ADMINISTRATION REPORTS FOR THE YEAR 1938
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 the 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 Returns
A(1) Finances (Missing)
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) Sanitary
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 1938.
Chapter I.
GEOGRAPHY, CLIMATE AND HISTORY.
Geography.
The Colony has a total area of 390 square miles which consists of the following:
(1) The island of Hong Kong, on which lies the capital city of Victoria,
and Stonecutters' Island.
The Kowloon peninsula, which is almost completely urbanised. These two areas are British-owned.
(2) The New Territories. These include a portion of the mainland of China lying south of the Shum Chun River, approximately seventeen miles north of the northern boundary of the Kowloon peninsula and, secondly, certain outlying islands and the seabeds of Deep Bay and Mirs Bay. The New Territories are held from China on a ninety-nine years lease. dating from the 1st of July, 1898.
The Colony is situated off the south-eastern coast of China between latitude 22° 9′ and 22° 17′ N., and longitude 113° 52′ and 114° 30′ E. at the eastern foot of the delta of the Pearl River. Forty miles across this delta lies the Portuguese colony of Macao, and at the apex of the triangle thus formed is the Chinese city of Canton, some ninety miles north-west of Hong Kong.
The island of Hong Kong has an area of thirty-two square miles and is about eleven miles long and two to five miles in breadth. It is dominated by a group of treeless hills rising steeply on the west to a maximum height of 1,823 feet above sea-level. The more gradual slope on the cast affords some scope for cultivation. A parallel range of similar height rises on the mainland opposite about a mile from the shore. The New Territories are for the most part mountainous with considerable flat rather swampy areas to the north.
Climate.
The climate of Hong Kong is sub-tropical, and is governed to a large extent by the monsoons, the winter being normally cool and dry and the summer hot and humid. The north-east monsoon sets in during October and persists until April. The early winter is the most pleasant time of the year, the weather being generally sunny and the atmosphere often exceedingly dry. Later in the winter the sky becomes more cloudy, although rainfall remains very slight; in March and April long spells of dull overcast weather may occur. Warm southerly winds may tem- porarily displace the cool north east monsoon at this period; under these conditions fog and low cloud are prevalent.
From May until August the prevailing wind is the south-west monsoon, a warm damp wind blowing from equatorial regions. Winds are more variable, however, in summer than in winter, for the south-west monsoon is frequently interrupted. The weather is persistently hot and humid, and is often cloudy and showery with frequent thunderstorms. The summer is the rainy season, three-quarters of the annual rainfall falling between the months of May and September.
Hong Kong is liable to be affected by typhoons from June to October, although they are occasionally experienced before and after this period. A typhoon whose centre passes over or near the Colony is usually accompanied by winds of hurricane
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force, resulting in widespread damage and loss of life. Sixteen such disasters have occurred in the last fifty-five years. Spells of bad weather with copious rain and strong winds are, however, experienced several times in each summer, owing to the passage of typhoons at varying distances from the Colony.
The mean monthly temperature ranges from 59°F in February to 82°F in July, the average for the year being 72°F. The temperature very rarely rises above 95°F or falls below 40°F. In spring and summer the relative humidity of the atmosphere is persistently high, at times exceeding 95%, while in early winter it occasionally falls as low as 20%. The mean monthly duration of sunshine ranges from 94 hours in March to 217 hours in October. The mean annual rainfall is 84.26 inches.
The mean temperature for 1938 was 72.8°F, which is 0.9°F above normal. April and June were both exceptionally sunny, the total duration of sunshine being the highest recorded in each of these months. The year was the driest since 1895: the total rainfall amounting to only 55.35 inches, against a normal of 84.26 inches. No typhoon seriously affected the Colony during the year, and no gales occurred, although an unseasonably early typhoon on May 3rd-4th produced a gust of 63 m.p.h., which is the highest wind velocity ever recorded in May.
History.
Prior to 1841 the island, now known as Hong Kong, was inhabited by a few fishermen, stone-cutters and farmers, and provided a well-known hiding place for smugglers and pirates. In that year it was occupied by the British forces partly as a reprisal for the treatment of British merchants in Canton, and partly to provide a secure base from which trading might be continued with the merchants of South China.
Foreign intercourse with China dates from the sixteenth century when expeditions from the maritime states of Europe-Portugal, Spain, Holland and England- penetrated into Far Eastern waters in the hope of establishing a direct trade by sea with the Moluccas or Spice Islands. At the end of the century Queen Elizabeth herself addressed a letter to the Emperor of China. Though this letter was probably never delivered it marks the beginning of official support for a whole series of adventurous attempts to share in the trade of the Eastern countries. At the begin- ning of the next century a monopoly of the East Indian trade was created in favour of "The Governor and merchants of London trading in the East Indies."
An early trading-station at Bantam in Java soon led to the extension of the sphere of action to Japan and China, and it was off the coast of South China that the East India Company had to face a double opposition to its aims: the hostility of the Chinese authorities, and an intense rivalry with the Dutch merchants.
The Portuguese had already founded the settlement of Macao from Malacca. It was probably the existence of this European foothold that concentrated foreign attention on Canton. In 1681 the East India Company secured a house in Macão and a little later an approach was made to Canton itself. By 1715 a regalar seasonal trade had been commenced with a shore-staff residing during the season in 'factories' in Canton, and, during the summer months, in the Company's premises in Macao. The French, Dutch and Americans were not long in following the Company's lead and, by the end of the eighteenth century, Englishmen trading on their own account were beginning to share the benefits of this precarious intercourse. It was into the hands of these newly arrived adventurers that the opium trade fell when, in 1800, the Company declined to carry opium in its ships owing to an Imperial edict forbidding the importation of opium into China. For some thirty years this state of affairs continued, during which the Chinese authorities, infuriated by the persistence of the illicit trade which they were unable to check, put increasingly arbitrary and irregular restrictions on the Company's legitimate activities.
Meanwhile two abortive attempts had been made to establish official relations with China--by Lord Macartney in 1793 and by Lord Amherst in 1816. The separate trends which British intercourse with China had hitherto taken,—the activity
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of the East India Company, whose monopoly expired in 1831, and the unsuccessful official missions, were united in 1834 by the arrival of Lord Napier in Canton as His Majesty's Chief Superintendent of Trade.
Lord Napier's efforts at improving relations with the Chinese authorities for the benefit of British trade resulted in conspicuous failure and he died in Macao in October, 1834. Captain Elliot R.N. succeeded him as Chief Superintendent and for five years negotiations were intermittently continued while the position of the British merchants became more unbearable. The ultimate result of this protracted period of undeclared hostilities was the withdrawal of British merchant ships to Hong Kong Bay, a blockade of the Canton River in 1840 and the peaceful occupation of Hong Kong Island in January, 1841.
The cession of the island to Great Britain was confirmed by the Treaty of Nanking in August, 1842. The history of the Colony thereafter is one of uninter- rupted peaceful development. The Convention of Peking of 1860 added the Kowloon peninsula and Stonecutters' Island to the Colony, and under a further Convention of Peking signed in 1898, the area known as the New Territories, including Mirs Bay and Deep Bay, was leased to Great Britain for a period of ninety-nine years.
Nearly a century has passed since the bare unproductive hills were first occupied and the gangs of law-breakers evicted from their shelter. Afforestation, extensive reclamation of the foreshore, cultivation of the lower slopes, and a network of motor roads cut into the hills have combined with the steady growth of the city itself to present to the ocean-going ships which lie in Hong Kong waters to-day a very different picture from that which met the first merchantmen who watered off the south-west coast of the island. Sanitation, anti-malarial work, and public health administration have removed all evidence of the 'plague spot' which the new Colony was thought to be. The administration of the Colony usually has been serene and untroubled. One of the world's great harbours has been developed out of the enclosed waters between Lyemoon and Green Island. The freedom of the port has been maintained and no restrictions are placed on the entrance or egress of the Chinese population. This policy has preserved for the Colony the rôle which it was intended to fulfil in 1841 that of an entrepôt for the trade and labour of the southern provinces. It has had the effect too of establishing Hong Kong as an impartial refuge, both for persons and capital, during the internecine struggles which followed the inauguration of the Chinese Republic in 1911, and through the more recent misfortunes of the Chinese people. A railway which passes through the centre of China and a road from Canton debouch upon the line of wharves where the world's shipping collects. Five airlines, from China, Europe and America, terminate in the airport. Ship-building yards on the eastern side of the harbour have laid down keels for ships of 11,000 tons, and the docks can accommodate the largest of the Pacific liners. Small industries have sprung up and flourished in the east of the island and in Kowloon. Cement, rope, glass, cigarettes, cigars, matches, paper, lard, electric torches and batteries, rubber-shoes and piece-goods are now exported widely. Market-produce, cereals, poultry and live-stock are brought in daily from the New Territories, and from the surrounding waters fleets of junks net every variety of fish,—a supply which more than suffices for the Colony's needs. Mining is, as yet, in its infancy. Considerable deposits of wolframite, manganese, granite and kaolin are to be found in the hills of the New Territories, and prospecting and mining for these are encouraged.
