1930....
2,714,291
38,404
2,752,695
487,169
1931....
2,950,698
13,921
2,964,619
613,883
1932......
2,684,983
27,255
2,712,239
706,387
1933....
2,813,617
•
22,915
2,836,532
697,684
1934....
2,776,379
31,670
2,808,049
903,258
1935..
2,425,442
10,330
2,435,772
860,629 -
1936....
2,816,380
14,258
2,830,638
772,734
1937....
3,077,400
32,296
3,109,696
945,357
1938.....
3,255,420
34,070
3,289,490
1,088,426
1939...
3,559,305
20,484
3,579,789
1,160,003
* Includes officers of S.C. & A., & J.C., services attached to Department.
K 27
Table IV.
The following table shows the number of licences issued during the years 1938 and 1939-
1938.
1939.
Increase.
Decrease.
Arms
1,491
1,519
28
Arms dealers
10
8
2
Auctioneers
2
2
Auctioneers (temporary)
1
2
1
Billiard tables and bowling alleys
5
6
CO
1
Conductors
375
407
32
Dance halls
7
9
2
Dance halls (temporary)
2
1
1
Dangerous goods
1,411
1,491
80
Game
224
245
21
Marine stores
27
28
1
Massage establishments
6
5
1
Money changers
158
183
25
Motor cars (livery)
589
626
37
Motor cars (private)
3,891
4,583
692
'Motor vans and lorries
716
821
105
Motor car international permits
22
25
3
.
Motor drivers (cars and cycles)
9,807 11,654
1,847
Motor drivers (international)
402
519
117
Motor cycles
212
226
14
Pawnbrokers
71
74
3
Places of public entertainment
86
94
8
Poisons
1
1
Printing presses
313
426
113
Private chairs
28
29
1
Private jinrickshas
268
256
12
Public chairs
190
190
Public jinrickshas
900
902
2
Tricycles
1,345
1,744
399
Trucks
17
19
2
Vehicle drivers and bearers
8,172
9,646
1,474
Serious offences.
Charged
cases.
Cases without
charge.
Total cases.
Table V.
Yearly Return of Crime, Serious Offences & Minor Offences.
Charged cases.
Cases without
charge.
Total cases.
YEARLY RETURN
OF CRIME FOR THE
WHOLE COLONY FOR THE YEAR 1939.
1938.
1939.
Persons convicted.
Persons discharged.
% charge
cases to total.
ය
Europeans.
Indians.
Chinese.
Arms
Assault (serious)
Assault with intent to rob
Burglary
113
Coinage offences
Deportation
565
ཤྩ ་ྲ ཕམྦྷོ ཤྩ
57
42
∞ 1-
65
104
16
120
86%
1
123
30
49
36
3
39
92%
2
Q
37
8
7
7
5
5
100%
8
198
311
92
135
227
40%
122
1
24,658.78
7,284.34
9
6
6
100%
5
2
565
857
857 100%
857
Embezzlement
24
28
52
18
17
35
51%
17
House & godown breaking
211
294
92
126
218 42%
117
12,433.89
25,796.13
9,767.15
Intimidation & extortion
13
13
100%
1
9
Kidnapping
2
2
100%
2
Larceny
5,418
3,279
8,697
5,821 3,062
8,883
65%
2
6,011
Q
H
275
237,498.86
69,017.18
Larceny from dwelling house
63
428
491
67
316
383
17%
1
78
2
137,801.47
19,910.78
Larceny on ships & wharf
124
99
223
115
77
192
60%
115
12
12,025.36
3,119.06
Manslaughter
4
4
13
2
15
86%
7
17
Murder
7
12
19
18
19
37
48%
22
26
3,113.85
1,272.00
Murder, attempted
5
1
6
83%
5
Obtaining by false pretences
102
Receiving
240
Robbery
43
Women and girls
1
Other serious offences
87
26
28
24
126
133
17
150
88%
147
12
13,138.29
1,934.21
240
290
290
100%
257
'78
66
109
74
141
215
34%
125
44
106,198.76
15,646.34
1
2
2
100%
113
96
13
109
88%
112
29
112,551.27
100.48
Carried forward..
7,002
4,386 11,388 7,859
3,945 11,804
21
11
8,176
4
1
545
685,216.66 128,051.54
Europeans.
Indians.
Chinese.
€
K 28
$
Value of
property
stolen.
Value of
property recovered.
Minor Offences.
Charged cases.
Cases without
charge.
Total cases.
Charged
cases.
Caşes without
charge.
Total cases.
Table V,-contd.
YEARLY RETURN OF CRIME FOR THE WHOLE COLONY FOR THE YEAR 1939.
1938.
1939.
Persons convicted.
Persons discharged.
% charge
cases to total.
Europeans.
Indians.
Brought forward.
7,002
4,386 11,888
7,859
3,945 11,804
21
11
8,176
1
545 685,216.66
128,051.54
Assault
674
674
683
683
100%
13
3
1,135
93
Damage to property
27
27
51
51
8
1
63
7
1
3
Dangerous goods
37
37
61
61
79
4
Drunkenness
14
14
13
13
7
6
Forestry offences
2,246
2,246
2,393
2,393
2,532
39
Gambling
296
296
424
424
""
4,690
101
Hawking offences
35,507
35,507 21,982
21,982
ง
21,906
83
Lottery offences
193
193
298
298
406
11
20
Mendicants
1,436
1,436
1,154
1,154
1,155
42
Merchant Shipping Ordinance
524
524
527
527
1,147
26
Morphine
747
747
875
875
887
60
Nuisances
474
474
505
505
515
14
Opium
1,334
1,334
1,609
1,609
1,653
62
Revenue
799
799
844
844
1
861
40
Rogue and vagabond
222
222
208
208
217
19
Stowaways
31
31
21
21
Unlawful possession
300
300
242
242
Vagrants
29
29
19
19
12
11
N
15
208
47
Vehicle and traffic
2,461
2,461
1,956
1,956
16
1
1
"}
Women and girls
825
825
651
651
1,965
689
1 1
26
32
Other miscellaneous offences
1,379
1,379
1,524
1,524
52
4 1,648
1
2
85
Total.
49,555
49,555 36,040
36,040
111
15 41,777
16
4
796
Grand Total..
56,557
4,386 | 60,943 | 43,899
3,945 47,844
132
26 49,953
20
5
10
1,341 685,216.66
128,051.54
Chinese.
Europeans.
Indians.
Chinese.
€
K 29
Value of
property
stolen.
Value of
property
recovered.
RICKSHAS
HAND TRUCKS
UNKNOWN VEHICLE
TOTAL
ì & N.T.
Hong Kong
Kowloon & N.T.
Hong Kong
Kowloon & N.T.
Hong Kong
Kowloon & N.T.
Hong Kong
GRAND TOTAL
Kowloon & N.T. Hong Kong, Kowloon &
New Territories
V.F. F.
No. N.F. F1.
No. N.F. F.
No. N.F. F.
No. N.F. F.
No.
N.F F.
No. N.F.
No.
".
N.F. F.
No.
N.F. F.
No.
Non-
fatal
Fatal
96
7
6
2
3
3
Co
21
∞
}
2
N
7
1
7
I
1
1
23
2
4
2
3
2
1
150
16
31
ස
كسار
1
2
2
1
1
4
10
1
I
2
2
1
1
I
I
1,231 783
46
965
8
7
I
532
I
483
27
1,763
1,266
73
CO
9
17
15
298
203
13
152
142
8
00
450
345
21
24
20
20
6
35
32
2
59
52
K 30
1,372
32
1
485
89
5
сл
1,857
121
15
29
44
268
10
1
136
15
1
404
28
T
23
3
28
1
10
on
37
a
1
18
13
2
25
37
1
1
51
8
1
3
17
4
55
9
1
1
21
225
1
3,261 1,106 71 1,395
854
49 4,656 1,960
120*
S. C. SAUNDERS,
Traffic Inspector
2. 3. 40.
!
Table VIII.
CLASSIFIED TABLE OF VEHICLES ACCIDENTS.
PUBLIC CARS
TAXIS
MOTOR CYCLES
T'RICYCLES
CYCLES
L
Hong Kong
Kowloon & N.T.
Hong Kong
Kowloon & N.T.
Hong Kong
Kowloon & N.T.
Hong Kong
Kowloon & N.T.
Hong Kong
Kowloon & N.T.
Hong Kong
No.
N.F.
F. No. N.P. P.
No. N.F. F.
No. N.F. F.
No., N.F.
F. No. N.F. F1.
No. N.F. F.
No. N.F. F.
No. N.F. F.
No. N.F. F.
No.
N.F. F.
88
55
58
2
9 11
69
42
4
25
6
1
1
1
1
I
20
20
2 40
22
28
24
2
24 17
11
9
48 38
51
54
183
129
9
1
26
1
10
17
1
80
2
8
72
1242
1
20
20
1
1
2
1
}
5
10
1
201
64
2
19
5
12
165
--——---་
46
4
ہے
3
1
Q
I
1
2
7
6
2
2
1
1
19
17
51
22
8
55
13
94
47
4
340
2
4
1
2
1
1
105
36
24
2
71
27
1
47
38
3
77
1
14
خصر
1
1
1
1
1
2
11
5
25
25
35
35
18
106
333
53
162
117
4 675 170
* In 118 fatal accidents, 120 persons were killed.
Bus
TRAM
PRIVATE CARS
PUBLIC CARS
TYPE OF AGCIDENTS
Hong Kong
Kowloon & N.T.
Hong Kong
Kowloon & N.T.
Hong Kong
Kowloon & N.T.
Hong Kong
Kowloon & N.T.
No. N.F. F. No. N.F. F.
No. N.F. F.
No. N.F. F.
No. N.F. F.
No.
N.F. F.
No.
N.F.
F'.
No.
N.F. F.
No
1. VEHICLE & PERSONS :
(«) Persons crossing carriageway.. (b) Persons playing games in roadway
83
55
10
56
51
7 176 121
11
1
1
Į
(c) Persons boarding or alighting from moving vehicles and falling
(d) Falling from vehicles
2. VEHICLE
AND
VEHICLE
3. VEHICLE
AND
OBJECT
4. VEHICLE
Driver
72
12242
512
299
9
239
213
9
88
55
2
9 11
69
47
3| 148
139
7 218 154
10
4
2 2
I
1
Driver
143
39
Passenger
Driver
I
34
34
26
Passenger
3
OFF THE
ROAD
Passenger
I
5. OTHER
Driver
2
1
ACCIDENTS
Passenger
Total accidents fatal, involving injury and without injury
10
I
77
I
1
N
2
334 104
13 277
204
14
479 282
21
I
505
1883
I
2
4
1
I
6
1
1
1
1
1
I
1
مع
7
198
13
80
N
3
།
15
I
1
56
16
8
20
1
17
215
72
2
2
7
1
2
13
1
1
10
3
5
I
5
2
!
5
1,120
328
13 515 279
10 201
64
2
19
12
1
1
165
K 31
Annexe A.
HONG KONG POLICE RESERVE.
1. The strength of the force on December 31st was 354, an increase of 62 over that of the previous year. Details by units are shown below with the com- parative figures for the preceding two years :--
Headquarters staff
Chinese Company
Indian Company
Flying Squad
Emergency Unit
Totals:-
1937.
1938.
1939.
2
2
2
85
129
148
75
92
112
33
34
50
34
35
42
229
292
354
In the course of the year, 150 were taken on the strength, 37 resigned, 47 were struck off, and 4 died.
The maximum strength of the Force for the duration of the war has now been laid down at 452 made up of 2 Headquarters staff, 200 Chinese Company, 150 Indian Company, 50 Flying Squad and 50 Emergency Unit.
2. Awards.
(a) Commended Service Bars. The undermentioned were granted the com- mended service bar for exceptional merit :-
Constable R120 Leung Yiu Wing
Constable R208 Syed Zaffar Alam
26.9.39. 19.8.39.
(b) Commendations. Fourteen members were specially commended by the Com- missioner of Police for zeal and alertness.
3. Appointments.
His Excellency the Governor was pleased to make the following appointments with effect from the 28th July:
Mr. Cyril Champkin to be an Honorary Commissioner,
Mr. Oscar Eager to be Deputy Superintendent,
Mr. Ts'o Tsun On to be Adjutant,
Mr. David Loie to be Assistant Superintendent.
Inspector (R) J. A. Bendall was appointed Officer Commanding the Emergency Unit on December 15th vice Inspector (R) W. V. Field who was released to join the Hong Kong Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.
4. Emergency Unit van was in use nightly throughout the year by the Chinese and Indian companies for mobile picquet duty, and was also used constantly during the year for training purposes.
The late Mr. Fok Chi Ting presented a new Emergency Unit van to the Reserve. This van has now been taken into use. The generous gift is much appreciated.
K 32
5. Training. The programme of general training remained unchanged during the year.
6. Active service conditions were maintained throughout the year with an average number of 118 men out on duty between the hours of 20.00 and 23.59. During the days of tension at the beginning of September the number was increased to 220. In addition to normal police work, duties were undertaken at the request of the Postmaster General in connexion with broadcasting.
7. The standard of shooting continues to improve. The Chinese Company participated for the first time at the annual meeting of the Hong Kong Rifle Association and gave a satisfactory account of themselves. In this connexion His Excellency the Governor made a presentation at Government House to Sergeant R30 Thong Po Hing to commemorate his excellent shooting at the meeting.
8. Discipline. Discipline was good and only a few cases necessitated dis- ciplinary action being taken.
9. Annual Inspection. At the annual inspection held on the 9th November. His Excellency the Governor expressed his appreciation of the work of the Police Reserve.
K 33
Annexe B.
MALE JUVENILES REMAND HOME REPORT, 1939.
Return of boys dealt with.
Offence.
Arrested.
Sentenced to Detention.
Hawking and bootblacks
116
7
Larceny
546
176
Tobacco (Smuggling)
17
8
Opium
6
Begging
16
5
Unlawful possession
12
6
Traffic offences
4
Forestry
43
12
Receiving stolen property
9
1
Assault
17
1
Heroin pills
4
3
Inquiries
65
Destitute and Wandering
14
5
Gambling
6
1
Loitering
1
1
Dumping rubbish
2
Wine
Burglary
Throwing stones
4 24
3
2
2
2 N
2
Disorderly conduct
4
2
Robbery
1
Demanding money with menaces
1
1
Deportation
4
4
Breach of bond
3
3
Possession of arms
1
1
Dumping night-soil
2
1
Playing the lion
1
House breaking
1
Illegal pawning
1
Avoiding ferry fare
2
Intimidation
2
Instrument fit for unlawful purpose ...
3
1
Obstruction
2
Trespassing
3
Assault with intent to rob
1
Giving false testimony
1
1
Committing a nuisance
1
Total
922
247
Ten were dealt with as adults; 34 sent to Aberdeen Industrial School.
K 34
DIET.
Breakfast
Midday
Supper
Meal.
Time.
Menu.
7.30 a.m.
11.15 a.m.
Rice, meat, vegetables and tea. Congee.
4,10 p.m.
Rice, fish, meat or eggs, vegetables and
tea.
Extra food given on recommendation of Medical Officer or Police Magistrate.
1.
6.10 a.m. 6.30 - 7.30 a.m.
7.30 a.m.
8-9 a.m.
9.00 11.15 a.m.
-
11.15 a.m.
11.2012 noon.
12-1 p.m.
1-4 p.m.
4 p.m. to dark
Daily Routine.
.Rising bell.
.Drill.
.Breakfast.
.School.
.School. Rattan work and cleansing building. Congee.
.Recreation.
School.
.Drill, School, Rattan work.
..Recreation.
During the winter, hot baths are taken on Tuesdays and Fridays.
VISITS TO THE HOME.
1. The Medical Officer visits at least once a week.
2. Parents and relatives are allowed to visit in special cases.
3. The Home was visited on various occasions by interested persons.
INSTRUCTION GIVEN.
1. The two Probation Officers give one hour's instruction weekly.
2. Reading and writing are taught in the school.
STAFF.