Hong Kong has developed naturally in strategic and military importance as the Empire extended towards the East. To-day the Colony is the headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief, China Station, and of the General Officer Commanding British Troops in China. The Royal Air Force has a station at Kai Tak, sharing a land- ing ground with the civil authorities. The constantly shifting personnel of the armed forces, together with the flow of tourist traffic and the itinerant habits of the boat-people and poorer classes generally, make the permanent population of the Colony relatively few. To these few however, and to her visitors, Hong Kong now offers amenities which cannot be equalled in the tropics. The present low fixed rate of the dollar and the cheapness of labour bring living expenses to an encouragingly
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economic level. There is no income tax and no general customs tariff. For six months of the year the weather is cool and dry with long periods of sunshine daily. Every variety of sport is to be found: safe bathing in ideal conditions, two first- class golf-courses, à drag hunt, polo, shooting, tennis, football, cricket, pony racing, sailing and civilian flying. The scenery, especially along the deeply indented shores of the Colony, is superb.
Chapter II.
GOVERNMENT.
The Government of Hong Kong is administered under Letters Patent of the 14th of February, 1917, and Royal Instructions of the same and subsequent dates, by a Governor aided by an Executive Council, composed of six official and three unofficial members, and by a Legislative Council composed of nine official and eight unofficial members. Prior to 1928 the numbers of the Legislative Council members were seven and six respectively. The six official members of the Executive Council are the Senior Military Officer, the Colonial Secretary, the Attorney General, the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, the Financial Secretary, all of whom are members ex-officio, and the Director of Public Works, appointed by the Governor.. The three unofficial members, one of whom is Chinese, are appointed by the Governor. The six official members of the Executive Council are ex-officio members of the Legislative Council; the other three official members of this Council, who are appointed by the Governor, are at the present time the Commissioner of Police, the Harbour Master and the Director of Medical Services. Of the unofficial members of the Legislative Council two are appointed by the Governor on the nomination respectively of the Justices of the Peace and of the Chamber of Commerce; the Governor also appoints the remaining members three of whom are Chinese. Appointment in the case of unofficial members is for five years for the Executive and four years for the Legislative Council.
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The English Common Law forms the basis of the legal system, modified by Hong Kong Ordinances of which an edition revised to 1923 has been published. A further revised edition, of which the first volume has already been printed, was commenced during 1937. The law as to civil procedure was codified by Ordinance No. 3 of 1901. The Colonial Courts of Admiralty Act 1890 regulates the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in Admiralty cases.
The daily administration is carried out by twenty-two Government departments, all officers of which are members of the Civil Service. The central branch of the administration is the Colonial Secretariat. The Secretariat for Chinese Affairs is concerned with questions affecting the Chinese community. Matters of finance and the collection of rates and internal revenue are dealt with by the Treasury Departments. The Imports and Exports Department collects the import and excise duties and controls the opium monopoly. There are seven legal sub-departments, including the Supreme Court and the Magistracies. The Medical Department and the Sanitary Department deal with public health, and the Public Works Department is concerned with roads, buildings, waterworks, piers and analogous matters. The Education Department controls the Government's English and Vernacular Schools and supervises education in the Colony generally. Other departments are the Audit Department, the Post Office, the Harbour Department, the Police Department, the Prisons Department, and the two District Offices.
In 1936 the Sanitary Board was replaced by an Urban Council composed of five official and eight unofficial members. This council has not, however, the full municipal function which is usually understood by its title. All its officers are salaried civil servants and the council itself is subordinate in many respects to the executive
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economic level. There is no income tax and no general customs tariff. For six months of the year the weather is cool and dry with long periods of sunshine daily. Every variety of sport is to be found: safe bathing in ideal conditions, two first- class golf-courses, à drag hunt, polo, shooting, tennis, football, cricket, pony racing, sailing and civilian flying. The scenery, especially along the deeply indented shores of the Colony, is superb.
Chapter II.
GOVERNMENT.
The Government of Hong Kong is administered under Letters Patent of the 14th of February, 1917, and Royal Instructions of the same and subsequent dates, by a Governor aided by an Executive Council, composed of six official and three unofficial members, and by a Legislative Council composed of nine official and eight unofficial members. Prior to 1928 the numbers of the Legislative Council members were seven and six respectively. The six official members of the Executive Council are the Senior Military Officer, the Colonial Secretary, the Attorney General, the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, the Financial Secretary, all of whom are members ex-officio, and the Director of Public Works, appointed by the Governor.. The three unofficial members, one of whom is Chinese, are appointed by the Governor. The six official members of the Executive Council are ex-officio members of the Legislative Council; the other three official members of this Council, who are appointed by the Governor, are at the present time the Commissioner of Police, the Harbour Master and the Director of Medical Services. Of the unofficial members of the Legislative Council two are appointed by the Governor on the nomination respectively of the Justices of the Peace and of the Chamber of Commerce; the Governor also appoints the remaining members three of whom are Chinese. Appointment in the case of unofficial members is for five years for the Executive and four years for the Legislative Council.
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The English Common Law forms the basis of the legal system, modified by Hong Kong Ordinances of which an edition revised to 1923 has been published. A further revised edition, of which the first volume has already been printed, was commenced during 1937. The law as to civil procedure was codified by Ordinance No. 3 of 1901. The Colonial Courts of Admiralty Act 1890 regulates the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in Admiralty cases.
The daily administration is carried out by twenty-two Government departments, all officers of which are members of the Civil Service. The central branch of the administration is the Colonial Secretariat. The Secretariat for Chinese Affairs is concerned with questions affecting the Chinese community. Matters of finance and the collection of rates and internal revenue are dealt with by the Treasury Departments. The Imports and Exports Department collects the import and excise duties and controls the opium monopoly. There are seven legal sub-departments, including the Supreme Court and the Magistracies. The Medical Department and the Sanitary Department deal with public health, and the Public Works Department is concerned with roads, buildings, waterworks, piers and analogous matters. The Education Department controls the Government's English and Vernacular Schools and supervises education in the Colony generally. Other departments are the Audit Department, the Post Office, the Harbour Department, the Police Department, the Prisons Department, and the two District Offices.
In 1936 the Sanitary Board was replaced by an Urban Council composed of five official and eight unofficial members. This council has not, however, the full municipal function which is usually understood by its title. All its officers are salaried civil servants and the council itself is subordinate in many respects to the executive
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authority of the Government. The council has power to make by-laws, which are submitted to the Governor and subject to the approval of the Legislative Council, under the Public Health (Food) Ordinance, the Public Health (Sanitation) Ordinance, the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Ordinance, in matters appertaining to public health, subject always to an over-riding power in the Legislative Council. The Urban District over which the Council presides consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Kowloon.
Local administration in the New Territories and in the several small islands within the territorial waters is in the hands of two District Officers. In addition to their administrative work these officers are the Magistrates and Land Officers for their districts, and are empowered to hear small debts cases and to decide summarily certain cases relating to land. The District Officers are also Coroners for their districts and are assisted in many of their duties by the advice of Councils of Elders.
There are a number of advisory boards and standing committees such as the Board of Education, Harbour Advisory Committee, Labour Advisory Board, etc., composed of both official and unofficial members. They are frequently consulted and are of much assistance to the Government.
The reorganization of the financial administration was carried a stage further in 1938 by the Financial Secretary's assumption of a purely administrative function in the Secretariat. The Treasury remained under his control but was divided into three sub-departments: the Accountant-General's Office to deal with the Colony's finance generally, the Assessor's Office for the assessment and collection of rates, and the office of the Superintendent of Inland Revenue for the administration of the Estate Duty Ordinance, the Stamp Ordinance, and the Entertainment and Betting Tax Ordinances.