1. The two Probation Officers are mainly engaged in making inquiries about boys on remand and visiting boys on probation. They report personally to the Magistrates.
2. One Chinese lance-sergeant and 9 constables are attached to the Home to escort the boys to and from the courts. They also look after the boys and help to teach in the school.
SICKNESS.
12 boys were admitted to the Queen Mary hospital.
150 boys were treated for scabies in the Home.
540 boys were inoculated against cholera and 516 were vaccinated.
- K 35
Annexe C.
FEMALE JUVENILES REMAND HOME REPORT, 1939.
RETURN OF GIRLS DEALT WITH.
Detained
Sentenced
Offence.
Arrested.
on
Remand.
to Detention.
Hawking
17
5
Begging
In possession of heroin or opium In possession of dutiable tobacco
In possession of dutiable spirits. Forestry offence
20
6
5
15
10
11
....
2
1
1
1
7
2
3
Larceny
24
12
13
Destitute and wandering
6
Inquiries
19
Breach of cholera regulations
5
Receiving stolen goods.
2
1
Kidnapped
1
...
Keeping a gaming house
4
1
Dumping night soil
6
2
3
In possession of
po piu tickets
1
Depositing rubbish
1
Giving false testimony
1
Attempted suicide
1
Not charged
1
Breach of Juvenile Offenders Ordinance
1932
7
4
7
†141
43
+44
t
5 were dealt with as adults.
17 were transferred to the Salvation Army Home after their period of detention was finished.
Meal.
Breakfast
Midday
Supper
DIET.*
Time.
Menu.
8 a.m. Rice, fish or meat, vermicelli, vegetables
and tea.
12.30 p.m. Congee (winter), cakes and tea (summer).
5.30 p.m. Rice, fish or meat, vegetables and tea.
* Extra nourishment given on recommendation of Medical Officer or whenever the 0.1.C. sees a girl is under- nourished.
6.00 a.m.
6.30 a.m.
8.00 a.m.
8.45 a.m.
9.00 a.m.
10.00 a.m.
K 36
DAILY ROUTINE. (*)
.Rising bell.
.House duties.
Breakfast.
Morning prayers.
.House duties.
Workroom, sewing, etc.
(School for isolated juveniles).
.Congee.
12.30 p.m.
.Recreation.
1.00 p.m.
School.
2.00 p.m.
Workroom, sewing, etc.
3.30 p.m.
.Evening meal.
5.15 p.m.
6.00 p.m.
.Evening prayers. .Recreation.
6.15 p.m.
7.00 p.m.
.Retire.
*During the winter, hot baths are taken on Tuesdays and Fridays.
INSTRUCTION GIVEN.
1. A sewing amah is in charge of the workroom where the girls are instructed in dress making and sewing.
2. Reading and writing are taught in the school.
3.
months.
Instructive lantern lectures are given by the officers during the winter
4. The girls attend religious services in the Home each Sunday.
SICKNESS.
No serious sickness during the year.
All scabies and minor ailments treated in the Home by the O.I.C. juveniles were admitted to hospital for the following:
Three
Measles .........
1
Pyrexia
1
T. B.
.1
Total......3.
Fourteen cases have been receiving treatment daily at the Kowloon Hospital V.D. clinic. These girls have necessarily been isolated.
STAFF.
A female Probation Officer is engaged in making inquiries about girls on remand and visiting those on probation. She reports personally to the magistrate.
There are four employees who are responsible for the bathing and general cleanliness of the girls, and instructing in housework and sewing. One of these is entirely responsible for the isolation cases.
1
Appendix K (1).
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OFFICER, HONG KONG FIRE BRIGADE FOR THE YEAR 1939.
EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE.
The expenditure of the Fire Brigade for the year 1939
1939 was $329,561.91 (£20,254 6s. 6d.) including special expenditure amounting to $11,727.43 (£720 15s. Od.) as against $400,269.05 (£24,599 17s. 4d.) including special expenditure amounting to $105,647.86 (£6,492 18s. 10d.) in 1938.
2. The revenue of the Brigade for the year amounted to $14,773.00 (£907 18s. 6d.) derived from the following sources:-
Motor ambulance service
$14,200.00
(£872 14s. 2d.) as against $11,868.50 (£729 8s. 41⁄2d.) for 1938, an increase of 19.6%.
Theatre and special duties
$573.00
(£35 4s. 4d.) as against $704.00 (£43 5s. 4d.) for 1938 a decrease of 18.6%.
The undermentioned table shows the revenue of the Brigade for the past five years.
1939.
1938.
1937.
1936.
1935.
Motor ambulance service... $14,200.00 $11,868.50 $10,700.00
$7,730.00 $7,890.00
Theatres and special
duties
$704.00
Total
$573.00
$708.00 $510.00 $1,158.00
$14,773.00 $12,572.50 $11,408.00 $8,240,00 $9,048.00
ESTABLISHMENT RETURN.
3. Return showing the establishment and casualties in the Brigade during the year 1939 :--
Establishment
of the Brigade.
Enlistments.
Death.
Resignations.
Invalided.
Europeans
10
Portuguese
1
250
28*
1
2
4
9
16
*4 Temporary Firemen.
Retired on
Pension.
Dismissals or Desertions.
Total number
of casualties.
Chinese
Total
261
28
1
2
4
9
16
K (1) 2
FLOATING STAFF.
Coxswains.
Engineers.
Stokers.
5
8
6
Seamen.
Total.
14
33
ACTUAL STRENGTH ON THE 31ST DECEMBER, 1939.
Portu-
Europeans.
Chinese.
guese.
Floating Staff.
Total.
Present
10
1
241
33
285
Sick or absent
on leave
Vacancies
ลง
7
2
7
2
Total
10
1
250
33
294
Discipline during the year was satisfactory. permission is still the chief offence.
Absence from station without
4. The Superintendent, Mr. J. C. Fitz Henry, resumed duty on 2nd April, 1939.
AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT RETURN, 1939.
Rank.
Authorized Strength.
Actual Strength.
Resignations.
Dismissals.
Senior Officers :--
Superintendent
1
1
Divisional Officers
2
2
Mechanical Engineer..
1
1
Section & Sub Officers
32
18
Assistant Mechanical
Engineer
1
1
Firemen
201
201
13
4
Drivers (female)
20
14
Ancillary Grades
42
18
LO
2
Total ...
300
256
15
4
K (1) 3
5. His Excellency The Governor approved the appointment of Mr. D. H. Blake as Superintendent of the Auxiliary Fire Service on its formation in July, 1939.
The following were also appointed as Officers --
Mr. R. Grimshaw
Mr. Chan Mak Heung
Mr. J. S. Howell
Mrs. W. Dalziel
Divisional Officers.
Mechanical Engineer.
Lady Divisional Officer.
In view of the political situation in August, 1939 it was decided to recruit a total of 300 members for the service instead of the 100 members approved in the 1939 Estimates.
Members of the active grades in Hong Kong and Kowloon undergo a course of forty drills, at the rate of two per week, under regular Fire Brigade Officer Instructors. On completion of the course a short examination is given and the most promising candidates selected for the rank of Sub Officer.
Since the formation of the service Station Officer Smith has acted as principal instructor and Liaison Officer.
STATIONS AND EQUIPMENT.
6. Plans for a new Eastern Fire Station on site at the junction of Hennessy Road and Canal Road, East were drawn up during the year.
Following completion of this station, the whole of the existing temporary Eastern Fire Station and quarters will serve as a headquarters for the Auxiliary Fire Service and its appliances.
A temporary Auxiliary Fire Service building is also to be erected on Crown Land adjoining Terminus Fire Station in Kowloon.
7. The following appliances and equipment were indented or provided for during the year :-
(a) All necessary pumping units and equipment for the Auxiliary Fire Service,
the cost being borne by an Air Raids Precautions vote.
(b) Two sets "Salvus" self-contained breathing apparatus.
(c) Two sets "Antipoys" smoke helmets for Fire Floats.
(d) Two sets "Pyrene" foam-making branch-pipes.
8. All Fire Brigade vehicles and pumping units were regularly inspected and maintained in an efficient manner during the year.
9. The two Fire Floats were slipped and overhauled as required during the year. Major repairs to the superstructure of No. 1 Fire Float were also undertaken.
10. All other appliances and equipment were examined, tested and repaired
as necessary.
11. The total number of pedestal and underground hydrants is now 1,506.
All hydrants were inspected quarterly.
12. Fires.
K (1) 4-
SPECIAL EVENTS.
Killed.
(a) A Chinese male was injured during a fire which involved the petrol tank of a private motor car at No. 223, Nathan Road, Yaumati on 4.3.39
(b) During a fire at a Morrison Hill Road house on 18.9.39 a Chinese male was severely injured and subsequently died
(c) A Chinese male child, 3 years old, was burned to death during a fire which occurred at No. 13, Pitt Street, Yaumati, on 30.9.39. The child was reported missing on the arrival of the Brigade, but owing to the fierceness of the fire, it was impossible to enter the premises to effect rescue work
(d) A Chinese male child was burned to death during a fire which occurred on 27.10.39 in Island Road, Aberdeen. An aged man. was injured
(e) On 27.11.39 at 01.18 hours a fire broke
out in a joss paper shop, occupying the ground floor of an old type tenement building at No. 466, Queen's Road West. The fire spread with alarming rapidity and effectively cut off the means of escape of the occupants of the upper floors. Before the arrival of the Brigade, 5 persons had jumped into the street from the rear of the building, with the result that one Chinese female was killed and four persons injured. Several bodies were extricated after the extinction of the fire. The casualties were 7 dead and 6 injured...
(f) On the evening of 3.12.39 the Brigade was called to deal with a serious fire in a
cotton quilt shop and store at 480, Shanghai Street, Kowloon, which, spreading rapidly soon involved the whole of the upper floors of No. 482 and the 3rd floor of No. 478. On arrival of the Brigade the occupants of the upper floors were already jumping into the street. persons were rescued by firemen by means of fire escape and some 20 persons were saved from serious injury by members of the public holding Fire Brigade jumping sheets. Lack of alternative means of
9
1
1
1
Casualties.
Injured.
1
مسر
1
7
6
་
i
K (1) 5
T
escape from the buildings caused many people to be trapped. 46 persons lost their lives, most of the bodies being recovered from the debris of the fire. persons sustained injuries
11
The heavy loss of life at this fire was largely attributable to the delay in calling the Brigade while attempts were made by some of the inmates to extinguish the fire
13. Explosions.
(g) On 18.4.39, 5 persons were injured due to an explosion of a 55 gallon oil drum which was being welded in the premises of the Switzerland Welding Co., 29, Shantung Street, Mong Kok
14. Collapses and Landslides.
(h) A Chinese female was injured as a result of the collapse of a roof above the 1st floor kitchen of No. 2, U Fook Lane, Third Street, on 18.4.39
(i) On 22.5.39 the Brigade was summoned to render assistance in the collapse of a brick and tile building near No. 140, Kennedy Road. 3 persons were slightly injured; 2 of them were extricated by the Brigade
6) A Chinese male was extricated alive from a collapsed brick and tile building at 275, Lockhart Road on 29.5.39
(k) 3 Chinese males were injured in the collapse of a stack of timber on Crown Land at Prince Edward Road on 15.6.39 ...
(1) 5 persons were injured during the collapse of a building under construction in No. 84, Nga Tsin Wai Road, Kowloon City on 5.8.39
(m) 3 Chinese, 1 male and 2 females were buried during a landslide at Blue Pool Road, Tai Hang on 3.11.39. The bodies were extricated by the Brigade
(n) A landslide occurred on 19.12.39 at Taipo Road causing the death of two Chinese males. The bodies were extricated by the Brigade and Police. 1 person was injured
Total casualties
Killed.
Injured.
46
11
3
10
5
1
3
1
3
LO
5
2
1
61
38
K (1) 6
CALLS.
15. The number of calls received during the year totalled 292; actual fires 198, chimney fires 58, collapses 8, landslides 2 and false alarms 26. Compared with previous year (1938) there was an increase of 47 calls. 56 were received by street fire alarms, 200 by telephone, 3 from Police and 33 from messengers.
16. Of the false alarms, 3 were maliciously given, 7 were given with good intent and 16 were due to electrical faults in the street fire alarm system.
THEATRE AND OTHER DUTIES.
17. Special duties at public and private entertainments were performed by members of the Brigade on 63 occasions during the year; the number of men thus employed was 244 for a total of 746 hours duty.
FIRE INSPECTION WORK.
18. The following inspections were made by officers of the Brigade and reported upon during the year :-
Theatres and cinemas
Boarding houses
Factories and workshops
Garages
.....
Licensed premises (Liquor licences)
Eating houses
Timber and firewood storages
Buildings (Government & public).
273
103
481
84
94
65
117
107
High and low flash inflammable liquid stores
223
Petrol pumps
117
Kerosene stores in shops
637
Dangerous goods storages
346
Offensive trades
Fireworks storages
Neon light advertising signs
Vernacular schools
Dance halls and academies
7
157
520
257
20
5
Fire service installations
366
Miscellaneous inspections
299
Total ....
4,273
The number of inspections carried out each month is shewn in Table IV.
19. 19 private fire-hydrant services were installed in various premises during the year.
5 private fire-hydrant services were removed during the year. There are now 288 such installations in the Colony. These were inspected, tested and reported upon during the year.
20. The 15 automatic sprinkler installations in the Colony were tested and reported upon during the year.
One installation was removed during the year.
21. 411 chemical fire extinguishers located in various Government buildings. were tested and recharged by the Brigade during the year.
22. The total number of dangerous goods licences in force at the end of the year was 1,325 (fees $16,665.00) as against 1,222 (fees $16,355.00) for 1938.
Appendix L.
PRISONS DEPARTMENT HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR 1939.
"It has been said that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance; I would say that as far as prisons are concerned the price of progress is eternal experiment".
FROM AN ADDRESS GIVEN ΤΟ THE HOWARD LEAGUE FOR PENAL REFORM BY MR. HAROLD SCOTT, C.B., CHAIRMAN OF THE PRISON COMMISSION.
I. GENERAL.
1. The reorganization envisaged in last year's report proceeded steadily and smoothly up to the outbreak of war.
2. The segregation of Chinese first offenders from previous offenders was completed in July by the division of the prison into two sections. Except in the hospital no contact is now possible between sections. Within each section prisoners are classified into long term and short term prisoners and each class wears distinctive clothing.
3. All work outside the prison is done by short term first offenders, and on occasion they have been sent several miles in lorries for labour on defence works.
Long term first offenders are employed in the kitchens, laundry, tailors shop, and in the rattan, shoe-making and leather working industries.
Previous offenders are employed in the printing shop and in the carpentering,. tinsmithing and coir industries. A new industry is being started in this section early in 1940 concrete block making. Two machines for this purpose have been ordered and are now on their way from England.
Each section carries out its own domestic duties with the exception of the cooking and preparation of meals which is done for the whole prison by long term first offenders.
4. From my own observations and from reports from senior subordinate officers there is no doubt that the segregation which has been introduced is having a marked effect on the prisoners. When "old lags" and first offenders lived and worked together the former were feared, obeyed, and perhaps admired by the latter, and in fact ruled the roost. This state of affairs has entirely changed. First offenders, safe from contact with their former bullies, now regard them with open disfavour. It is a curious fact that since segregation came into force the first offenders have come to regard themselves as a superior class of beings! This is all to the good.
5. The principal innovations during the year have been :-
(a) The formation of a central guard consisting of 2 Indian warders and 16 Indian guards in place of the scattered armed sentries which were dotted about in various parts of the prison. The guard is situated in the administrative section of the prison and furnishes four sentry posts, one in each corner tower. The Principal Officer's office in the centre- of the prison is connected with the guard room by loud speaker.
(b) A rifle range has been built in the prison grounds and an annual small
arms course for all officers has been inaugurated.