Later in the year the Accounts and Stores Office of the Public Works Department was made into a separate department supervised by the Financial Secretary and under the direct charge of a Controller of Stores.
An Air-Raid Precautions Officer was sent out from England early in 1938 to organize general precautionary measures on behalf of the Government. He is now in charge of a small department housed in the Colonial Secretariat.
The new post of Labour Officer was created on the 14th of November, 1938. During the remainder of the year the new Labour Officer was engaged in investigating general conditions in factories and the position regarding Trades Unions, on which subjects a report will be prepared in due course. Wages and cost of living, arbitration in trade disputes and the application of the Workman's Compensation Ordinance are other matters with which this officer will deal.
Chapter III.
POPULATION AND BIRTHS AND DEATHS.
Hong Kong is a free port and this fact coupled with its geographical proximity to the mainland of South China makes effective control of emigration and immigration impossible. It is, therefore, very difficult to give accurate estimates of the popula tion of the Colony. The 1938 mid-year population obtained by extrapolation from the last two census results is 1,028,619.The excess of immigrants arriving by railway and sea over emigrants during 1938 was more than 300,000, and when it is remembered that this figure takes no account of those entering the Colony by sampan, junk or across the land frontier, it is easy to realise that the normal population of "Hong Kong has been increased by at least 500,000* during 1938.
* To this figure must be added the increase due to refugees in 1937 which is estimated to
be in the neighbourhood of 100,000.
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Most of these people have been accommodated in the urban districts of the Colony, but, for the space of two months subsequent to the Japanese invasion of South China, many thousands of refugees were crowded into the towns and villages of the New Territories. Though the influx of réfugees has been continuous throughout the year there were three peak periods, the first occurring after the systematic air raids on Canton began in May, the second after the Japanese landed at Bias Bay in October and the third and greatest after the Japanese "mopping up' operations along the Hong Kong frontier at the end of November. The fall of Canton, while checking the stream of immigrants did not entirely stop it, for refugees were still able to reach Hong Kong by Shekki and Macao, and regulations formulated on á property basis proved ineffective in reducing the influx..
The figures given in the following tables do not include refugees now living in Hong Kong and the New Territories. The distribution of the population in various parts of the Colony is estimated as followsy
Hong Kong Kowloon whe
New Territories
Maritime
Totals
Non-Chinese ..
9,871
11,361
7492
1,372
23,096
Chinese
444,138
352,849
108,536:
100,000
1,005,523
Totals...... 454,009
364,210
109,028
101,372. 1,028,619
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Registration of births and deaths is compulsory and the necessary data are obtained through twenty-nine registration offices. Unfortunately, registration of births is still imperfect owing to the Chinese custom of not registering children until they are in the second year of life. In 1938 registered births showed an increase from 32,303 (692 non-Chinese) in 1937 to 35,893. The crude uncorrected birth rate for 1938 was 34.9 per thousand of the mid-year population as compared with a crude rate of 32.1 for 1937. Chinese births registered during the year showed an increase from 31,611 in 1937 to 35,335. The crude uncorrected birth rates for this class being 35.1 (1938) and 32.1 (1937). Among the civilian population 38,818 deaths were registerd in 1938, an increase of 4,183 over the 1937 figure. In addition to this, twenty-nine deaths were recorded in the Forces of the Crown during the year, an increase of eighteen over the 1937 figure. The crude uncorrected death rate for the civilian population is estimated at 37.7 per 1,000 living, the figure for 1937 being 34.4. These increases in the actual number of deaths and the rates reflect the general deterioration in the health of the community, a deterioration which has been largely brought about by overcrowding, lack of accommodation and insufficient food. Still-births numbered 1,075 in 1938 and 913 in 1937. Chinese deaths numbered 38,621 in 1938 giving a crude uncorrected death rate of 38.4. The corresponding figures for 1937 were 34,391 and 34.9.
11,620 Chinese infants under one year of age died in 1937, 12,001 in 1938; the infant mortality rates for the two years being respectively 376 and 343.
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In 1938, 558 non-Chinese births were registered (270 male and 288 female). This represents a decrease of 134 on the 1937 figure. The crude birth rate is estimated at 24.2 per 1,000 living in 1938 as compared with 30.6 in 1937. There were 244 non-Chinese deaths (excluding 11 deaths in the Forces of the Crown) in 1937, giving a death rate of 11 per 1,000 living, whereas in 1938 the corresponding figures were 197 (excluding 29 deaths in the Crown Forces), giving a death rate of 8.5. The deterioration in the general health of the community, which is clearly demonstrated by these figures, has not been accompanied by a corresponding deterioration among the non-Chinese population in Hong Kong.
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Twenty-three non-Chinese infants under one year of age died in 1938, as compared with thirty in 1937. This gives an infant mortality rate of forty-two for non-Chinese infants, as compared with a rate of forty-six for the year 1937 Comment on the respective infant mortality rates of the Chinese and non-Chinese communities is superfluous.
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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 influx of population, but also 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 1938 with those in 1937-
1937
1938
Chinese
Others
Chinese Others
By Special Licence in Church
2
1
4
By Special Licence at Registry.
6.
5..
10.
9
By Registrar's Certificate in Church...
93.
128
116
115
By Registrar's Certificate at Registry...
In Articulo Mortis
134
50.
209
79
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1
236
185
336
208
Chapter IV.
PUBLIC HEALTH.
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The extension of the Sino-Japanese hostilities to South China during 1938 resulted in a still greater influx of refugees into Hong Kong than had taken place in the previous year, and in an aggravation of the various public health problems such as overcrowding, malnutrition and epidemic disease.>
The population for mid-year 1938 based upon the arithmetical increase between the census of 1921 and that of 1931 is calculated as 1,028,619.
The Community was faced with having to provide shelter for nearly half a million refugees.
The actual surplus of immigrants over emigrants by sea and rail in 1938 amounted to over 300,000 persons; this figure does not. take cognisance of the surplus of the previous year, nor does it include the large numbers of refugees who entered the Colony across the land frontiers and by sampan, junk, ferry and launch.
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Many checks have been made of the numbers of residents per floor in the usual type of three story Chinese tenement. The normal figure before the com- mencement of the Sino-Japanese hostilities was fifteen to twenty. It is now sixty.) This fact goes to support the apparently high estimate of increase in the population given above..
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Most of the burden has, of course, been borne by the urban area but many thousands have also crowded into the towns and villages in the rural areas comprising the New Territories:
(The actual refugee invasion was fairly continuous throughout the year. It received an impetus in the summer coincident with the bombing of Canton, parti- cularly in June. A second wave followed the Japanese landing at Bias Bay and the invasion of Kwangtung on the 12th of October ending with the capture of Canton by the Japanese troops. Yet a third wave resulted from the "mopping up" operations by the Japanese along the Hong Kong-Kwangtung border on the 25th of November.)
The taking of Canton and closing of the Pearl River which preceded it cut off that avenue of escape, but this did not deter refugees from making their way to Hong Kong via Shekki and Macao. On one day the surplus immigrants over emigrants through this channel amounted to over 3,600.
A slight check was placed on entry into the Colony by a regulation requiring immigrants to possess at least twenty dollars per head, but this system is obviously open to fraud
As might be expected local charitable organizations could not hope to cope with the destitution and distress associated with the refugee problem and Government had to assume control and to erect camps in both the urban and rural areas. details of these relief schemes are given in Appendix II of this Report.
Further
That the general health of the community deteriorated as a result of these abnormal conditions goes without saying. Many cases of dangerous infectious disease actually found their way into the Colony in spite of the increased vigilance of the Port Health Authorities and their colleagues in the New Territories and urban areas. Thousands of ill-fed, aged and sick persons also sought safety from the invaded regions and added to the already heavy task of the hospital authorities in the Government and Chinese hospitals. That this alarming situation did not become far more grave was due in no small part to the work of the Medical and Health Staff. A local appeal for funds for the relief of distress in South China raised $389,824.16. \
Epidemics.
SMALLPOX.
The outbreak of smallpox started in the early winter of 1937. It reached a peak in March, 1938, when 236 cases and 192 deaths were recorded in one week (ending the 19th of March). Particularly vigorous measures were instituted about that time including the introduction of compulsory vaccination for all immigrants and the placing of Canton in quarantine for the first time in history, thus enabling the Health Authorities to examine and vaccinate the many thousands arriving daily from that port and its smallpox-infected hinterland.)
An anti-smallpox and vaccination campaign was carried out in both the English and Chinese Press and through posters all over the territory. Free vaccination centres were opened up in hospitals, dispensaries and at convenient points. The quota of twelve vaccinators was augmented by twenty-four temporary officers. As a result of intensive propaganda some *1,027,591 vaccinations were carried out during the year.
Most of the vaccine lymph used was prepared locally in the Government Bacteriological Institute and gave uniformly satisfactory results. A certain quantity was imported as a reserve to meet any unusual demands.
Three additional wards providing accommodation for from 45 to 60 patients were built in the space of nine days at the Infectious Diseases Hospital.
* This figure does not include the St. John Ambulance Brigade figure for December.
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The outbreak virtually ended in June and only five cases were reported in July and thirty-seven between that date and the end of the year, the majority of these last cases coming over as refugees from Kwangtung during the "mopping up" operations already referred to.
The total number of cases for 1938 amounted to 2,327 of whom 1,834 or nearly 79% died.
This constitutes the worst outbreak in the history of the Colony and the heavy case mortality gives some indication of the virulence of the virus.
1,388 of the victims were babies and children of five years and under.
As many as seventy-two were imported cases from Canton, Macao, Shanghai, Swatow, and other China ports.
CHOLERA.
Superimposed on the epidemic of smallpox was a somewhat less serious outbreak of cholera.
The Colony had suffered severely from cholera in 1937 when 1,690 cases and 1,082 deaths were recorded.
Apart from a sporadic case in January, 1938, the Colony was free from the disease until the 25th of May.
The outbreak spread with great rapidity, being aggravated by the thousands of refugees entering the Colony from Canton and other parts of Kwangtung which were infected with the disease and which were being subjected to systematic bombing by Japanese aeroplanes at that time)
The peak was reached by the week ending the 16th of July when sixty-three cases and fifty-three deaths were recorded. Thereafter the numbers affected declined rapidly and less than ten cases were recorded weekly from the end of the second week in November.
In all 547 cases with 364 deaths were recorded giving a case mortality of nearly 67%.
Males were the chief victims and whereas in smallpox the majority of the cases occurred in babies and young children, the age incidence here showed a considerable preponderance in persons of twelve years and over, mainly in adults, only fifty cases being recognized in children of twelve years or less.
(Twenty-one cases were imported from various parts of China.
Advantage was taken of the lesson taught in 1937 when the Colony found itself quite unprepared for what proved to be the worse outbreak of cholera it had ever suffered.
Before cases commenced to appear, the general public received detailed warnings through the medium of the Press and through posters and wireless broadcasts as to how to avoid infection, where to obtain free cholera inoculation, and what steps to take on the occurrence of suspected cases of the disease.
The upper blocks of the former prison at Lai Chi Kok were converted into a cholera hospital capable of holding two hundred beds.
Legislation was introduced prohibiting the sale of various foodstuffs and drinks likely to carry infection, and suitable action was taken to limit as far as possible. the importation of cases of cholera by sea.
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A campaign aiming at inoculating as many of the general public as were willing was instituted, and, in addition to the hospitals and dispensaries, special posts were opened for the convenience of the public. Nearly a million inoculations were carried The St. John Ambulance Association and Brigade gave valuable assistance as it had done in the vaccination campaign and useful help was also rendered by the Medical Faculty of the University of Hong Kong during the height of the epidemic.
out.
Steps were taken to arrange for the Chlorination of all pipe-borne water in the Colony and to cover an unprotected service reservoir.
Legislation was introduced which aimed at securing compulsory pasteurisation of all fresh milk as from the beginning of 1939-a period of grace being necessary to allow the operating dairies to purchase and instal their plants. Supplementary legisla- tion was also introduced governing the cleansing of bottles, storage of milk, etc.
There is some reason to believe that the measures enumerated above had the effect of keeping the epidemic within more or less reasonable bounds, more especially since the refugee problem in 1938 was far more serious than it had been at the beginning of hostilities in 1937.
It may be worth while recording in this connexion that with an additional two or three hundred thousand persons at risk, the actual number of cases of cholera in 1938 was half that found in 1937.
CEREBRO-SPINAL MENINGITIS.
It is interesting to note that only eight deaths from cerebro-spinal meningitis were reported between 1897 and 1918. In that year a severe outbreak occurred accounting for 923 deaths.
From 1919 to 1937 inclusive, a hundred or more deaths were recorded only in 1919, 1932 and 1934.
In 1938 exactly twenty years after the previous serious outbreak, some 483 cases were registered of whom 223 or 46 per centum died.
As in the case of cholera, in cerebro-spinal meningitis males were more commonly affected than females, although the ratio was only 111 to 100. On the other hand, whereas cholera picked out adults, the large proportion of those affected with cerebro-spinal meningitis were children and young persons under fifteen years of age.
Only 109 out of the 483 cases were over fifteen years old.
Little could be done to combat the outbreak other than to encourage early notification and to secure suitable isolation, usually in the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Kennedy Town.
Stocks of anti-meningococcal serum were prepared by the Government Bac- teriologist and their use was reported upon very favourably.
Supplies of sulphanilanide were also made available for the treatment of cases and appeared to give satisfactory results.
Efforts to combat overcrowding were doomed to failure from the start owing to the exceptional conditions arising out of the refugee influx, to the conversion of the all too few tenements into factories and schools and to the existence of many thousands of street sleepers who could not find even a bed space under the stairs in the congested tenements. This matter is dealt with indirectly under a later section of this Report.
(It
OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
is of interest to record the fact that two cases of typhus were recognized during the year.
Both had been infected in Shanghai.
+
11
Numerically speaking, both dysentery (1,071 cases, 340 deaths) and typhoid (539 cases, 187 deaths) were of considerable importance from the public health standpoint and provided yet another index of the unsatisfactory health conditions prevailing in the overcrowded city.
Diphtheria (319 cases, 147 deaths) fortunately did not assume epidemic proportions at any time.
(Owing to the invasion of Kwangtung by Japanese forces it became impossible to transfer lepers to the settlement at Shek Lung and by the end of the year the number of inmates of the premises adjoining the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Kennedy Town had reached the figure of 133)
Two important decisions were made regarding the leper question during the year. Firstly, arrangements were made whereby the Catholic Mission received financial assistance to build accommodation for 200 lepers, to be increased to 400 in due course, in order to permit of the transfer of lepers from Hong Kong to Kwangtung, there to be maintained at the expense of the Hong Kong Government.
Secondly, legislation was enacted which gave the Director of Medical Services control over the inmates of the small settlement in Hong Kong, since these persons had been too little subject to discipline previously. Being able to wander at will they not infrequently committed felonies and misdemeanours both inside the settlement and in the town. A ruling was given by Government in this connexion, during the year under review, that convicted lepers should be detained in a special portion of the Prison built for the purpose. Under the former system, lepers who committed even serious felonies were duly convicted, sent to prison, but immediately released to the leper settlement.
However important the diseases already mentioned may be, and indeed are, both individually and in the aggregate, their importance is completely overshadowed by the tuberculosis problem which caused the death of 4,920 persons during 1938.
For every death it is probable that there are five or even ten sufferers from the disease, many of whom are at the moment passing on infection to their families and neighbours.
With the bulk of the population living in grossly overcrowded, ill-ventilated tenements, many of them workless or in receipt of wages which cannot possibly purchase an adequate dietary, exposed to mass infection owing to the universal habit of spitting and to the low standards of hygiene and ignorance of the mode of infection, it is not surprising that this disease claims such a heavy toll of life.
The line of attack against the disease has included the following measures:- the appointment of a Nutrition Research Committee, the appointment of a Housing Commission and the drafting of town planning and zoning legislation, the appointment of a Labour Officer to investigate conditions of work and wages, the increasing of facilities for the discovery, isolation, education and treatment of cases, the education of the general public through the Press and wireless broadcasting system, and the expansion of the Health Services to enable better control to be exercised over domestic and municipal hygiene.
Additional preventive measures are contemplated in regard to the more adequate provision of hospital accommodation for "infectious" cases and to compulsory
notification.
The question of a tuberculosis survey is under consideration and 10,000 doses for the Mantoux test together with the necessary syringes and special needles have already been obtained.