L 2
(c) The number of prisoners working daily outside the prison is between 250 and 300. Apart from departmental work labour parties have been supplied to the military authorities for digging trenches and levelling camp sites, to the Urban Council for clearing stones and rocks from beaches at Repulse Bay, to the Medical Department for anti-malarial work at Tytam and to the Water Authority for clearance work at Tytam Tuk.
(d) The selection of suitable prisoners as trade instructors, messengers and for fire fighting squads. These prisoners are supplied with distinguishing arm bands. The scheme, in spite of some individual disappointments, is working well.
4
(e) The opening on 16th October of a separate prison for remand prisoners, debtors, destitutes and persons awaiting deportation. The Victoria Remand Prison, situated in a renovated corner of the old Victoria Gaol, is staffed by 1 Principal Officer (the officer-in-charge), European officers and 15 Indian warders and has accommodation for 166 prisoners. The prisoners carry out all their own domestic duties. with the exception of cooking which is done by six first offender convicts. trained in the Stanley Prison cookhouse. No convict cook can be transferred to the Remand Prison until he is within 6 months of completion of his sentence. They are kept segregated from the remand prisoners.
(f) The employment of female prisoners in garden work outside the prison at Lai Chi Kok. The garden had to be made out of a rocky site, but is now flourishing and employs about 20 women daily.
(g) The gradual replacement of bed-boards by hammocks.
block is now furnished with hammocks only.
One complete
6. The worst feature of the year has been the overcrowding of the Hong Kong Prison at Stanley. This was slightly relieved by the transfer of remands, destitutes, debtors and deportees to Victoria Remand Prison but the relief amounted to a daily average of about 100 persons only. To bring the prison population down to its planned figure a further 1,400 prisoners must be got rid of somehow. At the time of writing (Mid-January, 1940) the muster at the prison has exceeded the 3,000 mark and arrangements are being made for the premature release of selected prisoners, as 3,000 is the agreed figure beyond which overcrowding cannot be allowed to go- neither the staff nor the accommodation nor the equipment can stand the strain above that figure.
7. In spite of the large number of prisoners in excess of that for which there is proper provision discipline has been well maintained; but, in the circumstances. it has had to be largely the discipline of repression rather than of expression. The division of the prison into two sections has assisted considerably in the maintenance of order.
There were two large faction fights inside the prison, both occurring at the time of the evening muster on the exercise ground. The guard turned out and appeared on the scene promptly on both occasions, and apart from a warning shot (the only sound that could possibly be heard above the din) by the senior officer present on each occasion no resort was had to firearms to quell the disturbances, for which purpose the issue of heavy canes to European officers was found to be most effective. The casualties among the prisoners were few and not of a very serious nature. In August one prisoner murdered another in the printing shop by striking him with an iron bar. He was hanged on 22.11.39.
No attempt was made to escape from inside the prison, but from outside parties there was one escape (recaptured the same day) and one attempted escape.
¦
2
L 3
8. Shortly after the outbreak of war all the male officers of the Prisons Service volunteered for duty with the fighting forces. The European officers were formed into an auxiliary unit of the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps and put through. a course of training under army instructors followed by field exercises. The Indian officers were formed into a Special Guard Company to be called upon for duty in case of emergency.
9. The outbreak of war necessitated the taking of many precautionary measures not normally connected with prison administration. For instance, detailed A.R.P. orders had to be issued and tests carried out-sometimes in conjunction with Colony wide blackouts and sometimes separately.
II. STAFF.
10. On 15th March Lieut. Commander W. H. L. Harrison R.N. (retired) arrived from Kenya Colony to fill the vacant post of Superintendent of Hong Kong Prison.
11. The authorized establishment of subordinate staff for 1939 was:-
European Officers Indian Officers
Chinese Staff
73
226
62
Male Staff
361
Female Officers
28
Total Subordinate Staff
389
12. Within a few days of the outbreak of war Lt. Comdr. Harrison was called up for service with the Royal Navy and Mr. J. W. FitzGerald, Acting Chief Warder, was appointed Acting Superintendent in the absence of Mr. H. Barrett, Chief Warder, on leave. The latter officer returned from leave and became Acting Superintendent on 23rd. December, when Mr. FitzGerald reverted to Acting Chief Warder.
13. Whilst on leave in the United Kingdom Mr. H. Barrett attended the annual course of study in prison administration under the auspices of the Home Office.
14. The following table shows the number of reports against members of the staff and the nature of the punishment inflicted in consequence :-
Punishment.
Europeans. Indians.
Chinese.
Wardresses.
Dismissed
Reduced in rank
Increment deferred
212
2
Increment stopped
Fined from $10. to $25
1
$.5. to $10
$ 1. to $ 5
10
14
݂ܕ
less than $1.
5
Extra duty
36
59
Reprimanded
9
20
4
1
Chinese Males
by
Age Groups.
STATISTICAL REPORT FOR HONG KONG PRISONS FOR 1939.
Number
Number committed.
previously
convicted.
Numbers sentenced to imprisonment.
Over 2 years.
Deaths (exclusive
of executions).
Notes.
15-201
1,446
176 1,270
180
135
85
870 329
836
83
22
20-25
3,044
10
542 2,492 271
181 251
1,789 644
1,627
157
64
4
25-50
9,291
15
Over 50
865
NG
1,856
7,420 1,470
621
548
4,781 2,075 4,376 844
125
39
2
112
751 134
26
47
544 374
331 41
5
20
Total Chinese males
14,646.
27
2,686 11,933 2,055
963
931
7,984 3,422 7,170 1,125; 216
63
in 1937.
European males
Indian males
51 1 18
21
11
2.1
1
20
5
14
1
1
prisoners with
2
9
10
3
7
5
2
3
Total males
14,718
28
20 2,706 11,964 2,056
963 934
8,011 3,427 7,189 1,128 220
63
Females by Age Groups
15-20
109
28
81
2
20-25
129
2
25-50
899
4
74
24
103
14
23
Ι
76
36
40
4
1
1
85
36
56
8
3
152
743
64
20 16
643
272
423
30
18
Over 50
291
39
252
42
15 13
182
116
123
11.
2
Total Females
1,428
6
243
1,179
The percentage of con- victed prisoners admitted to prison with previous convictions recorded against them was 31.5 as compared with 24.3 in 1938 and 21.6
The percentage of male
convictions was 33.1.
The daily averages of
prisoners in prisons during the year were:
Hong Kong Prison.
Male
Victoria Remand Prison.
Male (Period from
16.10.89 to 31.12.89 only)
previous
.2,832
88
122 40 31
986
460 642 53 24
Lai Chi Kok Prison.
Female
.183
Total
16,146
34
20 2,949 13,143 2,178 1,003 965
8,997 3,887 7,831 1,181 244
Total
.3,003
|
L 5
INDUSTRIAL TRAINING.
15. In the Hong Kong Prison the total number of prisoners employed in industries at the end of the year, including printing and laundry, was :---
First Offenders Section
Previous Offenders Section
297.
492.
16. In the Lai Chi Kok Female Prison the daily average number employed in industrial work, including laundry and vegetable gardens, was 157.
17. The principal departmental work, other than industrial, on which prisoners have been employed during the year has been :--
18.
(i) Clearing and preparing the site for the new Isolation Block for
convicted lepers and cutting a road to the site.
(ii) Construction of a rifle range.
(i) Levelling a parade ground for the Indian staff.
(iv) Breaking stone for a new septic tank.
(v) Construction of steps to Chinese and Indian beaches.
(vi) Camouflaging the boundary walls of the prison at the request of the
military authorities..
(vii) Trenching and preparation of vegetable gardens inside the Hong Kong
Prison and outside the Lai Chi Kok Prison.
SPIRITUAL, MENTAL AND PHYSICAL TRAINING.
The position with regard to the spiritual, mental and physical training of prisoners has undergone no change since my last report.
PERSONS AWAITING TRIAL.
19. Persons awaiting trial, together with debtors, destitutes and deportees were transferred from Stanley to Victoria Remand Prison, adjoining the Magistrates' courts in Hong Kong, on the 15th October. No persons awaiting trial, except those on a capital charge, are now sent to Stanley.
20. The following is a brief report of the work of the Remand Prison from 16.10.39 to 31.12.39. :———
(1) Admittances
515 Remands
51 Deportees
6 Debtors
2 Destitutes
Total
(2) Percentage of Remands convicted=63.69
(3) Daily average muster=88.
574
(4) Prison punishments = 2.
(5) Visits:-by friends and relatives
618
by solicitors
97
Police enquiries
14
Total
729
L 6
21. The opening of Victoria Remand Prison has been a distinct success and has also released badly needed accommodation in the Hong Kong Prison at Stanley.
YOUNG OFFENDERS AND AFTER CARE.
22. The position with regard to young offenders and after care has undergone no change since my last report.
PRISON PUNISHMENTS.
23. The following table shows the number of offences committed during 1939 by prisoners against prison discipline and the consequent punishments which were awarded:-
Punishment.
Offenders.
Corporal punishment (with cane)
5
Close confinement
Nil
Dietary punishment
494
Dietary punishment with loss of remission
225
Loss of remission
163
Reduction in class
4
Reprimand
Nil
24.
NEW BUILDINGS.
The following works were done by contract during the year :--
(1) The building of a second storey over the main dormitory and reception
block at Lai Chi Kok Female Prison-completed.
This has doubled the accommodation for convicted female prisoners. and enabled remands and new admissions to be kept separate from the rest of the prisoners until they have been passed by the Medical Officer.
(2) The erection of a wall, wire fences, and necessary grille gates within the Hong Kong Prison, Stanley, to effect the division of the prison into two sections-completed.
(3) The construction of a second septic tank for the Hong Kong Prison,
Stanley, completed.
(4) The renovation of a portion of the old Victoria Gaol and conversion of one floor from cells to living quarters for Indian Warders to make the Victoria Remand Prison-completed.
(5) The building of an Isolation Block for leper prisoners outside the
Hong Kong Prison, Stanley-still under construction.
(6) Various minor works within the Hong Kong Prison. Stanley, the most important of which was the alteration of the old Assembly Hall to convert it into the present Tailors Shop.
.
L 7 -
FINANCIAL.
25.
The total cost of each prisoner for the year (average) was $302.91.
The cost of feeding each prisoner for the year (average) was $62.89.
Table I.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF REVENUE, 1938 AND 1939.
Head of Revenue collected by Prisons Department.
Fees of Court and Office.
Prisoners Subsistence
Prison Industries
Total
1938.
1939.
$4,029.00
$1,972.00
4.484.96
5,720.20
>
$8,513.96
$7,692.20
Table II.
COMPARISON OF EXPENDITURE FOR 1938 AND 1939.
1938.
1939.
Personal Emoluments
$514,345.93
$534,874.89
Other Charges
389,158.40
354,887.00
Special Expenditure
5,359.38
30,483.80
Total Prisons Department
$908,863.71
$920,245.69
26th February, 1940.
J. L. WILLCOCKS,
Commissioner of Prisons
Hong Kong.
L 8
Appendix.
ANNUAL REPORTS OF MEDICAL OFFICERS.
MEDICAL.
The following is the report of the resident Medical Officer, Hong Kong Prison for 1939-
Dr. G. I. Shaw carried out the duties of Medical Officer till 4.8.39. when he went on home leave. He was relieved by Dr. A. H. Barwell.
2. Total admissions to Hong Kong Prison, Stanley during 1939 were 11,964. Of these 824 were 50 years of age and over,
3. Total admissions to the Prison Hospital during the year were 2,467, daily average of hospital patients being 46.96. This figure does not include patients kept under observation in "G" Block, now attached to the hospital.
4. Total number of prisoners reporting sick was 16,772, making a daily average of 54.1.
5. Total number of prisoners on outdoor treatment during the year was 38,856. These prisoners attended hospital twice daily for treatment making a daily average
of 212.9.
6. On admittance to prison 204 prisoners were directly admitted to hospital, 2,174 placed untasked in cell, and 1,816 on half-labour.
7. The following were the principal diseases prisoners were suffering from on admittance to prison :-
Chronic Tuberculosis
Chronic Opium Poisoning
Heroin
Scabies
Venereal Disease
Hernia
Tinea
Myocarditis
572
2.720
1.020
2.171
360
136
151
123
8. During the year there were 63 deaths. Twenty of these were caused by pulmonary tuberculosis.
9. The following transfers took place during the year-
To Queen Mary Hospital
To Mental Hospital
To Infectious Diseases Hospital
12
7
2
10. 7 prisoners were released on medical grounds suffering from leprosy. On completion of the Isolation Block (at present under construction) leper prisoners will be isolated and treated as prisoners until termination of their sentence before being sent to a suitable institution, if required.
11. Only one case of cholera was reported to the Health Department. There were 610 cases of other infectious diseases also reported, mostly T.B. and dysentery.
L 9
12. 596 inoculations against cholera were carried out on officers and families and 10,478 on prisoners from May to December 1st 1939.
13. 12,553 prisoners were vaccinated during the year.
14. 160 operations were performed during the year comprising: hernia, hydrocele, circumcision, haemorrhoids and removal of cysts, etc.
15. 559 Officers (inclusive of office staff) reported sick and were seen by the Medical Officer.
16. 883 Officers' wives, children and Chinese Government servants were seen by the Medical Officer in his consulting rooms. An Indian Lady M. O. attends every Tuesday afternoon to see gynaecological and other cases.
17. Fairly intensive treatment of veneral diseases has been carried out during the year.
Prisoners whose sentence did not permit a full course, i.e. under 2 months, were treated (in the event of gonorrhoea) with irrigations and injections of gonocrine and in some cases streptocide was given, and in the case of syphilis and chancroid were given local treatment and advised to attend a Government Clinic on discharge from prison.
622 cases of venereal diseases were treated, this number does not include cases where sentence has been too short for full treatment.
1,165 injections of acriflavine derivative were given.
1,460 injections of N.A.B.
148 injections of Bismuth Metal.
263 Bloods were sent to B.I. for W. R.
18. 75 Post-mortem examinations were carried out during the year by our own staff.
19. The following examinations were carried out in the Prison Hospital during, the year.
3,567 Stools for Dysentery, Ova etc.
2,476 Blood slides for Malaria.
176 Sputums for T.B.
366 others for "B" Leprae = Pus cells, cocci etc.
26 Blood counts were carried out.
20. 352 floggings were witnessed during the year.
21. During
During the
the year
satisfactorily.
there were 11 executions which were carried out
This tank
22. Sanitation. As in previous years the precincts of the Gaol have been kept scrupulously clean. A new septic tank has been built adjoining the main tank of the prison-this was completed in the middle of December. should be of great service, as the main septic tank was previously built to serve 1,500 men whereas it had been serving almost 3,000 men until recently, and had been occasionally going out of action. Routine examinations of prisoners employed in the cookhouse were carried out. Of the total of 132 examinations 23 were found to be unfit to be employed.
L 10
23. Public Health. There have been no cases of malaria during the year amongst the Prison Staff and their families. The general health of the Prison Staff has been good.
The overcrowding in the Gaol remains the same as stated in last year's report; i.e. approximately 3,000 inmates which is twice the number for which the gaol is designed.
A. H. BARWELL,
M. O. Hong Kong Prison,
Stanley.
The following is the report of the Medical Officer, Lai Chi Kok Prison, for 1939 :-
1. Three Chinese Medical Officers of the Lai Chi Kok Hospital performed the duties of medical officer during the year under review.
2. The total number of female prisoners admitted was 1,428.
3. The admission to hospital was 200, a decrease of 33 over that of 1938, the daily average consequently falling to 4.51 as compared with 5.47 of 1938.
4. There was no death in this year.
5. All prisoners were vaccinated and inoculated against Cholera during the Cholera epidemic.
No. of vaccinations
No. of inoculations
.1,066.
.1,212.
T. J. HUA,
Medical Officer,
Female Prison, Lai Chi Kok.
THE
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COLONY OF HONG KONG
MEDICAL facilities Map
REFERENCE
LOK MA CHAU
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SHEUNG SHUI
Govt. HOSPITALS
NAVAL HOSPITALS
MILITARY HOSPITALS
CHINESE HOSPITALS
PRIVATE HOSPITALS
Govt. DISPENSARIES
CHINESE PUBLIC DispensariES
8 ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE DISPENSARIES
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I ADMINISTRATION:-
(A) Staff:-
i
INDEX.
Contents.
Page.
(a) Administrative Division
(b) Medical Division
(c) Health Division
(d) Laboratory Division
(B) Ordinances affecting the Public Health:-
(a) Ordinances
(b) Rules, Regulations and By-laws
(C) Finance
II PUBLIC HEALTH:-
(A) General Remarks:-
(a) Refugees
(b) Malnutrition
(c) Housing and overcrowding
(d) Epidemic diseases
(i) Smallpox
1
2
ཌ།
2
ཉར
3
3
4
10
10
11
(ii) Cholera
11
(iii) Cerebro-spinal meningitis
11
(iv) Tuberculosis
16
(e) Hospitals
16
(f) Special war measures
17
(g) Miscellaneous items
17
(h) Social hygiene
17
(i) Co-operation with the Hong Kong University and
private practitioners
17
(B) Vital Statistics:-
(a) Population
(b) Births
(c) Deaths
18
18
18
(d) Infant mortality rate
18
(e) Morbidity and mortality rates for European officers ...
19
ii
INDEX,-(contd.)
Page.
· 20
20
20
20
222
20
21
21
21
223
Contents.
III HYGIENE AND SANITATION:-
(A) GENERAL REVIEW OF WORK DONE AND PROGRESS MADE:-
(I) Preventive measures-
(a) Mosquito and insect-borne diseases:-
(i) Malaria
(ii) Yellow fever
(iii) Filariasis
(b) Epidemic diseases:-
(i) Plague
(ii) Cholera
(iii) Smallpox
(c) Other diseases:--
(i) Leprosy
(ii) Tuberculosis
(d) Helminthic diseases.
(e) Seasonal prevalence of diseases
(II) General measures of sanitation-
(a) Sewage
(b) Refuse disposal
(c) Drainage
(d) Water supplies
(e) Domiciliary visiting and inspections
(f) Offensive trades
(III) School hygiene
(IV) Labour conditions
(V) Housing and town planning
23
+
22
23
23
23
24
≈≈ ≈ ≈ 2 2 2 2 39
22
25
25
(VI) Food in relation to health and disease.
26
(B) MEASURES TAKEN TO SPREAD THE KNOWLEDGE OF
HYGIENE AND SANITATION
29
(C) TRAINING OF SANITARY PERSONNEL
29
(D) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE WORK
29
+
111
INDEX,-(contd.)
Contents.
IV PORT HEALTH WORK AND ADMINISTRATION
V MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE
VI HOSPITALS, DISPENSARIES AND SOCIAL HYGIENE
Page.
31
32
CLINICS:-
(A) Queen Mary Hospital
35
37
(B) Kowloon Hospital-
(a) Anaesthetics
40
(b) Radiology, electro-therapeutics and massage
41
(C) Tsan Yuk Maternity Hospital
43
(D) Infectious Diseases Hospital
44
(E) Social Hygiene Centres
45
(F) Dispensaries and health activities in the New Territories
46
(G) Chinese Hospitals and Dispensaries
49
(H) Lai Chi Kok (Relief) Hospital
53
53
(I) Leper Settlement
VII PRISONS AND MENTAL HOSPITAL:-
(A) Prisons
(B) Mental Hospital
VIII METEOROLOGY
55
55
56
IX SCIENTIFIC:-
(A) Report of the Bacteriological Institute
58
(B) Report of the Malaria Bureau
66
(C) Report of the Analytical Laboratory
73
(D) Report of the University Professorial Units:-
A
(a) Medical Unit
80
(b) Surgical Unit
87
(c) Obstetrical and Gynaecological Unit
88
APPENDICES
92
ANNUAL MEDICAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1939.
I. ADMINISTRATION,
A
(A.) STAFF Medical, Health and Laboratory Divisions.
(a) Administrative Division.
Appointment.
Deputy director health services: Dr. N. C. Macleod.
(b) Medical Division.
(i) Appointments.
European.
Medical officers: Dr. S. Tomlinson, Dr. L. J. Honeywill, Dr. A. H.
Barwell.
Masseuse: Miss A.M.M.E. Halliday.
X-Ray Sister:
(Temporary) Mrs. G. Weir.
Nursing sisters: Miss E. E. Chart, Miss A. M. Harrington, Miss E. M. Hill, Miss V. E. Lyne, Miss B. L. Willcox, Miss D. M. Evans, (Temporary) Mrs. S. G. Merriman, Mrs. C. Godfrey.
Local.
Medical officers: Dr. E. L. Gosano,
(Temporary) Dr. L. Tillinger.
Asiatic.
Medical officers: Dr. H. H. Tai, Dr. H. S. Tai,
(Temporary) Dr. Teng Pin Hui, Dr. E. S. Tai, Dr. Woo Wei Chuan, Dr. Hua Tse Jen, Dr. Ong Ewe Hin.
(ii) Promotions.
Matron: Miss M. A. Wilson.
Senior nursing sisters:
European.
Miss E. Riley, Miss D. Robinson, Miss A. I. Smith, Miss K. E. Gordon, Miss A. S. Rogers, Miss C'. B. Robinson, Miss A. Williams, Miss N. Chandler.
(iii) Retirements and Resignations.
Medical officer: Dr. L. J. Honeywill (died on 17th September, 1939).
Senior nursing sister: Miss E. C. Maclaren.
X-Ray Sister Miss G. Waugh.
M 2
Nursing sisters: Miss C. C. Denley, Miss H. E. Gray, Miss S. M. Harper, Miss C. McNevin, Miss K. A. Milne, Miss M. K. Murray,
Miss D. E. Purtill, Miss A. M. Thomas, Miss M. S. Thompson, Miss M. West.
Assistant attendant: Mr. C. W. Haynes.
(c) Health Division.
(i) Appointments.
European.
Tun.
Lady medical officer: Dr. (Mrs.) L. Fehily.
School sanitary inspector: Mr. W. C. Walker.
Port health inspector: Mr. E. Maxwell-Holroyd.
Asiatic.
Lady medical officer: Dr. (Miss) Ko Kit Tak.
Secretary to the Nutrition Research Committee (Temporary): Mr. Liu Kuang
(ii) Retirements and Resignations.
Lady medical officers: Dr. (Mrs.) L. O. Hunter, Dr. (Mrs.) A. F. Stout.
(d) Laboratory Division.
Appointment.
Local assistant bacteriologist: Dr. R. E. Alvares.
(B) ORDINANCES AFFECTING THE PUBLIC HEALTH.
The following is a list of Ordinances, Rules, Regulations, By-laws and Government Notifications affecting public health or medical matters which were enacted, made or published during 1939:-
(a) Ordinances.
(i) Asiatic Emigration Amendment, 1939.
(ii) Criminal Procedure Amendment, 1939.
(iii) Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment, 1939.
(iv) Town Planning, 1939.
(v) Births and Deaths Registration, 1939.
(vi) Urban Council Amendment, 1939.
(vii) Prevention of Eviction, 1939.
A
M 3
(b) Rules, Regulations and By-laws.
(i) Public Health (Food). (Order regarding the enforcement of the by-laws relating to the pasteurization and sale of milk).
(ii) Public Health (Food). (Amendment of by-laws re markets
and market stalls in the Schedule to the Ordinance).
(iii) Public Health (Food). (Amendment of by-laws re sale of milk
generally and dairies and milk shops).
(iv) Quarantine and Prevention of Disease.
as an infectious disease).
(Tuberculosis declared
(v) Quarantine and Prevention of Disease.
on Departure) Regulations).
(Quarantine (Measures
(Quarantine (Measures
(vi) Quarantine and Prevention of Disease.
on Arrival) Regulations).
(vii) Pharmacy and Poisons. (Regulations for appointment of exa- miners for the purpose of chemists and druggists qualifying examination).
(viii) Pharmacy and Poisons.
(Regulations (Poisons)).
(Amendment of Regulations
(ix) Adulterated Food and Drugs.
(C) FINANCE.
made thereunder).
As may be seen in Table I total expenditure (excluding such items as cost of repairs to buildings, water supply, etc.) and revenue showed increases in 1939 over 1938 figures.
Table I.
Expenditure.
Year.
Revenue.
Ordinary recurrent.
Special.
Total.
Increase....
Decrease...
1938.... $2,218,236.61 1939.... $2,445,877.14
$227,640.53
$189,111.31
$2,407,347.92 $431,034.17
$40,721.67
$2,486,598.81 $466,054.72
$79,250.89 $35,020.55
$148,389.64
The increase in expenditure was caused by the expansion of medical and health services and the larger number of patients due to the influx of refugees.
On the introduction of an official form of certificate for cholera and vaccination, revenue showed an increase of some $54,500.00. Following the appointment of an almoner a further increase of nearly $10,000.00 was recorded for fees for medical treatment in hospitals. As against these outstanding increases there was a decrease of some $37,493.60 for fees charged for medical examinations of emigrants owing to restrictions being enforced on the quota of emigrants to the Straits Settlements.
M 4
To obtain more accurate figures of public health expenditure items such as water and drainage works, Urban Council cleansing services, etc., have been included in the following table of expenditure:-
Table II.
Motor ambulance service
28,360.84
Police Department
Public Works Department
Sanitary (Urban Council) Department
•
Subsidies to charities
Medical Department
407.50
1,182,597.23
1,183,030.29
1,172,545.97
2,486,598.81
$6,053,540.64
The total revenue for the Colony from all sources in 1939 was $41,478,052.24 and the expenditure on medical services therefore formed 14.59 per centum of the general revenue as compared with 14.66 per centum in 1938.
(a) Refugees.
II. PUBLIC HEALTH.
(A) General Remarks.
The state of public health in the Colony of Hong Kong during the year 1939 was conditioned principally by the refugee factor. The extension of the Sino- Japanese conflict culminating in the landing at Bias Bay in October, 1938, the capture of Canton in November and mopping-up operations in Kwangtung close to the Colony's frontier led to a great increase in the number of refugees who sought shelter in Hong Kong.
2. Accurate figures are only available in respect of arrivals and departures by rail-a method of communication which ceased after the Japanese landing in Kwangtung and by recognized steamship lines; hence, it is difficult to indicate even approximately the balance of immigration over emigration during 1939.
3. All that can be said is that the surplus of arrivals over departures by the methods named above in 1938 amounted to 188,039.
4. At the end of 1939, the corresponding figure was about a further 73,000 making approximately 261,600 by these routes for the twenty-four months ended 31st of December, 1939. The peak was reached at the beginning of July, 1939, when arrivals over departures by recognized steamship lines amounted to 327,833. Thereafter, the figure diminished somewhat with the threat of extension of hostilities to Hong Kong itself and a blockade of the land frontiers in July, August and September.
"
+
A
A
"
Hong Kong Government Refugee Camps on
Kwangtung-New Territories Border.
Living Huts and Dormitories at Pat Heung Camp
Railway trucks used as temporary shelters for refugees
at Cha Hang and Fan Ling
!
>
•
M 7
5. It is hardly necessary to point out that refugees arrived in large numbers by other routes than those named. For example, in the bombing and mopping-up operations by the Japanese on the frontier (and, accidentally, in British territory) on the 21st of February, 1939, it was estimated that upwards of 50,000 refugees came over on foot and sought shelter in the Government camps and villages in British territory.>
6. Experienced statisticians estimated the population as +10% of 2,000,000 at June, 1939. By extrapolation methods the normal population at that period was just over a million, consequently, the Colony was called upon to find food and shelter for almost double its normal population.
7. The main portion of the burden of caring for refugees who were without means was borne by Government, the Medical Department being entrusted with the planning and operation of the refugee camps. The Department received valuable assistance from certain charitable bodies in the form of clothes, blankets, educational materials, etc. \
8. Apart from three semi-permanent urban camps capable of holding rather over 5,000, five rural camps were established with a capacity for about 10,000 persons. Actually, the maximum number of persons cared for by the Medical Department in the camps at any one time during 1939 was 12,297 (in April, 1939). The main object behind these camps was to provide shelter, food, medical, welfare and educational services and clothing, and to encourage the inmates to carry on industrial and agricultural work until arrangements could be made for their repatriation to relatively safe parts of China not directly involved in hostilities.
9. In many instances, refugees were assisted by free passages and small com- passionate grants from Government to return to their homes or to places in unoccupied China.
10. During August, when the possibility of extension of hostilities to the Colony was manifest, every effort was made to persuade the occupants of the Government refugee camps to make their way back to China and the total in the camps fell to 7,379. The wave of refugees definitely receded during the second half of the year and the surplus of emigrants over immigrants by recognized shipping lines amounted to 72,570 for the year 1939. There were two main reasons for this partial exodus. Firstly, those with funds decided that they and their families might be better placed to meet any clash in the Philippines, French Indo-China or Macao; secondly, others in receipt of salaries paid in National currency were no longer able to meet the combination of the fall in the National dollar and the rise in the cost of living.
11.
When the problem of refugees is under consideration it is necessary to recall that there are several main classes. A relatively small group with financial backing who have transferred their commercial interests from occupied China to this Colony. Several hundred factories, workshops, printing presses and the like have been established in Hong Kong by such persons since July, 1937.
12. A larger group consists of those artisans, small merchants and others who have managed to save their tools, some of their stock in trade and a portion of their savings and are able to maintain themselves at least for a time and, later, if they fail to make good, have to fall back on relief.
13. The third and by far the largest group are those with little if any savings which are rapidly exhausted. Members of the third group become destitute and are forced to sleep on the pavements until a Medical Department ambulance collects them from the streets and takes them to one of the Government camps under the supervision of the Medical Department.
MS
14. Before leaving the subject, it might be of interest to mention two ancillary matters.
15. Firstly, during mopping-up operations by the Japanese Army on the frontier in November, 1938, a number of Chinese soldiers sought safety in the Colony and were interned, first on board ship and later in a portion of a camp built by Government for refugees and destitutes. During the year Government received, from the Chinese Government through the Director of Medical Services, a gift of H.K. $80,000 towards the cost of a new camp for these interned sodiers in order to release the first-mentioned camp for civilian use. At the end of 1939, 740 remaining out of the original 1,213 interned were transferred to the new camp completed at a total cost of about H.K.$120,000-one third of the cost being borne by the Hong Kong Government. The balance of the men had been released, had escaped or had died during the year.
Secondly, at the commencement of the European War in September, 1939, a number of enemy aliens living in Hong Kong were interned in an institution used for educational purposes. By the end of 1939 the numbers of such interned had fallen to below thirty as the result of releases to employers in Hong Kong and elsewhere well able to vouch for the persons concerned.
(b) Malnutrition.
16. The flooding of the urban market by refugees and the very heavy demand on accommodation with consequent high rentals for tenements, cubicles and even bed spaces, have resulted in a considerable reduction in the proportion of wages available for the purchase of food. Combined with ignorance of the right quality or quantity of food to be consumed, this gives rise to a serious incidence of malnutrition amongst the poorer sections of the population. This is especially noticeable in the young mother after she has delivered. Over 200 beds in one hospital of 300 beds had to be devoted to the treatment of beri beri alone.
17. Just as in the case of the refugees, Government furnished shelter for many thousands, so in the case of the hungry it also provided several hundred thousand meals at camps and welfare centres during the year. Assistance was given in regard to free meals by certain voluntary organizations, notably the Hong Kong Refugee & Social Welfare Council and Hong Kong Red Swastika Society.)
18. One of the avowed aims of the Nutrition Research Committee (newly constituted under the chairmanship of the director of medical services) was to devise an economic but satisfactory dietary within the means of even the poorer class and to bring this to the notice of those concerned through the medium of the Chinese press and the radio.