Venereal diseases are responsible for much ill-health both amongst the population and amongst the naval and military forces.
12
The Social Hygiene Centres functioned on an increased scale during 1938 and dealt with some 3,925 attendances.
A special committee was appointed during the year to consider what additional measures could be taken to combat the evil.
Hospitals.
The addition of nearly half a million refugees to a population of a little over a million, during the year under review, very naturally resulted in an almost intolerable strain being placed on hospital accommodation. This was accentuated by the fact that many of the unfortunates who sought safety in this Colony were ill on arrival, and many were homeless and destitute and many others had barely enough money for food.
Instances came to light where nineteen sick and elderly women occupied seven beds in one of the important Chinese hospitals, where there were sixty-one patients in a ward containing twelve beds and where sixty-six women in child-birth shared forty beds.
An old prison was converted into an auxiliary hospital for Chinese patients containing 500 beds, and three temporary wards were constructed at the Infectious Disease Hospital to hold from forty-five to sixty cases of smallpox or other dangerous infectious disease.
During the summer large marquees were lent by the Military Authorities to house the overflow from the wards and corridors of one of the large Chinese hospitals.
In view of the gravity of the situation, a Hospitals Committee, under the chairmanship of the Director of Medical Services, was appointed to report on existing hospital accommodation and to submit recommendations for its improvement. The Committee sat on several occasions, heard evidence from many sources, and should be in a position to report in the spring of 1939.
Welfare Activities.
The popularity of the welfare centres on the Island and in Kowloon was well maintained and the number of attendances reached a record of 124,046.
Repeated representations were received to open another welfare centre to serve the populous area in the west central district and there is some possibility of a start being made in this regard in a portion of the former Government Civil Hospital during the first half of 1939.
These centres cater for a large number of sick children and could be classified as out-patient dispensaries were it not for the fact that they also serve as well-baby centres and as places where mothers can be taught the essentials of mother-craft.
As in previous years the centres continued to distribute hot, nourishing meals daily to over two hundred nursing mothers and distributed quantities of milk, free or at cost price, for babies and young children in need.
The valuable teaching given in the centres was carried into the homes through the medium of Health Visitors.
Registered midwives also took their share in this welfare work and their activities were subject to close supervision from a Lady Medical Officer acting as Supervisor of Midwives.
13
Nutrition.
Alth
Although notes on nutrition are relegated to the end of this chapter, it should be clearly stated that the problem is probably the most pressing one of any which has to be solved in this Colony.
Sir Gowland Hopkins wrote of England that "whatever sum can possibly be spared is almost always spent on food" and Dr. McGorrigle, an expert on such problems in their immediate relation to public health, also wrote that it was "economic factors which control the situation." Such statements are even more applicable to
Hong Kong and China as a whole.
Practically speaking, immigration is unrestricted and this, added to a very real refugee problem in which there is a ratio of a refugee to every two normal citizens, results in the labour market being overcrowded and in a tendency to depress the standard of living.
The invasion of Kwangtung by Japanese forces, aggravated the situation not only by driving tens of thousands of refugees to seek safety in these territories, which were already overcrowded, but it Tresulted in a cutting off of very considerable areas from which Hong Kong derives its vegetables, meat, fish, etc.)
✓ Evidence of a serious degree of malnutrition in the population was forthcoming as the result of observations carried out at the hospitals and dispensaries, mortuaries, and at the Government camps established for refugees and destitutes. Such conditions as skin affections, eye diseases, respiratory troubles, polyneuritis of beri beri were common. Whole wards were given up to the treatment of the last mentioned group and the recorded deaths from beri beri alone amounted to 2,673 as compared with 1,661 in 1937.
Government was fully alive to this state of affairs and it was decided to appoint an enlarged Nutrition Research Committee under the chairmanship of the Director of Medical Services.
The terms of reference of this Committee are to ascertain the nature and extent of the problem in these territories and to devise measures to deal with it. Plans for dietary surveys have been drawn up and preliminary investigations have been carried out in regard to average meals and prices of basic foodstuffs.
Actual experiments have also been undertaken in connexion with menus for refugee and destitute camps where upwards of ten thousand have been rationed at a time. The average cost for two meals a day in such camps-fuel and service included-has been twenty cents (3d.) and there seems to be some possibility of reducing this to about sixteen cents a day and still maintaining an adequate and a balanced diet. Owing to the magnitude of the refugee problem a reduction of even 25% means a considerable saving to Government, thus releasing funds for relief work of another nature.
As in the previous years over two hundred nursing mothers and children received a nourishing soup meal each day at the welfare centres. Another three thousand or more destitutes were fed daily at three food kitchens operated under the auspices of the Emergency Refugee Council in different parts of the town. During the height of the influx of refugees, many additional food kitchens and distribution centres were organized by private charity in the New Territories.
Experimental diets were recommended to Government for use in the prisons and every effort was made to encourage the cultivation of alfalfa and amaranth and the consumption of red rice and soya bean.
The use of soya bean milk prepared with dextrimaltose, common salt and calcium hydroxide as being cheaper than the lactate was also popularised at the welfare centres and in the Government camps.
14
Chapter V.
Γ
HOUSING.
In recent years some evidence has been shewn amongst the artisan classes of the Colony of a quickening social consciousness and the resultant desire to avail themselves of improved housing accommodation wherever such is made available. The unskilled labouring classes, however, are still found densely packed in tenement houses deficient in light and air. These people have to find dwelling places as close as possible to the scene of their work, with the result that the western part of the City of Victoria, which houses the native business quarter and which closely adjcins that portion of the harbour where the traffic from the West River and from the coast ports is handled, is seriously overcrowded.
These conditions, which were, in the past, slowly mitigated by the rebuilding of properties condemned for reasons of structural defects, are now being more rapidly alleviated by the operation of the Buildings Ordinance, 1935, which came into force on the 1st of January, 1936. Overcrowding amongst the labouring class is, however, still prevalent.
j
The housing of the Colony is all privately owned, and control is maintained by the operation of the Buildings Ordinance, 1935, the provisions of which also regulate the character of the housing. Generally Chinese-type tenement houses are built back-to-back in rows and are separated by a scavenging lane. These houses vary in height from two to four storeys according to the width of the street on which they front. The average height per storey is twelve feet, a minimum being controlled by the Ordinance of 1903. The Buildings Ordinance, 1935, permits a minimum of eleven feet. The houses built prior to the 1903 Ordinance covering the greater part of the native quarter are of depths varying from forty feet to eighty feet, with often less than 100 square feet of open space provided within the curtilage of the lot. With the passing of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, No. 1 of 1903, the amount of open space per house to be allowed within the boundaries of each lot was stipulated, and falls under two main heads. These are: (a) houses built on land bought prior to the passing of the Ordinance in 1903, where the open space must be not less than one-fourth of the area of the site, and (b) houses built on land bought subsequently, where the minimum is raised to one-third of the ▾ area. On plan the usual frontage of each house is fifteen feet (a dimension owing its origin more to early structural limitation than to economics), with a depth of about thirty-five feet, whilst each storey consists of one large "room" with a native type kitchen in the rear. This room it then subdivided by thin partitions seven feet high into three cubicles, each of which may accommodate a family. One latrine is built on the ground floor level of each house, irrespective of the number of occupants, and is common to all.
The bricks are
The earlier houses are constructed of blue bricks and timber. of native manufacture and have a very low structural value, and the timber is usually of China fir which is extremely susceptible to the ravages of white ants. Lately, however, reinforced concrete and better quality bricks have been used.
شد
In the City of Victoria the major defects of housing are due to lack of town planning. A large proportion of the City was erected in the early days of the Colony when town planning was little practised even in Europe, and the conditions to-day are a heritage the elimination of which would involve immense sums of money, and probably considerable opposition, if attempted on a large scale.j
Generally, many of the old houses suffer from defects which are attributable to the Buildings Ordinance in force when they were built. This Ordinance, which was passed in 1903, was framed to meet existing conditions, both structurally and hygienically, as they were then understood and practised. But, viewed in the light of modern practice and knowledge, many of its provisions are now found to be inadequate.
1
4
16
―
Occupation Permits Issued and Premises Demolished during 1938,-contd.
Chinese tenement
Occupation Permits.
1938 Kowloon
Hong Kong
type houses.
European type houses.
64 (237 Flats.)
41
39 (152 Flats.)
44
103
S5
Premises Demolished.
1936 Kowloon
41
3
Hong Kong
69
4
110
7
1937 Kowloon
18
2
Hong Kong
154
16
172
18
1938 Kowloon
14
2
Hong Kong
15
4
29
CO
6
Chapter VI.
NATURAL RESOURCES.
The natural products of the Colony of Hong Kong are few and, by comparison with those of other Colonies, unimportant in the general economy of the Empire. Agriculture and the fisheries are, however, the sole means of support of a large percentage of the poorer classes and, to this extent, are essential to the economic life of the community. The labouring classes of the urban population are employed in a variety of small industries, and in the shipyards and docks where ocean-going vessels are built and repaired. The shipyards employ almost as many male workers as all the other smaller industries put together and for this reason shipbuilding is treated of in the present chapter so as to allow comparison with the two other main forms of occupation mentioned above.
Mining is in its early stages. There is good reason to believe that workabie deposits are present in practicable quantities but the pursuit of mining is not indigenous to the native Chinese and development at the moment seems to be waiting upon the investment of capital and recognition by large-scale enterprise.
The Colony's forestry resources are not sufficient for commercial exploitation. Afforestation has been in progress for many years, directed mainly towards the conservation of rainfall and the prevention of erosion of the bare hills in which the Colony abounds.
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}
The total area of the Colony is estimated at 249,885 acres. About 20% of this area, or 50,187 acres, is at present under cultivation. There is little fertile land which has not already been taken up. Large areas, particularly on the island, are entirely unsuitable for tillage. The cultivated land generally is in the hands of peasant farmers who alternate the planting of rice with the growing of vegetables and sugar-cane, and cling to the traditional methods of agriculture practised by their remote ancestors. There are signs of the extension of European enterprise to agriculture, live-stock farming and dairy farming, but steady development on these lines is not yet under way.
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 Europe, America, and Japan, and from Annam and other East Indian countries. remainder, both fresh and salted, is the product of the local fisheries.
The
(It is estimated that, during 1938, there were 5,500 large and small Chinese fishing junks either indigenous, or regular visitors, to Hong Kong. These fishing fleets are manned by at least 75,000 able-bodied men and women, and carry with them some 40,000 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 1938 approximately 160,000 piculs of fresh sea-fish, valued at $2,500,000, and 230,000 piculs of salted sea-fish, valued at $3,600,000, were landed, This represents a total quantity of 390,000 piculs, or 23,150 tons, of a wholesale price value of $7,100,000, and a retail price value of more than $10,000,000.
It is estimated that over $22,500,000 capital is invested in junks, gear and general equipment.
Approximately 108,000 piculs of fresh freshwater fish, valued at $2,160,000, 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 1938, owing to the increased demand for food-stuff in Hong Kong, the export of fresh sea-fish was reduced to a minimum. 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. The total amount of foreign produced salted fish imported into the Colony and then re-exported into China is valued at approximately $4,000,000.
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 medieval guilds. From the 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 to the consumer. The hub of the whole system is the group of twelve big 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 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 $650,000 in a single year.
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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 life for generations, regarding them not only as their sole means of support but also as their only home. The fact that there are some 100,000 persons living in 5,500 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 overcrowding 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 1927 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. hostilities.
Trawling, seining, grill netting and lining are the principal methods of fishing in use in the Colony. Garoupers, 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.
It is estimated that 50,187 acres, or 20% of the total acreage of the Colony, are now under cultivation. The great proportion of cultivated land lies in the New Territories, north of the Kowloon hills. The land is held on permit or Crown lease by about 25,000 small farmers or family associations. There is little fertile land which is not being worked in some manner, and if the area of land under cultivation is to be increased considerable capital for fertilization and general development will be necessary. For the present the efforts of agriculturalists are concentrated on improving the quality of the yield rather than on the extension of cultivation. is probable that the New Territories could never produce sufficient rice for the Colony's requirements, but it is felt that, with the use of modern methods and improved stocks, self-sufficiency could be attained in respect of many other agricul- tural products such as European vegetables, dairy produce, pineapples and other fruit.
It
Of the total acreage in crop 70% is planted with rice, 15% with sweet potatoes, 6% with ground-nuts, 6% with sugar-cane, 3% with orchards and 1% with pineapple. At present roughly $140 millions of food-stuffs are imported into the Colony annually. A small quantity of New Territories rice, sugar and ground-nuts is exported, but market and dairy produce, meat and fruit are all consumed locally.
In contrast to the village farmers are the various forms which modern agricultural enterprise is taking in the New Territories. There are several well-equipped poultry farms, fruit orchards and market gardens with sufficient backing of capital to put into practice the theories of tillage, fertilization and improvement of stock and seeds which have been evolved in various agricultural countries. Although many of these farms are now well past the experimental stage they are to a great extent isolated enterprises lacking the effective coöperation necessary for the improvement of agriculture generally. Attempts are, however, being made, notably by the New Territories Agricultural Association and by the Kernel Seed Company of America not
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A
19
only to provide a basis for that coöperation between the few modern farms but to instill into the minds of the village agriculturalists themselves the advantages to be gained from modern methods.
The New Territories Agricultural Association was founded in 1927 and has held an agricultural show each year including the year under review. At these shows such of the village farmers as have cared to avail themselves of the privilege have been able to see a demonstration of the possibilities latent in the soil they till. The Association now has permanent accommodation in the New Territories and has opened an Institute for the training of Chinese youths. Land leased from the Government is being worked on behalf of the Association by the Kernel Seed Co. of America. This company has carried out exhaustive experiments with different kinds of seed in order to find brands most suited to the soil and climate. These experiments have been eminently successful with rice-seed, and a demand is growing among the farmers for a new seed, called No. 716, which was evolved by this Company.
[
The Association, which is supported by voluntary contributions and by an annual grant of $2,000 from the Government, has still a heavy task before it. The few modern farms are mostly connected with its organization and avail themselves of its assistance as and when they require. The peasant agriculturalist is not, how- ever, so easily reached. The influence of the association is strong only around Fan Ling and Ping Shan, and it is probable that the annual show is hardly heard of in many other districts such as Sai Kung and Lan T'au. The general system, too, of individual and village agriculturalists, does not lend itself readily to change of any sort. Families and clans still hold land which they held when the New Ter- ritories were under Chinese rule, and their primitive methods and implements are clung to with the traditional conservatism of the farmer and the obstinacy of a simple people.
The association has, however, many practical achievements to its credit. Besides. the increasing facilities, instruction and advice placed at the disposal of the farmer, it has done much to stimulate the growth, and improve the quality of vegetables in winter. The improved quality of this form of produce during the last two years has been striking, and there is no sign that the rate of increase is slowing down.
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 together were responsible for a total tonnage of 12,426 completed during 1938 and for 26,013 gross tons under construction at the end of the year, as compared with a tonnage of 14,073 completed during 1937. Ships built included some special type vessels of considerable diversity of design, and the success of these local products shews that the industry is well served technically. Several large salvage and repair enterprises were undertaken. during the year, including heavy repairs necessitated by the typhoon of September, 1937, and marine casualties which involved long tows to Hong Kong by local salvage tugs. Considerable progress was made in the building of diesel engines under licence at the Taikoo Dockyard and at the Hong Kong & Whampoa Docks. Further development in this branch of the industry is anticipated. The two largest ships ever to be built in the Colony, M. V. Breconshire and M. V. Glenorchy, each of 10,000 gross tons, are at present under construction at the Taikoo Dockyard.
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
20
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.
The following are notes on the equipment and general facilities of the three main yards :-
TAIKOO DOCKYARD & ENGINEERING Co., LTD.
A Graving Dock 787 feet long with a breadth at entrance of 95 feet and a depth of water at ordinary spring tides of 34 feet 10 inches.
Three patent slipways capable of taking vessels up to 4,000 tons displacement.
Five building berths for ships up to 500 feet in length.
Deep water quayage 3,200 feet long, with one 100-ton crane, and 25-ton and 10-ton electric travelling cranes.
836 gross tons of shipping were completed during 1938, and 22,320 gross tons were under construction at the end of the year.
HONG KONG & WHAMPOA Dock Co., LTD.
Largest Graving Dock 700 feet long, with a breadth of 88 feet to 94 feet and a depth of water at ordinary spring tides of 29 feet 6 inches. Five other graving docks.