19. Using the Government camps as experimental fields and keeping a careful check on the health and weights of the occupants, the Medical Department was able to introduce an adequately balanced diet costing 11.3 cents per day for those over seven years and 8.2 cents per day for those up to seven years of age (11.3 cents is equal to rather less than 1åd). For details of dietary see Appendix I (b).
(c) Housing and Overcrowding.
20. Next after malnutrition, the most serious problem which Hong Kong had to face in 1939 was shortage of housing and dangerous overcrowding.
21. It has already been pointed out that the population of the Colony has almost doubled as the result of the influx of refugees since the start of the Sino-Japanese Incident in July, 1937.
.4
North Point Government Refugee Camp
Birds-eye view of camp, with Hospital Hut in centre
વિક્રમ ઠાકો
Hospital Hut-Children's Ward
Bed time in the Living Hut
Children's meal time in the Dining Hut
M 11
22. Building operations have been actively undertaken but have affected better class residences, factories, workshops and the like rather than tenements. In consequence, there has been a dearth of accommodation for the lower ranks of society and many thousands-including women and children-were driven to sleeping out on the street pavements until room was found for them in the Government
camps.
23. Concurrently, there has been a spate of building of unauthorized, matshed hovels, without any pretence of alignment, without fire-breaks, drainage, sanitary arrangements, and so on. To curb these measures which bid fair to destroy the amenities of the Colony, apart from giving rise to a very definite health danger, steps were taken during the year to set aside sites on the Island and on the mainland where temporary matshed camps could be built on approved lines. Here, those in need of shelter and able to erect it, could do so in proper alignment with fire-breaks, under the supervision of the Medical Department, water and sanitary services being supplied free on a communal basis. Some measure of protection against exploitation of certain sections of the community (not the tenement dweller, however,) was afforded by the Prevention of Eviction Ordinance which Government decided to continue in force for another period of a year.
24. Taking a long view of the housing and town-planning problem, Govern- ment appointed a Town Planning Board in June, 1939, with powers to advise on such matters as zoning, town-planning and housing. It is feared that the inter- vention of the war in Europe and the doubt regarding the financial situation are likely to affect the activities of the Board somewhat adversely for the time being.
(d) Epidemic diseases.
25. (i) Smallpox. (The arrival in Hong Kong of large numbers of under- nourished refugees from war areas where a complete disruption of health services had occurred and epidemic disease was rife had obvious repercussions locally, although all possible measures were taken to prevent the spread of infection so introduced. The vaccination campaign which had been placed on a compulsory footing during the grave epidemic of 1938 was pressed vigorously during 1939. Only 198 cases and 153 deaths from smallpox were recorded (a case mortality of 77%) as compared with 2,327 cases and 1,833 deaths in 1938. Some 1,125,871 anti-smallpox vaccinations were carried out in 1939, the services of the majority of the temporary staff recruited in 1938 being retained for the purpose?
26. (ii) Cholera. Cholera reappeared in May, 1939, and special measures were introduced to ensure that passengers leaving Hong Kong for certain ports were in possession of certificates of having received anti-cholera inoculation during the previous five months and not less than six days prior to embarkation.
27. (Extensive use was made of propaganda. An additional measure introduced to Hong Kong for the first time was the distribution of hundreds of coloured posters kindly drawn by a local artists' guild, depicting the disease in all its stages, and calculated to be clear to the dullest of minds. One picture was so horribly realistic that a senior Government official craved its removal from hist office doorway because, to use his own words, he "couldn't face it". In spite of all these efforts on the part of the health authorities the epidemic mounted gradually until it reached its peak in the last week of June during which 100 cases were recorded, with a second peak in the month of August. The epidemic waned towards the latter part of the year, the first "nil" return being rendered for the week ending November 25th. The total number of cases recorded was 708, and deaths 448, as compared with 547 cases and 363 deaths in 1938. The number of anti-cholera inoculations performed at Government hospitals and dispen- saries and at several special centres opened for the purpose amounted to 320,748. >
(iii) Cerebro-spinal meningitis. As might be anticipated, the increase of the normal population of a single floor of a tenement building from fifteen to twenty to as much as sixty tended to aggravate the situation in so far as concerns cerebro-spinal meningitis.
28.
100
200
Cases Deaths
7
2
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
223
167
29
20
5
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869
519
51
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409
304
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99
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12
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8
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June.
8
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3
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July.
7 7
SMALLPOX
12
12
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June.
8
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July.
Aug.
7
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Oct.
Nov.
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M 15
TUBERCULOSIS.
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M 15
shows the No. of cases, 1939.
shows the No. of deaths, 1937, 1938,
and 1939.
M 16
29. During 1939, 488 cases and 214 deaths were recorded, a case mortality of 44%. This compares with 483 cases, 223 deaths and a case mortality of 46% in 1938. A certain amount of success was obtained from the exhibition of drugs of the sulphanilamide group in such patients, although those receiving the drug and serum appeared to do better than those on the former alone.
30. (iv) Tuberculosis. More serious than any of the three acute infectious diseases mentioned above was the incidence of tuberculosis. This constituted a major killing disease in 1939 and was responsible for 4,443 deaths or 9.2 per centum of all deaths registered. Active measures were taken to combat the disease. Compulsory notification of cases was introduced in January, 1939, and by the end of the year some 7,591 cases had been reported to the health authorities. Pasteurization of milk became compulsory in April, 1939, and bacteriological standards for pasteurized milk were introduced in December, 1939.
31. An anti-tuberculosis campaign was started in the Chinese and English press and on the radio at the end of the year to rouse public interest in the cause and prevention of the disease.
(e) Hospitals.
32. The very heavy increase in the population from the advent of refugees, many ill-nourished and diseased, from devastated areas threw a serious burden on hospital accommodation.
33. The Chinese hospitals in particular became seriously overcrowded and had to accommodate twice their official number of in-patients. In one of the three main hospitals temporary straw matsheds had to be erected to accommodate over 200 beds to deal in part with the heavy burden thrown upon this institution. Out-patient facilities also suffered from lack of space and staff and this resulted in rather long delays before patients were attended and in the staff being able to devote but little time to individual patients. Full use was, of course, made of the services of registered medical practitioners who volunteered to work in an honorary capacity.
34. The Technical Committee for the reorganization and improvement of existing official hospital and clinical facilities appointed by His Excellency Sir Geoffry Northcote on the 13th of May, 1938, under the chairmanship of the director of medical services concluded their deliberations on the 1st of May, 1939, and submitted their report. Details of the findings and recommendations of this Committee are given in Appendix II.
35. The Committee's inquiries ranged over the whole field of the public health question, hospitalization facilities and requirements, laboratory facilities, medical, education and co-operation between the Government Medical Department and private medical practitioners. The findings and recommendations contained in this report have received the careful consideration of Government and have recently formed the subject of a despatch to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
36. An important step was taken in connexion with the control of the three large Chinese hospitals in Hong Kong during the year by the appointment of a medical committee under the chairmanship of the director of medical services.
Hitherto, the hopitals had been operated by a lay body of Chinese directors-- mostly busy business men with little time to devote to such matters.
The need for very much larger financial assistance* from Government served as a means of introducing a certain measure of control by the Committee referred to above. Generally speaking, the first year of the committee's work showed satisfactory progress and solid foundations were laid which will, it is believed, have a very real ameliorative effect on the care of the sick poor.
*The Government subvention to the Tung Wah Hospital in 1939 amounted to $400,000.
M 17
(f) Special war measures.
37.
Mention should be made of the scheme for the medical defence of the Colony which was brought up to date during 1939. This involved the planning of first aid posts, casualty clearing and relief hospitals, the recruitment and training of personnel and the collecting of ambulances, stretchers, instruments, dressings, and so on. Under the Compulsory Service Ordinance, 1939, some 1,225 British subjects were medically examined for the purpose of the Ordinance. The tabulated results are as follows:-
A
Age group.
Total Fit for general
service.
Table III.
B
Fit for duties on
lines of com-
munication
including guards.
C
Fit for sedentary duty only.
D Unfit for
service.
18-41 727
527
72.49
98
13.48
83
11.42
19 2.61
42-55 498 238
47.79
84
16.87
164
32.93 12 2.41
1,225
765
62.45
182
14.86
247
20.16 31 2.53
This compares with the following figures published in relation to similar examinations for the Militia in the United Kingdom in the summer of 1939 :-
Table IV.
Total
Grade I.
Grade II.
Grade III,
Grade IV.
49,586 41,297 83.3 4,553 9.2
2,443 4.9
1,293 2.6
A voluntary blood donor system was inaugurated in readiness for eventualities and a very satisfactory response was obtained to an appeal for donors-chiefly from members of the European community.
(g) Miscellaneous items.
38. A deputy director of health services was appointed at the end of 1939. This brings a stage nearer the much needed reorganization of the Health Division. of the Medical Department, particularly vis à vis the sanitary inspectorate which has been independent of the health authorities so far.
(h) Social hygiene.
39. An important report was drawn up early in 1939 by a committee under the chairmanship of the Crown Counsel (Mr. M. J. Abbott). Inter alia, the committee recommended additional clinical facilities for the treatment of prostitutes. It is hoped to develop these in 1940 by an expansion of the staff of the Social Hygiene Sub-division of the Medical Department, by the opening of new centres and by domiciliary visits by trained health visitors.
(i) Co-operation with the Hong Kong University and private practitioners.
40. Further links were forged in the chain joining up the Medical Department and the Hong Kong University and local medical practitioners, to the mutual benefit of all concerned and of the community at large. Sir Richard Needham's report to the General Medical Council following his visit to Hong Kong speaks in favourable terms of this satisfactory relationship.
M 18
(B) Vital Statistics.
41. The report of the registrar-general of births and deaths which forms Appendix C to the main report should be consulted by those desiring detailed information on the subject.
(a) Population.
42. Briefly, the population at mid-year 1939 calculated by extrapolation methods was 1,050,256 of whom only 23,611 were non-Chinese. This figure takes no account of the refugee element and a more accurate estimate would bring the total on the 30th of June, 1939, to approximately 1,750,256.
(b) Births.
43. As might be expected, the very considerable increase in the population of the Colony was reflected in the number of births registered.
44. In 1925, birth registrations amounted to 3,654. In 1932, when the Medical Department assumed responsibility for registration, the figure rose to 13,597. In the year 1936 which preceded the outbreak of the present Sino-Japanese hostilities 27,383 births were recorded.
The figures for 1937, 1938 and 1939 are tabulated below:-
1937.
32,303
Table V.
1938.
35,893
1939.
46,625
46. The crude, uncorrected birth-rate was 44.4 per thousand of the population estimated by extrapolation and 26.7* per thousand on a basis of normal population taken together with the refugee element.
(c) Deaths.
47. In 1925 and 1932, deaths numbered 14,991 and 19,829 respectively. In 1936, 26,356 deaths were registered. In the following three years the numbers were as in the table:
1937.
34,651
Table VI.
1938.
38,847
1939.
48,317
48. The crude, uncorrected death rate was 46 or 27.6† according as to whether the refugee element in the population is excluded or included in the figure for the population as a whole.
39. The large number of burials resulted in a rapid exhaustion of cemetery space within the urban area and two avenues were investigated during 1939 in an effort to deal with the problem; firstly, sites for new burial grounds were surveyed outside the urban area near Fanling in the New Territories, and, secondly, trials were made on a small scale of the cremation of abandoned bodies of persons dying of smallpox, cholera and other dangerous infectious diseases dumped in the street. (Apart from effecting an economy in land for burial, this measure should act as a deterrent against a reprehensible local custom).
(d) Infant mortality rate.
50. The cumulative effect of malnutrition, bad housing and overcrowding, and insanitary environment was clearly seen in the heavy loss of life in infants, 345 per thousand living births dying before attaining one year of age.
* 15.1 in England and Wales for 1938. 11.6 in England and Wales for 1938. 53. in England and Wales for 1938.
بنها
·
M 19
This rate compares with one of fifty-eight per thousand live births for the non-Chinese sections of the population.
(e) Morbidity and mortality rates for European officials.
51. The following table gives some indication of the somewhat better health enjoyed by European officials in 1939 as compared with that prevailing in the preceding years.
Table VII.
1937.
1938.
1939.
Total number of officials resident
940
1,042
1,093
Average number resident
918
833
871
Total number on sick list
453
435
392
Total number of days on sick list
6,134
7,367
5,643
Average daily number on sick list
17
20
15
Percentage of sick to average number
resident
49.%
52%
45%
Average number of days on sick list
for each patient
14
17
14
Average sick time (in days) to each
resident
7
7
5
Total number invalided
12
LO
5
7
Percentage of invalidings to total
residents
1.28%
0.48%
0.64%
Total deaths
3
5
5
Percentage of deaths to total residents
0.32%
0.48%
0.46%
Percentage of deaths to total average
number resident
0.33%
0.60%
0.57%
M 20
III.-HYGIENE AND SANITATION.
(A) General review of work done and progress made.
(I) Preventive measures.
(a) Mosquito and insect-borne diseases.
52. (i) Malaria. A report on the activities of the Malaria Bureau during 1939 is given under Section IX, Scientific.
53. The influence of the large number of refugees on the incidence of malaria in the Colony can be seen in the increase in the number of deaths from malaria, 1,492 as compared to 733 in 1938. The infection rate of twenty-five per centum amongst the inhabitants of one of the refugee camps gives ample proof of the danger of refugees as a source of infection for the local anopheles.)
53. The permanent canalization of 2,160 feet of streams in the vicinity of the Queen Mary Hospital, at a cost of $17,580, is an important measure towards safeguarding that locality. It must, however, be pointed out that the Colony's comparative freedom from malaria in the urban areas is due to temporary anti- malarial measures, such as draining of streams and regular oiling, carried out by the staff of the Malaria Bureau. Owing to critical times, uncertain finances and heavy costs permanent anti-malarial drainage can only be introduced gradually over a period of years.
55. (ii) Yellow fever. No case of this disease has been recorded nor can its introduction be regarded as likely to occur while the present stringent control measures are maintained.
56.
(iii) Filariasis. As in previous years the incidence of filariasis is negligible.
(b) Epidemic disease.
57. (i) Plague. No case of plague occurred during the year: Anti-rodent measures, such as systematic trapping and house cleansing were continued.
221,200 rats were trapped, 24,447 of them alive.
Spleen smears from a certain number were examined daily but in no case was P. pestis found.
58.
maintained.
Measures to prevent the introduction of plague from shipping were
59. An investigation of the local flea population, carried out by the Malaria Bureau, shows that, of 4,496 fleas examined, eighty-nine per centum were Xenop- sylla cheopis. Details are given in the malariologist's report (Section IX, Scientific).
60. (ii) Cholera. (In addition to what has been said about cholera in an earlier part of this report, it is of interest to note that thirty-four cases were imported from various districts in China. There is little doubt that the constant stream of immigrants to the Colony and the consequent overcrowding is largely, if not solely, responsible for the disease attaining epidemic proportions.
4
M 21
61. The pipe-borne water supply is filtered and chlorinated but one exposed service reservoir, referred to in last year's report, remains uncovered. An under- taking has been obtained that a start will be made on this essential work in 1940.
62. (iii) Smallpox. The epidemic, as happened last year, attained its peak in March. Despite the fact that vaccination is compulsory, and the strenuous efforts of the department to ensure that all babies are vaccinated soon after birth, it has to be admitted that the Chinese custom of postponing vaccination until the second year of a child's life is proving difficult to overcome. The result is that, as in 1938, the majority of smallpox victims in 1939 were babies and children under five years of age.
(c) Other diseases.
63. (i) Leprosy. As mentioned in the 1938 report Government acquired the former Tung Wah Smallpox Hospital for the accommodation of lepers. The buildings, which are in a dangerous and dilapidated condition, were declared a leper settlement early in 1939 and measures for the proper control and discipline of lepers were instituted. The settlement is now surrounded by a barbed wire fence which is patrolled by police. In this manner the annoyance previously caused in the town by wandering lepers has been overcome and the risk of spreading the disease is lessened.
64. It is of interest to note that, according to the Chinese traditional conception of leprosy, it is possible for lepers to sell their unfortunate disease to others" by sexual intercourse, total and partial cure being supposed to result in the case of females and males, respectively.
65. In order to maintain discipline and cleanliness in the settlement, two male and one female heads were chosen from the lepers and paid $5 each per month. This measure of self-government has proved very satisfactory in practice.
66. There is no doubt that, despite the poor buildings, lepers now live under conditions which are a great improvement on previous years. În addition to treat- ment, they are provided with beds and a properly balanced diet and their necessarily restricted and monotonous lives are brightened by indoor games, newspapers, magazines and a wireless receiving set.
67. The following table gives the figures for the settlement during 1939-
Table VIII.
Remaining from 1938
Admitted during 1939
133
295
Transferred to Sheklung, Swatow and Pakhoi ...... 165
Escaped
Died
Discharged
Remaining at end of 1939...
68. (ii) Tuberculosis.
67
21
3
172
Climatic, social and economic conditions all tend towards fostering this disease and the combination works only too well. The task of controlling and eradicating tuberculosis in the Colony presents a most difficult problem but. nevertheless, one which can be tackled sucessfully if approached in a spirit of
.....
>
M 22
patience and hopefulness combined with energy and tenacity. The present over- crowding resulting from the influx of large numbers of refugees seriously aggravates the situation and a major and essential step in the control of tuberculosis would be effected by the restoration of peaceful conditions in the Far East and the return of refugees to their homes in China.
69. The tragic need for sanatoria for "open" cases is more than ever a necessity in view of the overcrowded conditions already referred to.
70. Towards the end of the year steps were taken to introduce legislation to make spitting in public places an offence.
(d) Helminthic diseases.
71. Inspection of meat and foodstuffs, control of night-soil and refuse and a continued war against flies constitute the main prophylactic measures against helminthic diseases.
72. The war against flies was strengthened during 1939 by a ban on the use of raw manure in the urban areas. The use of manure rendered non-attractive to flies by processing is allowed.
(e) Seasonal prevalence of diseases.
73. The seasonal incidence of certain diseases is given in the histograms which show no change from previous years.
(a) Sewage disposal.
(II) General measures of sanitation.
74. There was no change during 1939 in the very unsatisfactory method_of sewage disposal in Hong Kong, but it is hoped that a committee appointed by His Excellency the Governor to investigate the position will be able to put forward acceptable proposals and that these will be carried out. The seriousness of the situation and the urgent need for improvement cannot be over-emphasized in a port of the importance of Hong Kong where the major enteric diseases are prevalent.
75. The shortage of water makes it impossible at present to extend the water- carriage system generally throughout Victoria and Kowloon. Where such a system is employed untreated sewage is discharged direct into the harbour, a method which is open to grave objection on hygienic grounds.
76. Where the bucket system is used, and a survey reveals that there are 65,000 bucket latrines, the onus for delivering night-soil to the removal contractor rests on the house-holder who has to employ a sweeper privately for the purpose. The danger to the public health from a system so vulnerable to carelessness and abuse is obvious and a conservancy organization under the direct control of the Urban Council, or perhaps delegated to a contractor of repute, is an urgent necessity.
(b) Refuse disposal.
77. An average of 552 tons of refuse is collected daily on twenty-four lorries, each lorry averaging ten trips and twenty-three tons of load daily. The fleet of lorries requires to be increased by fifty per centum in order to deal with the work expeditiously and to prevent the accumulation of garbage in open baskets and in the streets which is at present inevitable. The addition of 200 coolies to the cleansing staff during 1939 was a welcome step which is reflected in the increased cleanliness of the town.
78. Refuse is at present used for reclamation purposes but the question of adopting the Indore process of treatment, at least for part of it, is being investigated. Although the refuse has but little value for reclamation, it may well prove entirely useful as a fertilizer.
- M 23
(c) Drainage.
79. Permanent anti-malarial drainage costing $17,580 and general drainage costing $168,583 was carried out by the Public Works Department.
(d) Water supplies.
80. The enormous increase in the population severely taxed the supply during the year necessitating a reversion to the intermittent system.
The daily consumption of water per capita is surprisingly high, being approximately fifteen gallons based on an estimated population of 1,750,000.
81. Regular examination of the water supply showed that a satisfactory standard of purity was maintained.
(e) Domiciliary visiting and inspections.
82. This work was carried out by health officers and sanitary inspectors as in previous years. There was no change in the organization mentioned in last year's report whereby sanitary inspectors worked under the control of the chairman, Urban Council. But, with the arrival at the end of the year of a deputy director of health services, steps to reorganize the system were immediately taken and arrangements are now advanced for the transfer of the inspectorate to the Medical Department where, under the direct control of the health officers, they will be able more effectively to use their training and experience in the promotion of hygiene generally in the Colony.
83. In the urban areas there are 23,728 Chinese-type houses, most of them having three storeys.
229,385 floors were cleansed with kerosene oil emulsion during the year.
(f) Offensive trades.
84. During the year 187 premises were licensed for offensive trades in Kowloon and Hong Kong. The trades were as follows:-
Table IX.
1938.
1939.
Bone boiling and storing
20
20
Chromium plating
5
6
Cleaning and storing of shark's fins
27
26
Fat boiling and soap making
40
41
Feather drying, cleaning, sorting
14.
16
Hair drying, sorting
6
5
Lard boiling
2
2
Manganese crushing and battery manufacture
34
32
Packing of skins and hides
1
1
Pig roasting
23
21
Rag sorting and packing
10
.9
Resin boiling
Tanneries
2
2
6
CO
6
CO
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85. The making of lamp-black was added to the list of offensive trades but otherwise there is nothing to add to previous reports.
(III) School Hygiene.
86. The schools of the Colony are controlled by the Education Department, and may be grouped into three categories:-
Number of
Number of
schools.
pupils in
attendance.
(a) Government schools
21
4,705
(b) Schools in receipt of a grant from
Government
19
9,681
1,251
102,076
(e) Private schools subsidized and unaided
87. With few exceptions, the Government and grant schools are conducted in buildings specially planned for school purposes. Reports from health officers and from private practitioners show that these schools are generally satisfactory in matters of hygienic importance.
88. The vast majority of private schools are conducted in tenement flats or in buildings that were never intended to be used as schools, and most of them leave much to be desired from a health point of view. Children are taught at these schools from their earliest years of school life, or at a period when they are most likely to be affected by unhygienic circumstances. Plans to improve health standards will become effective in 1940 as the result of legislation enacted in 1939.
89. The school hygiene branch is advisory to the Education Department on matters relating to the health of school children. Its staff consists of one health officer, two Chinese health officers, one sanitary inspector (appointed in September) and five nurses. Two members of the medical staff and one nurse are engaged in other duties during part of each week, namely, the conduct of ophthalmic clinics at Government hospitals.
90. The main duty of the school hygiene branch is the inspection of premises proposed for school purposes: such inspections are followed by reports to the Education Department indicating whether premises are suitable or not, or stating the circumstances under which they ought to be registered as schools. During the latter part of the year, a number of visits were made to existing schools-the total number of inspections being 1,416.
Plans to include all existing schools in the system of inspection and report during 1940 are complete.
91. Legislation affecting the hygienic control of schools was revised during the year, and an improved set of health regulations became effective on the 1st of January, 1940. It will be applied by the Education Department to all new schools, and, as time goes on, to all existing schools.
92. The school hygiene branch undertakes the examination of scholars attending Government schools, and, where necessary, their care at general and special clinics. 5,887 examinations (including re-examinations and visual tests) were made during the year.
93. Dental disease forms the largest group of defects. Plans are in readiness for the establishment of a school dental service whenever funds permit.
94. Short-sight is next in frequency. A scheme for the care of myopes has been in existence for some years. All pupils attending Government schools are examined subjectively, and selected cases are examined by refraction, and, if necessary, provided with spectacles.
*
:
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95. Attendances at the school clinics were as follows:-
Table X.
Ellis Kadoorie general clinic
Violet Peel Health Centre
Yaumati general clinic
Special refraction clinic
Ear, nose and throat clinic
1,899
404
655
464
270
96. The nurses paid 204 visits to the homes of school children to advise parents about minor ailments.
97. 7,860 anti-cholera inoculations and 527 vaccinations against smallpox were carried out during the year.
98. Physical education has been greatly extended in the Government and is spreading among the vernacular schools.
In the Government schools, all postural defects are referred to the supervisor of physical training who makes every effort to give these cases special attention. A system of recording physical measurements three times in each session has been introduced.
99. The system of the teaching of hygiene adopted by private schools has been the subject of adverse criticism, and the education authorities are co-operating in the establishment of a modern system.
(IV) Labour conditions.
100. The conditions, referred to in last year's report, governing the employ- ment of labour in the New Territories, or by Government departments, were more generally adopted during 1939 but, otherwise, no improvement can, unfortunately, be reported nor can any substantial improvement be expected until some control over immigration from China is exercised and regulations covering the employment of labour are introduced. While labour employed by Government and firms of repute is generally well cared for it must be admitted that the majority of the Colony's working class exist under deplorable conditions at rates of pay which can hardly be regarded as a "living wage". As an example of the attitude adopted by many employers towards their labour, it may be recorded that recently a contractor, employing several hundred coolies, on being asked what the sick rate was amongst them replied that there was none as all sick coolies were dismised!
101. The introduction of a code to prevent exploitation of the cheap labour market to the detriment of the health of the Colony's working classes, is a matter of great urgency and it is hoped it will not be much longer delayed.
102. While it is difficult to form an accurate estimate of average wages and hours of work, it may be confidently stated that they follow generally the figures given in last year's report.
(V) Housing and town planning.
103. The conditions described in the 1938 report regarding housing and over- crowding continue unabated and no marked progress can be expected until more normal conditions are re-established and Hong Kong's population reverts to appro- ximately pre-"Incident" figures. While tenements are literally packed with human beings, who pay dearly for sleeping space, thousands sleep on the streets and in insanitary hovels on the outskirts of the towns. Those who are found to be destitute are removed to refugee camps and those of the hovel occupants who are self-supporting are being given an opportunity to build temporary houses to a modest standard, under the control of the Medical Department, on sites set aside for that purpose. Such squatters' camps will, of course, be demolished when normal conditions are restored.
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104. A Town Planning Committee was appointed in 1939 but no marked achievement can, as yet, be placed to its credit. It is hoped that progress will be made when the Colony's town planning expert returns from home leave in 1940.
105. Building is controlled by the Public Works Department and in the past the Health Division of the Medical Department was consulted about plans purely as a matter of courtesy and had no guarantee that its recommendations were adopted.
106. It is satisfactory to record that by the instructions of His Excellency the Governor, all plans of Government buildings must now have the approval of the deputy director of health services before building commences. An extension of this system to ensure reference of plans for private buildings to the health officers concerned is desirable.
107. The appended table gives details of improvements effected in connexion with housing during the year.
Table XI.
Nature of work.
No. in 1938.
No. in 1939.
By whom supervised.
1. Obstructions removed from
open spaces
1,109
2,520
Sanitary
Department.
2. Obstructions to light and
ventilation removed
1,936
1,946
do.
Public works
3. Houses demolished (domestic)
50
45
Department.
4. Houses demolished (non-domestic)
7
12
do.
5. Houses erected (domestic)
184
345
do.
6. Houses erected (non-domestic)
37
164
do.
7. Houses reconstructed (domestic)
184
121
do.
8. Houses reconstructed (non-domestic).
13
27
do.
(VI) Food in relation to health and disease.
108. The new Central Market in Victoria was completed and must be regarded as a sanitary measure of major importance..
Unfortunately, the menace from hawkers of foodstuffs continued but it is hoped to introduce legislation to control this trade during 1940.
109. The legislation enacted during the cholera epidemic last year is still in force nor can there be any prospect of its relaxation as long as present conditions continue.
110. Under the Adulterated Food and Drugs Ordinance the following analyses were carried out during the year:-
-
Food or drug.
- M 27
Table XII.
No. of samples analysed.
No. found adulterated.
Butter
Cheese
Coffee
Fat
23
15
1
31
3
3
Milk (pasteurized)
34
Milk (condensed)
44
Milk (fresh)
154
3
Milk (unsweetened, evaporated)
35
Milk (dried)..
5
1
Peanut oil
18
1
Powder boracic acid
14
Powder quinine pills
2
2
Tea
58
8
436
19
111. The following foods were seized and destroyed:--
Fish
Fruit
Fruit juice
Tea
Vegetables
Foods.
Table XIII.
Weight.
31 lbs.
2 lbs.
201 pints
246 lbs.
312 lbs.
112.
Bread
Cereals
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The following foods were voluntarily surrendered and destroyed:—
Table XIV.
Foods.
Weight.
1
lb.
66 lbs.
Condiments
Confectionery
Cheese
Eggs
Fish
Flour
Fruit
Fruit juice
Meat
Milk (condensed, powder and evaporated)
Tea
Vegetables
95./1/8 lbs.
1,430 lbs.
240 lbs.
2 packets lbs.
1,100
670 lbs.
407 lbs.
1,637 lbs.
100 lbs.
6,527.1/16 lbs.
15,887 lbs.
1,120 lbs.
622 lbs.
113. While every endeavour has been made by the management of the large dairy farm near the Queen Mary Hospital to overcome the dangerous fly-nuisance, the situation referred to in last year's report, although improved, cannot be regarded as satisfactory. The presence of cattle, manure and feeding material almost inevitably attracts flies and leads to fly-breeding, and the removal of the dairy farm to a more suitable site appears to be the only solution of the problem. Such a site is now under consideration.
114. The amount of foodstuffs grown in the Colony is very small in comparision to requirements and, in order to explore the possibility of an increase, a special commissioner was appointed in 1939 to investigate the question of agricultural development in the New Territories. His report is now under consideration by Government.
115. There was a marked increase in the number of animals slaughtered at the abattoirs during 1939 as may be seen from the following table.
Table XV.
Cattle.
Sheep and goats.
Swine.
1938
78,277
15,657
510,297
1939
114,534
21,129
607,855
•
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116. The position in regard to food and deficiency diseases was under investigation during the year by the Nutrition Research Committee appointed in 1938. Its report for the year is given as Appendix I.
(B) Measures taken to spread the knowledge of hygiene and sanitation.
117. An improved system for the teaching of hygiene in schools was under the consideration of the Education Department and the School Hygiene Branch of the Medical Department towards the end of the year and it is hoped that modern methods of teaching this important subject will be introduced in 1940. This will apply especially to the private schools which have been open to criticism in this respect in the past.
118. Very useful work is being carried out in spreading knowledge of hygiene by the nurses from health centres who spend their afternoons visiting the homes of mothers and children and advising them on mothercraft and personal and domestic hygiene. Lectures and demonstrations are also given at the centres by medical officers and nurses. Midwives, also, in addition to their obstetric duties, are proving a valuable means of improving conditions in the homes of their patients.
119. Propaganda is carried out through broadcasting and the press and by means of pamphlets and posters.
Lectures on hygiene are given by members of the Medical Department and by the staff of the Chinese public dispensaries. A course of ten lectures on hygiene is given each year to school teachers in training at the University and this should eventually have beneficial results.
120. With the forthcoming transfer of the sanitary inspectorate to the direct control of the Health Division of the Department, it will be possible to make use of the inspectors' training and knowledge in spreading the principles of hygiene amongst the population.
(C) Training of sanitary personnel.
121. There was no change in the system of training outlined in the Report for 1938 but it is hoped that certain improvements will be effected during 1940.
122. An examination for the Sanitary Inspector's Certificate of the Royal Sanitary Institute was held in Hong Kong in 1939 and thirteen candidates were successful.
(D) Recommendations for future work.
123. In connexion with items enumerated under this heading in the Report for 1938 the following information may be of interest :-
(a) The deputy director of health services arrived in the Colony at the end of 1939 and, now that steps are advanced for the transfer of the sanitary inspectorate to the direct control of the health officers, the much-required reorganization of the health services of the Colony and improvement in the training of sanitary personnel can take place.
(b) Two Chinese health officers were appointed in 1939 and arrangements were made to appoint two European health officers early in 1940. This increase in staff will allow of the division of the island area into three health districts instead of two, thus enabling health officers to devote more personal attention to the many problems with which they are faced.
(c) There is no improvement in the main sewerage system and in the case of Kowloon progress must await the report of experts who are expected from England to advise on reclamation work at the typhoon shelter.
M: 30
(d) There is no change in the system of refuse disposal but the adoption of the Indore process for the conversion of the town's refuse into useful
fertilizer is under consideration.
(e) The housing problem appears to be no nearer a solution or even
amelioration.
(f) It is expected that the Albany Road Reservoir will be covered and arrangements made for the filtration and sterilization of water in the Pokfulam area during 1940.
(g) Arrangements have been made to bring a school dental service into operation early in 1940. To begin with, this service will be confined to Government schools.
(h) The purchase of a suitable building on a suitable site near the University for the purpose of housing a large welfare centre and a school of hygiene came under the consideration of Government towards the end of the year. Such an institute, by providing post-graduate training in public health, would be of inestimable value in providing adequately trained staff for the Colony's health services.
(i) One new health centre was opened in the western district of Victoria in
July, 1939, and is performing excellent work.
(j) The question of transferring the Chinese public dispensaries, now conducted on a semi-charitable basis, to the Medical Department with a view to their eventual development as health centres has been considered and it is expected that steps will be taken to carry out the transfer of certain of the more suitable centres in 1940.
(k) Owing to the unsatisfactory condition of the present infectious diseases hospital at Kennedy Town, the provision of a new hospital to replace it is a matter of great urgency, calling for priority in Government's building programme.
(1) A proper system of nightsoil collection and disposal is overdue and its introduction should not be allowed to await a devastating cholera epidemic.
The present system of disposing of water-borne sewage by discharging untreated into the harbour is so manifestly contrary to the principles of hygiene that Government would be justified in engaging the services of a consulting engineer to advise on a problem which is a constant danger to the health of the community.
It is, of course, appreciated that the disposal of nightsoil cannot be regarded as really satisfactory until an adequate supply of pipe-borne water is provided for flushing purposes and all bucket latrines are abolished within the urban areas.
The
(m) Health visitors in the United Kingdom are fully trained nurses and midwives who must possess in addition a health visitor's certificate. Facilities for training in health visiting are not at present available in Hong Kong, a deficiency which should be remedied if this essential part of the health services is to be developed in a satisfactory manner. appointment of a nursing sister, with a health visitor's certificate, to the post of superintendent of health visitors is recommended. She would be responsible for the training and supervision of all health visitors in the Colony.
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IV. PORT HEALTH WORK AND ADMINISTRATION.
124. In 1939, 3,664 British vessels entered and cleared the harbour as compared with 3,996 in 1938. To this number must be added 3,743 foreign vessels, which had totalled 3,132 in the previous year. The figures for river steamers, launches and foreign trade junks were 7,614, 960 and 7,900 respectively. The total tonnage fell from 29,530,384 in 1938 to 28,840,566 in 1939. 3,698 inward bound ocean-going vessels were boarded by port health officers.
125. Vessels from Canton, Macao and West River ports are visited when information is received of sickness or deaths on board. Periodic inspections of these vessels are carried out to check the vaccinal condition of incoming passengers and crews, as well as to promote higher standards of cleanliness on board and to decide on the necessity for deratization.
126. Owing to the incidence of cholera in Hong Kong and Macao, incoming and outgoing passengers from and to Macao were inspected from 16th June to 16th November. From 28th June, 1939 to 12th October, 1939, passengers proceeding to Macao were required to possess "official" cholera immunization certificates.
127. During the year seventy-six special visits were made to ships to see people suffering from infectious diseases, etc., nineteen out of thirty-eight bodies landed from vessels were examined at the public mortuary.
128. 1,988 bills of health were issued during the year.
129. Eight "infected" ships were quarantined in 1939 and ten "healthy" vessels carrying deck passengers were kept in quarantine for observation for varying periods. Excluding arrivals from Macao, 373,708 persons were medically examined on arrival, making an average of 1,024 a day.
130. 115,599 people were inoculated against cholera by port health officers, owing to the epidemic conditions prevailing in Hong Kong and neighbouring ports.
131. The Vaccination Ordinance of 1923 is rigorously enforced, and all passengers arriving in Hong Kong have to be vaccinated, unless they either show satisfactory evidence of vaccination against smallpox within the previous five years, or have suffered from smallpox. 67,360 persons were vaccinated on board ship or at the vaccination centre staffed by the vaccinators working under the port health officers.
132. The Quarantine (Measures on Departure) Regulations, 1939, and the Quarantine (Measures on Arrival) Regulations, 1939, provide for the medical inspection of outward bound passengers, when deemed advisable by His Excellency the Governor-in-Council, and for the specification of conditions concerning the validity of inoculation and vaccination certificates in the case of both incoming and outgoing passengers.
133. All emigrants from the Colony are medically examined, and vaccinated. if necessary, before leaving. 80,611 emigrants were examined in 1939, of whom 79,967 paid for their passages while 644 had their passages paid for them. 401 emigrants were rejected, 16,107 were vaccinated.
134. The following table shows the number of emigrants leaving Hong Kong and the proportion proceeding to the Straits Settlements during the past five years:-
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Table XVI.
1935
1936
1937
1938
1939
Average for
period
To Straits Sattlements 102,674 101,499 165,177 61,405
30,170
92,185
Total to all ports
158,300 164,077 245.488 124,186 80,611
154,532
135. The fumigation bureau of the port health authority is responsible for disinfecting ships and ridding them of rats. Deratization certificates and deratization exemption certificates numbered 109 and 110 in 1939, as compared with ninety-one and eighty-eight in 1938. The details of the methods employed in the disinfection and disinfestation of ships are given in the report of 1937.
136. Sanitary control of aerial traffic is enforced under the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance, No. 7 of 1936, and regulations governing air-craft which were issued in 1937.
137. Six companies make regular calls at Hong Kong. No cases of infectious disease were discovered in passengers or crews arriving by air, nor were any reports received of such illnesses occurring in persons who had left Hong Kong by air.
138. This table gives details of Hong Kong's air-traffic:-
Table XVII,
Arrivals
Nationality of aircraft
Departures
Aircraft Passengers Crew
Aircraft Passengers
Crew
American
42
420
336
42
386
336
British
145
276
290
148
315
296
Chinese
236
2,436
950
237
1.462
954
French
52
468
210
54
383
218
German
H
11
20
4
4
20
Total
479
3,611
1,806
485
2,550
1,824
V.
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE.
139. The Colony provides 390 maternity beds but the majority of cases are accommodated in private maternity homes which are periodically inspected by the supervisor of midwives who is a qualified lady medical officer. Ninety-four inspections were carried out during the year and, while many homes were found not to be entirely satisfactory, it can be recorded that much improvement has resulted from the supervisor's visits. and recommendations.
+
M 33
140. One of the difficulties encountered in dealing with maternity cases concerns the stay in hospital or nursing home after delivery as, largely owing to economic reasons, the majority leave by the third day. A recent survey of 891 cases delivered in a group of nursing homes over a certain period gave the following figures:-
20 patients left on the day of delivery.
43 patients left on the first day after delivery.
241 patients left on the second day after delivery.
323 patients left on the third day after delivery.
189 patients left on the fourth day after delivery.
25 patients left on the fifth day after delivery.
37 patients left on the sixth day after delivery.
S patients left on the seventh day after delivery.
Only five patients stayed more than seven days. Every endeavour is being made to persuade patients to stay in the nursing homes for a minimum of seven days after childbirth to enable them to regain their strength before returning to their own homes, usually in overcrowded tenements.
141. At the end of the year there were 765 names on the Midwives Register. The supervisor of midwives inspected their bags, appliances, registers and premises when visiting them. Fifty-three candidates satisfied the examiners at the examina- tions carried out under the auspices of the Midwives Board,
142. The Medical Department employs sixteen midwives who are posted to government and Chinese public dispensaries as detailed in last year's report. They continued to carry out extremely useful work not only as midwives but also as missionaries of hygiene in the homes of their patients.
143. Visits to expectant mothers numbered 2,339 and to puerperal mothers 19,731. During the year under review 19,544 mothers attended demonstrations on the feeding and general care of babies.
144. 3,666 mothers were visited during the year, an increase of 804 on the figure for 1938. The majority of the mothers visited had enjoyed normal labours, but this number comprised eighteen abortions, twenty miscarriages, forty premature births and sixty-three still-births. In ninety-six instances the mothers were taken by ambulance to hospital, usually on account of delayed labour and usually after the medical officer from the nearest dispensary had been called in. Apart from deaths amongst those complicated cases, only three mothers attended by Government midwives died.
145. A new welfare centre was opened in May at the former Government Civil Hospital, Queen's Road in the western district of Victoria and by the end of the year the centre was being attended by an average of seventy cases daily.
146. Arrangements were completed for the transfer of the Kowloon Centre early in 1940 to a more satisfactory building, which was formerly the Central British School.
147. While child welfare work is carried on at a large number of hospitals and dispensaries the following figures are confined to attendances at the welfare centres at Wanchai, Kowloon and Queen's Road.
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148. The total number of attendances at the three centres during the year was 161,157 and, for purposes of comparison, it may be stated that 153,283 attendances were received at Kowloon and Wanchai, an increase of 29,237 over the 1938 figures. The average number of attendances at the three centres was 589 for each day in which they were open.
149. The average age of the infants at their first attendance was three months as compared with eight months in 1938. This appears to indicate increased confidence by the mothers in the work of the welfare centres,
150. Synthetic milk for the children and nursing mothers continued to be given and, in conjunction with approximately 300 meals given daily at the centres' soup kitchens, provided welcome nourishment to poor and badly-nourished women. and children.
151. As recorded last year the Society for the Protection of Children provided, through the centres, free milk for the children of impoverished mothers.
152. About eighty per centum of infants required medical treatment on first attendance. The following were the most common diseases in the order given:-
Malnutrition, digestive disturbances, respiratory diseases, conjunctivitis, skin diseases, thrush.
153. During 1939, 7,723 anti-cholera inoculations were given to mothers and older children and 1,086 vaccinations were performed against smallpox at the health centres.
154.
Of 270 bloods tested, thirty-nine gave a positive Wassermann reaction. 155. 3,126 home visits were paid by nurses from the centres during the year to the homes of babies attending.
156. Special gynaecological clinics for Indian women were continued during the year. The following table gives details of numbers:-
Table XVIII.
Clinics
Cases
Average
Name
held
New
Revisits Total attendance
Stanley Jail
Indian Clinic
45
68
550
618
13.7
Kowloon Hospital
Indian Clinic
51
213
680
893
17.5
Violet Peel
Indian Clinic
50
227 1,005
1,232
24.6
157. The Eugenics League continued its activities and, as can be seen from its report-Appendix III-has made steady progress.
There are now three main clinics carried on in close association with other welfare work. The number of mothers availing themselves of the facilities provided increased from 291 in 1938 to 574 in 1939. The average age of the mothers advised was thirty-one and pregnancies amongst them averaged six.
Clinics have also been started at three refugee camps.
The necessity for an extension of the work of this League amongst an impoverished population where the infantile mortality rate is approximately one in three is so obvious as to need no comment.
N. C. MACLEOD,
Deputy Director of Health Services.
.
-
M 35
VI. HOSPITALS, DISPENSARIES AND SOCIAL HYGIENE CLINICS.
158. Return B appended to this report provides details of Naval, Military, Government Civil, Chinese and private hospitals in Hong Kong. Reference has been made in an earlier section of this report to the findings and recommendations of the Technical Committee for the Reorganization and Improvement of Existing Official Hospital and Clinical Facilities of the Colony of Hong Kong and these are given as Appendix II.
159. Certain important additions to hospital accommodation effected during 1939 are worthy of record.
(a) The levelling of the site for the new infectious diseases hospital and, later, the new general hospital on the Kowloon Medical Centre made good progress and should be completed in the early autumn of 1940.
(b) A small six-bed infectious diseases block was opened early in 1939 at Kowloon Hospital to house cases most in need of isolation.
(c) Accommodation was provided for the staff and for sixty-nine female patients in the former sisters quarters at the Government Civil Hospital and effected a very great improvement in the overcrowded condition of the Mental Hospital.
(d) New quarters for the matron and midwives in training were provided on the roof of the Tsan Yuk Government Maternity Hospital. Hospital huts were built in all four of the urban camps for refugees, destitutes and internees, each capable of taking twelve children, four women and two men patients.
(e) Temporary matsheds were built with Government funds in the garden of the Kwong Wah (Chinese) Hospital to take the place of marquees borrowed from the Military Authorities to house some two hundred patients overflowing from the wards.
This
(f) Government purchased for the sum of $50,000 from the Tung Wah directorate, a dilapidated building built at the beginning of the present century as a smallpox hospital but used for some time past as a leper settlement. enabled Government to take over complete control of the settlement at the beginning of 1939 and greatly facilitated its management by the Medical Department.
(g) A start was made on the construction of decontamination centres at the Queen Mary and Kowloon Hospitals as a precautionary measure against the possibility of local hostilities and gas warfare.
(h) Mention might be made here appropriately to the medical defence scheme for the Colony designed to bring into being at the shortest possible notice arrange- ments for the collection, transport and treatment of casualties from high explosive, incendiary or gas bombs if the Colony became involved in hostilities.
To this end, plans were drawn up for the conversion of existing Grade A hospitals into casualty clearing hospitals and for utilizing the University buildings, large hostels and other places as relief hospitals, schools and similar institutions being earmarked for use as first aid posts. The recruiting and training of personnel for the various tasks and the provision of reserve stores of ambulances, stretchers, instruments, drugs, dressings, oxygen, and so on, went, of course, hand in hand with these arrangements.
(i) An agreement was reached with the Trustees of the War Memorial Nursing Home for the admission of Government officials under the "panel" system to be introduced at the beginning of January, 1940.
A
*
M 36
6) In accordance with the recommendation contained in the Interdepartmental (Athlone) Report of the Ministry of Health and Board of Education, the ninety-six hour fortnight was introduced into all Government hospitals during the year under review and encouragement was given by Medical Headquarters to both Government sisters and nurses to form a Whitley council which, it is hoped, will help to smooth over difficulties between the staff and administration to the benefit of all concerned- not excepting the hospital patients and the community.
(k) An important milestone in the development of the medical services of this Colony in relation to the general public was reached during 1939 when an Almoner's Division of the Medical Department was inaugurated in July. As yet the staff is limited to an almoner (Miss M. S. Watson, B. Sc.) trained in England and two Chinese assistant almoners trained locally by the almoner. A report on the six months' work of this division is appended and is deserving of careful study— see Appendix IV.
The almoner was appointed to carry out the following duties as far as time. and staff permitted :-
:
Duties. The main duties of the post are as follows:
(1) Administrative.
(i) Prevent attendance of cases capable of being dealt with by private
general practitioners.
(ii) Assess payments by patients.
(iii) Collect fees from in-patients in paying wards.
(iv) Ensure smooth working of any contributory scheme which may be
established.
(2) Co-operation with medical staffs of Government hospitals.
(i) Arrange facilities for convalescence in suitable cases.
(ii) Arrange for supply of surgical instruments and see that they are kept
in order by patients to whom issued.
(iii) Arrange for attendance of nurse at patients' homes if needed.
(iv) Assist patients in matter of diet.
(v) Report to medical staff home circumstances of patients and their
history.
(vi) Deal with patients' difficulties at home.
(vii) Facilitate carrying out of treatment; follow up cancer-radium cases,
etc.
(viii) Investigate malnutrition and assist in public health education.
(ix) Serve as link between patients and relatives and staff.
(3) Co-operation with outside bodies.
(i) Co-operate with Public Health Authorities in tuberculosis, leprosy,
etc.
(ii) Co-operate with School Authorities in children of school age.
(iii) Enlist help of charitable societies in necessitous cases.
X
- M 37
(1) A start was made during 1939 on a costing system for the Government hospitals in order to ascertain the approximate cost of each in-patient and to check waste.
Preliminary figures obtained to date indicate a wide variation and suggest certain channels to eliminate waste.
(A) Queen Mary Hospital.
160. Comparative tables are given to show the increase in the amount of work being carried out at the Queen Mary Hospital where Dr. D. J. Valentine, M.C., acted as medical officer in charge for most of the year.
(i) In-patients-
General
Maternity
Table XIX.
1938
1939
10,117
9.564
702
1.085
Total
10,819
10,649
Daily average
Chinese
European
362
451
7,477
7,144
1,219
1,061
Indian
1,260
1,259
Russian
44
29
Other nationalities
177
71
Treated by Government officers
8,677
8,150
(ii) Treated by University staff:
Medical
562
474
Surgical
450
509
Gynaecological
428
431
(iii) Nationality of maternity cases :-
British
75
62
Chinese
571
963
Indian
41
46
Japanese
2
4
Portuguese
8
4
Russian
2
1
Other nationalities
3
5
LO
(iv) Operations :-
By Government officers
University staff
(v) Deaths:
Total
General in-patients
Maternity cases
- M 38
1,269
1,468
1,162
1,188
2,431
2,656
686
820
3
10
Total
689
830
Still-births
30
27
(vi) Mortality rates per thousand :-
General in-patients
67.8
85.7
Maternity cases
4.0
9.2
Combined
63.7
77.9
161. In 1939, in-patients in Government hospitals on the Island numbered 16,079. This compares with 10,819 in 1938. The daily average was 253 in 1937, 362 in 1938 and 791 in 1939. A corresponding increase occurred in the number of out-patients treated in certain of the more important Government clinics during the year. In this connexion, the increase of work at the welfare centres has already been noted in a previous section.
162. The relevant figures for new cases were as follows:-
Table XX.
OUT-PATIENTS (NEW CASES) QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
Former Government
Queen
Civil Hospital
Total
Total
Mary
Queen's
in
in
Hospital C. block
Road clinic
1938
1939
General
10,506 51,642
44,575
62,148
Medical (University) Unit
1,644
2,501
1,644
Surgical (University) Unit
2,912 4,515
2,912
Gynaecological (University) Unit
1,934
2,783
1,934
Children (University) Unit
583
583
Eye clinic (Government)
1,229 3,189
3.622
4,418
Venereal diseases (Government)
1,888
1,627
1,888
:
Dental clinic
1,063*
1,063
Ear, nose and throat clinic
Ante-natal clinic
218
1,492
1,515
1,733
1,492
Total
14,508 56,719 8,588
59.623
79.815
*Including fifty-two general anaesthetics.
X.
M 39
163. Two innovations at the Queen Mary Hospital during the year under review are worthy of note. By agreement with the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (as sanctioned by the Senate), the responsibility for the instruction of pupil midwives and nurses in midwifery in the maternity department of the hospital was handed over to the Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University. The scheme involved the transferrence of the control and supervision of the twenty-bed ward for third class patients to the University Obstetrical Unit. It enables the care of ante-natal cases, and the theoretical and practical instruction in this ward to be carried out as one complete unit. Although it was arranged that this scheme should be tried for a period of a year in the first instance, the satisfactory results already obtained in securing continuity and better correlation between theoretical and practical work afford good grounds for the belief that the arrangement will be continued on a permanent basis at the end of the trial stage.
164. The second change introduced control of a children's ward of 13 cots University.
during the year was to hand over the and 8 beds to the Medical Unit of the
A Chinese medical officer who had specialized in paediatrics was appointed by the University to take charge of this ward under the supervision of the Professor of Medicine. The need for specialized instruction in paediatrics in a country with the high birth and infant mortality rates that prevail in Hong Kong hardly needs stressing. There is reason to believe that this scheme will also benefit both medical students and the children affected and that it will be possible to confirm the arrangement at the end of the period of trial.
165. The above changes may not appear to be of great importance but they are indicative of the spirit of co-operation that happily exists between the authorities of the University of Hong Kong and the Government Medical Department.
(B) Kowloon Hospital.
166. Kowloon Hospital was seriously overcrowded throughout the year, as can be seen by referring to the subjoined table.
This hospital has 135 official beds, but many more are usually required to cope with the sick and accidents applying for care. The relevant figures for 1938 and 1939 are tabulated.
Table XXI.
(i) In-patients :-
1938
1939
General
Maternity
3,524
3,924
1,905
2,131
Total
5,429
6,055
Daily average
Chinese
European
139
149
2,509
2,845
661
689
Indian
17
26
Russian
66
38
Other nationalities
271
326
Treated by Government officers
5,429
6,055
*
M 40
(ii) Nationality of maternity cases :-
1938
1939
British
109
115
Chinese
1,750
1,956
10
25
Indian
Japanese
Portuguese
17
15
Russian
Other nationalities
3
19
17
CO
(iii) Operations:-
By Government officers
1,253
1,133
(iv) Deaths:
General in-patients
Maternity cases
Total
Still-births
292
334
3
7
295
341
34
53
(vi) Mortality rates per thousand :—
General in-patients
Maternity cases
Combined
82.86
85.11
1.57
3.28
54.33
56.31
Table XXII.
OUT-PATIENTS (NEW CASES) KOWLOON HOSPITAL.
General
Ear, nose and throat clinic
Eye clinic
Gynaecological clinic
Venereal diseases
Ante-natal clinic
1938
1939
34,107
42,511
1,017
1,105
1,900
3,221
564
1,163
1,302
2,254
2,733
40,441
51,436
(a) Anaesthetics.
167. The Government medical officer acting as a specialist in anaesthetics continued to devote much of his time to this aspect of medical work during the year and to the training of medical students and a relief to take over during his absence from the Colony.
*
:
M 41
168. Owing to the outbreak of war in September, 1939, it became increasingly difficult and expensive to obtain supplies of evipan and this very useful form of anaesthesia had to be reserved for a relatively small number of specially selected
cases.
169. Comparative figures for anaesthetics administered in the two main Government hospitals are given below, the figures in brackets being those in 1938-
Table XXIII.
Queen Mary Hospital
Kowloon
Total
Hospital
Chloroform
15
(16)
5
(18)
20
(34)
Ether alone or + ethyl
chloride
922
(811)
571
(486)
1,493
(1,297)
Ether+evipan induction
90
(99)
161
(120)
251 (219)
Nitrous oxide + oxygen
97
(47)
2
(46)
99
(93)
Spinal
437
(237)
1
I
438
(237)
Evipan
310
(501)
376 (552) 686
(1,053)
Other methods
(including local)
230
(195)
17
(31)
247
(226)
Total
2,101 (1,906)
1,133 (1,253) 3,234 (3,159)
(b) Radiology, electro-therapeutics and massage.
170. The staff of this sub-department was depleted during the year owing to three members being absent on home leave. In addition, the Massage Section suffered a severe loss on the 1st of February, 1939, by the death of Miss M. H. Hughes, one of the two masseuses. Miss A. M. M. E. Halliday arrived in the Colony on the 27th September to fill the death vacancy.
Owing to shortage of staff and to the heavy demand for films for other purposes, it was decided in May, 1939, to suspend the routine radiological examination of all entrants into the Government service and, instead, to rely upon the more usual clinical examinations until the end of the probationary period of service and then only to confirm the absence of tuberculous lesions by skiagrams.
171. The dislocation of shipping and interruption in the regular shipments of films from the Crown Agents during the last four months of the year resulted in a shortage of films and many investigations had to be forgone.
172. Data for the past four years are given in Table XXIV.
Table XXIV.
1936. 1937
1938
1939
Massage and electrical treatment Radiological examinations Films exposed
10,465 11,775 19,680 16,248 5,511 6,690 9,703 10,231
9,193 12,784 15,272 18,631
M 42
The radiological examinations referred to in the above table were carried out at the request of the following:-
Government medical officers (in-patients)
Government medical officers (out-patients)
4,374
3,176
2,101
Officers of the University Units
Medical officers at Chinese hospitals and private practitioners 580
173. The radium which had been generously loaned to the Government Medical Department by the Trustees of the Granville Sharp Estate was returned to the Trustees on the 23rd of March, 1939.
Fifty-two and a half milligrammes of new radium were purchased in "cells" holding 7.5 milligrammes and were brought into use at the Queen Mary Hospital on the 28th of September, 1939. The flexibility of this method of packing which is a great improvement upon that previously held is such that, within the limits of the small amount available, any method of radium treatment can be undertaken.
174. When funds are available to effect further purchases-and it is to be noted that the price has risen very considerably since the outbreak of the European war-it should be possible to lessen the amount of "handling" of any individual
case.
175. The radium now available has been used almost entirely for cancer of the uterus and for supplementary irradiation of surface cancer. Thirty-seven treatments were given, the supply being in use for 60 per centum of the time from the 28th of September to the 31st of December.
176. The installation of the deep X-ray therapy plant was completed in January, 1939, and was put into use in the following month. Treatment was given to some 149 cases. The physical measurement of the output could not be determined very accurately; but à start was made during the year to equip a radiation physics laboratory. Little could be done in connexion with the physical side of the work until the return to the Colony of Mr. D. F. Davies, M.A., of the University of Hong Kong who had kindly_volunteered his services and who spent part of 1939 in special studies at the Royal Cancer Hospital, London.
177. Cases treated by radio-therapy included the following:-
(i) Malignant disease :-
Table XXV.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Other cancer of upper air passages
Carcinoma of breast
Ditto-sterilization only
Carcinoma of uterine cervix
Carcinoma of body of uterus
Other carcinoma of female genital organs
Skin, epithelioma
Skin, basal cell carcinoma
Sarcoma, various
Bone tumours
Epithelioma of penis
Carcinoma of stomach (malignant peritonitis) Lymphepithelioma
? Lymphosarcoma (? branchial carcinoma)
17
12
16
2
14
272 HHN NHA —
1
4
2
2
1
1
1
•
(ii) Non-malignant:
Keloids
Hæmangiomata
Boils
Carbuncles of the face
Skin lessions, various
Sepsis, various
Salivary glands
"Hong Kong foot"
"Cystic hygroma"
Papilloma of tongue Erosion of cervix
Sterilization
Pruritus ani
Spondylitis
Ethmoiditis
Myositis ossificans
Bromidrosis
N
M 43
19
7
7
8
7
3
∞o t∞ N N N
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Total .......
149
178. The majority of the cases of malignant disease were far advanced before they were sent for treatment, and only palliative results could be expected. Even in many of the cases which, from a consideration of the stage of the malignant process, could be considered hopeful, the general condition was so poor that the prognosis was very doubtful. In consequence, the recognized techniques of irradiation were modified in a large number of cases to avoid over-taxing the debilitated patient. Only one death occurred which was directly caused by the irradiation, an extremely feeble case of epithelioma of the palate.
(C) Tsan Yuk Maternity Hospital.
179. This hospital continued to maintain its record of service to the general public in 1939. The general administration is in the hands of the deputy director of medical services and the professional work is under the direct control of the professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, University of Hong Kong.
180. The activities of the hospital are indicated below, those in brackets relate to 1938 :-
(i) In-patients.
Table XXVI.
Remaining at end of 1938
36
(49)
Admissions in 1939
3,377
(2,400)
Total treated
3,413
(2,449)
:
Maternity cases
3,413
(2,096)
Deliveries
3,218
(2,272)
Maternal deaths
16
(10)
Maternal death-rate per 1,000 live births
4.7
(4.4)
Infant deaths
69
(88)
Still-births
99
(82)
(ii) Out-patients.
M 44
New
cases.
Return visits.
Total attendances.
966
Ante-natal Infant welfare
Total
(575) 1,019 (489) 1,985 (1,064) 746 (1,346) 372 (1,783) 1,118 (3,129)
1,712 (1,921) 1,391 (2,272) 3,103 (4,193)
(D) Infections Diseases Hospital.
181. Mention has already been made of the progress made in 1939 on the preparation of the site for the much-needed new infectious diseases hospital on the Kowloon Medical Centre.
182. As in 1937 the accommodation in the existing Infectious Diseases Hospital at Kennedy Town proved too small and use had to be made of the upper portion of the Lai Chi Kok Relief Hospital where, in addition to 268 sick soldiers from the Ma Tau Chung Internment Camp, 234 cases of cholera were hospitalized.
183. Some 402 cases of cerebro-spinal meningitis, 392 of cholera, eighty- one of smallpox, forty-six of chickenpox and three each of measles and mumps received treatment in the Infectious Diseases Hospital proper. Thirty-one of the cases in question were carried over from the previous year.
184. Details of actual admissions of and deaths from the three more important diseases are as follows:-
Month.
Table XXVII.
Cerebro-spinal
Cholera.
Smallpox.
meningitis.
January
30
3
14
February
71
19
March
91
April
=ཀྱ
18
62
10
May
41
48
5
June
25
150
1
July
11
2*
1
August
21
110
September
15
38
October
3
36
November
11
4
December
4
1
2
Total
Deaths
Mortality per 100 cases
385
392
70
177
264
31
44
67.3
38.2
*Upper wards of Lai Chi Kok Hospital opened and all cases admitted there instead of to the Infectious Diseases Hospital.
*
M 45
-
185. Details of the treatment of the cases of cerebro-spinal meningitis and of cholera are given in Appendix V.
(E) Social Hygiene Centres.
186. Following upon the receipt of representations from the Naval and Military Authorities with regard to the prevalence of venereal diseases in Hong Kong, His Excellency appointed a committee in 1938 to investigate and report upon the situation and to submit recommendations.
187. The report was completed early in 1939 and received very careful consideration by Government.
One of the decisions arrived at was to strengthen the medical services available to the general community and, more especially, to the prostitute class. Additional staff and accommodation will be available for this work early in 1940.
188. The activities at the existing social hygiene centres are indicated in the two succeeding tables :--
Table XXVIII.
NEW CASES TREATED IN 1939.
Chinese
European
Indian
Others
Total
M.
F.
M. F. M. F.
M. F.
M.
F.
Queen's Road (old Govern-
ment Civil Hospital)
1,325
561
1
1
1,326
562
Violet Peel Health Centre
1,377
766 163 3 126
14
1
1,680
772
Kowloon Docks
(Tsimshatsui)
1,995
579 210 1
80
35
1
2,320
581
Kowloon Hospital
537
753
10
5
1
2
544
758
Taipo Centre
9
5
10
19
5
Un Long Centre
2
1
3
5
1
Total
5,245 2,665 378 8 219
++++
4
52 2
5,894
2,679
Table XXIX.
NUMBER OF ATTENDANCES IN 1939.
Chinese
European
Indian
Others
Total
Queen's Road (old Govern-
ment Civil Hospital)
Violet Peel Health Centre
M.
7,155 2,887
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F. M.
F.
2
3
7,158 2,889
6,953 5,130 856 29 2,141
37 61 3 10,011 5,199
Kowloon Docks (Tsimshatsui)
Kowloon Hospital
Taipo Centre
Un Long Centre
2,582 4,596 34
9,721 3,112 1,398 16 1,619
24
7
91 11 12,829 3,146
SH
4
2,620
4,621
84
86
GD
3
443
530
86
26
ลง
177
203
Total
26,521 15,813 | 2,291
69 4,380
47
159 14 33,351 15,943
M 46
189. These totals compare with 5,379 male and 2,542 female (7,921 persons) treated in 1938 and 26,902 attendances of male patients and 12,349 of females (39,251 persons) in the same year.
190. The health officer, social hygiene, and his assistants took 13,887 specimens of blood for the Wassermann test and examined 5,289 smears for gonococci.
(F) Dispensaries and health activities in the New Territories.
191. In a Colony like Hong Kong which serves as a great entreport for the Far East and where more than three quarters of the population is to be found in an industrialized urban area, it is understandable that the rural areas forming the New Territories leased from China in 1898 for a period o