Two slipways capable of taking vessels up to 2,000 tons displacement.
Building berths for ships up to 700-800 feet.
Two wharves of 430 feet and 600 feet respectively.
6,000 tons of steel were used on structural repairs to ships during 1938. 11,069 gross tons of shipping were completed during 1938, and 3,193 gross tons were under construction at the end of the year.
W. S. BAILEY & Co., LTD.
"Sea frontage for shipbuilding berths of 550 feet on which twenty-one vessels can be laid down.
Facilities for the construction of hull and machinery for vessels up to 200 feet in length.
Repair work is carried out on three electrically operated slipways, the largest accommodating vessels of 300 feet in length and of 3,000 tons displacement. The total repair work undertaken during 1938 was carried out on vessels totalling 22,000
tons.
Ships were constructed to a total of 521 gross tons during the year and ships totalling 500 gross tons were under construction at the end of the year.
Mining.
Owing to the absence of a detailed geological report, the mining potentialities of the Colony are to a large extent unknown. Small scale prospecting and mining operations in the past would appear to indicate that there are no minerals of economic value on the island of Hong Kong but that in the New Territories and neighbouring islands there are deposits of the following minerals which may prove of economic value if prospected and mined by up to date methods backed with adequate capital: Argentiferous galena, Wolframate, Molybdenite, Magnetite,
23
Chapter VII.
COMMERCE.
The trade of Hong Kong is that of an entrepôt,-a place where goods are imported primarily for exportation. As a business centre the Colony handles the trade between South China and the rest of the world, and consequently the mer- cantile community is much larger than is necessary for handling focal needs. (At present, when the South China market is to a large extent cut off by military opera- tions, many firms have been compelled to reduce their overhead expenses and to draw upon reserves.)
From its position as the centre of an entrepôt trade Hong Kong has grown to be a very important banking centre. Trade conditions demand a highly organized system of exchange banking. The banks established are, therefore, pre-eminently Exchange Banks which also perform the ordinary functions of domestic banking. There are about thirty-four banks in the Colony. Marine insurance companies are also numerous.
Hong Kong is one of the world's large ports, possessing a fine natural harbour seventeen square miles in extent. Cargo is handled both in mid-stream and at wharves which give access to modern warehouses.
Shipbuilding, which is dealt with more fully in Chapter VI, is one of the Colony's most important trades, employing, in commercial establishments and in the Royal Naval Dockyard, many thousands of Chinese under the supervision of European experts. Cement, sugar refining and rope-making are old established industries. Recently there has been considerable development of knitting and weaving, garment- making and rubber-shoe manufacture which has received an impetus by reason of duty-free admission to British countries under Imperial Preference.
""
For practical purposes the Colony of Hong Kong can be considered to be a "free port.
The only import duties imposed are on liquors, tobaccos, perfumed spirits, and light hydrocarbon oils. Preferential rates of duty are extended to Empire brandies and tobaccos. An ad valorem licence fee is charged on first registrations of motor vehicles which are not of British Empire origin.
The Hong Kong trade returns do not distinguish between imports for consumption and imports for re-export or between exports of Hong Kong, Chinese and non-Chinese origin, and it is not possible to differentiate the various items of trade accurately. Trading conditions have changed radically in various directions since the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese hostilities in 1937. Before that date the visible trade of the Colony fell into four broad categories
(a) Imports for consumption in Hong Kong (including raw materials for
certain industries) and exports of Hong Kong origin.
(b) Chinese external trade passing through Hong Kong, i.e., Chinese goods re-exported to non-Chinese countries and non-Chinese goods re-exported to China.
(c) Chinese coastal trade, i.e., goods imported from one part of China
and re-exported to another.
(d) Non-Chinese entrepôt trade, i.e., goods imported from a non-Chinese
country and re-exported to another non-Chinese country.)
By an examination of the individual items of trade it was possible to make an approximate estimate of the values of the respective items, and these, prior to July, 1937, were roughly as follows :-
One third of the imports into Hong Kong was of goods intended for retention in Hong Kong, coming from Chinese and non-Chinese countries in the proportion of one to three; and a tenth or less of the exports was of goods originating in Hong
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24
2403
Kong (e.g. refined sugar, rubber shoes etc.). Re-exports constituted two-thirds of the imports and nine-tenths of the exports. Of them 10 per cent, consisted of "Chinese coastal trade," 20 to 25 per cent/consisted of non-Chinese entrepôt trade and the remainder, nearly 70 per cent, was made up of goods passing between China and the rest of the world via Hong Kong.
It is common to speak of Hong Kong's trade as being almost wholly concerned with China, but the above figures make it clear that such a part of it as is concerned with China alone is less important than that which is not concerned with China at all. The latter consists of such items as the trade in rice from Siam and Indo-China to Japan and the Philippines, the trade in wheat flour from North America to Siam and the trade in Japanese manufactured articles to Indo-China, Siam, Malaya and the Netherlands East Indies.
•
(The latter half of the year 1937 shewed, in spite of the general decline in China's trade, a considerable increase in the proportion of that trade passing through Hong Kong. The proportion of China's imports credited to Kowloon increased from 3% in July, 1937, to 45% in January, 1938.) (The proportion of China's exports returned as going to Hong Kong increased from 12% in July, 1937, to 41.3% in January, 1938. At the same time the absolute amount of Hong Kong's trade with China also increased.
This state of affairs with regard to the Colony's China trade, accompanied by a steady increase in general trade, continued during the first three quarters of 1938. In October of that year an abrupt downvard movement in all trading figures was shewn as the Japanese extended their operations to South China. As a result of the military occupation of Canton and the closure of the Pearl River the normal trade routes between the Colony and the South China delta regions were almost entirely disrupted, and at the close of the
resumption of the South Chinahe year there were no signs of any early appreciable resumption of the South China trade. In the first nine months of 1938 the import and export trade with South China averaged $70.9 millions in each quarter. In the final quarter of the year the total was $32.6 millions.
In terms of the analysis of Hong Kong's trade before the Sino-Japanese hostilities, given above, the position at the end of the year was that, though categories (a) and (d) were only indirectly affected, categories (b) and (c) had, with the exception of air transport and minor attempts at avoiding the Japanese blockade of the Pearl River delta, come to a virtual standstill)
The total visible trade of the Colony during the year 1938 totalled $1,130.1 millions (£69.9 millions) as compared with $1,084.4 millions (£66.9 millions) in 1937, and $803.3 millions (£50.6 millions) in 1936. Imports of merchandise in 1938 increased by 0.2% as compared with 1937, and by 36.6% as compared with 1936. Exports increased by 49.5% as compared with 1936.
The following is a list of the appendices to this chapter with general observations on the statistics shewn therein :
A. TOTAL VALUE OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF MERCHANDISE.
Statistics of imports and exports for the years 1935-1938 reveal a progressive increase of trade in terms of local currency (imports from $364.9 millions in 1935 to $618.1 millions in 1938, and exports from $271.0 millions in 1935 to $511.9 millions in 1938). Imports and exports in 1934 were higher than in 1935 in terms of local currency-the 1934 totals being $415.9 millions (imports) and $325.6 (exports), but, owing to higher currency values in 1935, the sterling totals were greater in that year.
B. PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL IMPORTS PROVIDED BY EMPIRE AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
During the period 1934-1938, the share of Hong Kong's total import trade supplied by British Empire countries has varied between 13 per cent. and 17.2 per cent. (the latter being the 1938 figure). The United Kingdom is the largest Empire
1-
·
25
supplying country (9.1 per cent. of Hong Kong's total import trade in 1938), the share of other Empire countries in the same year being Australia 2%, India 1.9%, Malaya 1.2%, "other Empire countries" 3%.
The percentages of Hong Kong's total import trade supplied by the various non-Empire countries has varied only slightly during the period 1934-38, with the exception of Japan, the share of which country has decreased from 8.8% in 1934, and 12.8% in 1936 to 3% in 1938. The shares of other non-Empire countries in 1938 were as follows:-China 37.7%, U.S.A. 8.8%, Netherlands East Indies 6.6% Germany 6.3%, Siam 5.9%, French Indo-China 5.6%, "other foreign countries' 8.9%.
C. PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL EXPORTS SENT TO EMPIRE AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
During the period 1934-1938, the share of Hong Kong's total export trade shipped to British Empire countries has varied from 13.9 per cent. to 19.7 per cent. The total in 1938 was 16.3 per cent. British Malaya is the largest Empire pur- chasing country (7.2 per cent. of Hong Kong's total export trade in 1938), the share of other Empire countries in the same year being United Kingdom 4.1%, India 1.6%, and "other Empire countries" 3.4%.
The percentages of Hong Kong's total export trade supplied to the various non-Empire countries has varied within narrow limits during the period 1934-1938, the only country where a marked difference is apparent being Japan to which country 3.5% of Hong Kong's total exports were shipped in 1934, 5.1% in 1936 and 0.6% in 1938. The percentages taken by other non-Empire countries in 1938 were as follows:-China 45.1%, U.S.A. 10.2%, French Indo-China 4.5%, Macao 4.1%, Siam 3.1%, "other foreign countries" 16.1%.
D. QUANTITIES AND VALUES OF PRINCIPAL ARTICLES OF IMPORTS DURING THE YEARS 1937 AND 1938.
The principal commodities imported into Hong Kong (1938 values being given in brackets) are as follows:-
Food Stuffs
Piece-goods
($152,441,000)
..( 79,833,000)
Oils and Fats
( 78,223,000)
Metals
..( 48,144,000)
Chinese Medicines
Fuels
Machinery
Dyeing Materials
( 19,593,000)
(17,273,000)
..( 17,136,000)
.( 16,086,000)
Paper and Paperware ......(
Vehicles
14,743,000)
.( 14,140,000)
The above-mentioned commodities also figure as the principal exports from Hong Kong, as most imports into this Colony are destined for China and adjacent markets.
E.
QUANTITIES AND VALUES OF PRINCIPAL ARTICLES OF EXPORTS
DURING THE YEARS 1937 AND 1938.
Exports of Chinese produce from Hong Kong to Europe, the United States of America and other markets were well maintained in 1938 and in some instances there were considerable increases, notably in tea, wood oil and bristles as a result of trade being diverted to Hong Kong from Yangtse ports during the first nine and
!
26
a half months of the year as a result of Sino-Japanese hostilities. The export trade was very seriously curtailed subsequent to the closure of the Pearl River on the 13th of October. The values of principal exports of Chinese commodities from Hong Kong in 1938 were as follows:-
Wood Oil
$39,762,205
*Tin
$16,318,553
Tea
$12,080,814
Wolfram Ore
$14,252,838
*Firecrackers
$ 4,647,436
*Peanut Oil
$ 3,920,453
Hides
$ 3,672,228
$ 2,359,284
$ 2,187,651
Feathers
*Preserved Ginger
Exports of Hong Kong manufactured goods under Imperial Preference were well maintained in 1938. 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 appoximate exports of locally manufactured sugar, cement, rope and woven cotton and artificial silk cloth be ause 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 in 1938 has been assessed on this basis :-
Canvas Rubber Shoes ...
$6,675,542
Singlets
$5,019,924
Shirts
$2,168,543
Socks
$1,121,172
Other wearing apparel
$3,426,077
Electric Torches
$2,900,261
Electric Batteries
$2,189,923
Hats
$1,068,113
F. TOTAL VALUE OF IMPORTS OF TREASURE.
G. TOTAL VALUE OF EXPORTS OF TREASURE.
H.
I.
WHOLESALE PRICE INDEX.
INDEX NUMBERS OF QUANTITIES OF COMMODITIES IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG.
*NOTE. Chinese 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 Dutch East-Indies.
袋
27
Appendix A.
TOTAL VALUE OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF MERCHANDISE (IN $'S AND £'S THOUSANDS).
AVERAGE RATE OF EXCHANGE.
IMPORTS.
EXPORTS.
1938....
$618,169.
511,902
H.K.$ ls. 2.27/32d.
£ 38,233
31,661
1937.
$ 617,064
467,323
= 1s. 2.13/16d.
£ 38,084
28,843
1936......
$ 452,350
350,865
= 1s. 3.3/16d.
£ 28,625
22,203
1935....
$ 364,990
271,033
= 1s. 11.5/16d.
£ 35,453
26,327
1934...
$ 415,919
325,105
= 1s. 6.3/16d.
£ 31,519
24,637
Appendix B.
PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL IMPORTS PROVIDED BY EMPIRE AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
British Empire
Foreign
1938.
1937.
1936.
1935.
1934.
%
%
%
%
%
17.2
16.1
13.0
13.9
14.8
82.8
83.9
87.0
86.1
85.2
Australia
2.0
2.2
2.0
2.3
1.6
Belgium
1.0
1.6
1.5
1.3
1.2
British Malaya
1.2
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.3
China
37.7
34.2
33.6
33.8
35.2
French Indo-China
5.6
6.6
5.7
8.9
6.3
Germany
6.3
5.0
5.2
4.5
3.3
India
1.9
1.0
1.3
1.2
2.0
Japan
3.0
9.4
12.8
11.8
8.8
Netherlands East Indies
6.6
7.6
8.5
6.2
8.3
Siam
5.9
3.7
6.6
5.6
8.0
United Kingdom
9.1
7.6
6.4
6.5
7.8
U. S. A.
8.8
8.4
7.1
7.3
7.1
All Other Countries
10.9
11.2
7.7
8.9
9.1
COMPENSATED DEN MOORELTRO
Appendix C.
PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL EXPORTS SENT TO EMPIRE AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
1938.
1937.
1936.
1935.
1934.
%
%
%
%
%
British Empire
16.3
19.7
1.7.6
13.9
14.2
Foreign
83.7
.80.3
82.4
86.1
85.8
British Malaya
7.2
8.5
7.3
6.3
7.6
China
45.1
40.7
42.7
49.0
48.0
French Indo-China
4.5
5.1
5.0
5.3
7.4
India
1.6
1.1
1.4
1.3
1.3
Japan
0.6
4.2
5.1
4.2
3.5
Kwong Chow Wan
1.9
2.1
3.0
3.4
2.5
Macao
4.1
3.7
3.7
4.9
5.3
Netherlands East Indies
2.8
3.3
2.8
2.3
2.6
Philippine Islands
1.9
2.8
3.3
1.8
1.6
Siam
3.1
3.0
4.1
3.9
4.5
United Kingdom
4.1
4.5
3.8
2.8
2.0
U. S. A.
All Other Countries
10.2
8.8
8.1
7.8
5.7
12.9
12.2
9.7
7.0
8.0
28
Appendix D.
QUANTITIES AND VALUES OF PRINCIPAL ARTICLES OF IMPORTS DURING THE YEARS 1938 AND 1937.
Article.
1938.
1937.
Quantity Value Quantity Value
Principal Source of Supply.
Animals (for slaughter)
Head
$ 363,487 10,095,934
$
272,076
Cement
Piculs
Timber
Cu. Ft.
939,391 1,772,132 3,535,990 3,919,750
1,201,440
2,974,367
Chemicals & Drugs
Pharmaceutical Products
6,404,359
2,848,699
Chinese Medicine
19,592,511
Aniline Dyes
9,291,677
8,652,295 South China, Kwong Chow Wan, French Indo-China. 1,089,557 French Indo-China, Japan. 3,494,520 British North Borneo, U.S.A.,
Siam, South China.
7,163,632 Germany, U.K., U.S.A.
2,809.150 Germany, U.K., U.S.A.
22,117,748 South China, North China.
3,458,707 Ger...ay, U.K.
Indigo (artificial)
Piculs
Beans
33,079 763,189
2,960,658
21,285
2,243,083 Germany, U.K., U.S.A.
"
Fish & Fishery Products
Wheat Flour
Piculs
Rice (all kinds)
""
Sugar (all kinds)
Milk (canned)
Cases
Tea
Coal
Tons
Hardware
Malt Liquors
Gallons
Wines
Spirits
6,201,392 7,336,003
1,365,013 12,717,719 8,581,997 54,443,971 2,045,813 13,308,294 210,788 3,409,813 16,926,951 738,830 13,934,721 6,003,238 603,687 1,375,661 44,392 494,053 120,550 1,918,763
540,737
4,637,981 North China.
10,613,079 Japan, French Indo-China, South
China.
1,142,496 12,512,662 Australia, U.S.A., Canada. 9,197,455 58,512,212 Siam, French In:lo-China, Burma. 2,730,210 | 20,138,577 | Netherlands East Indies.
210,084 3,185,927 Holland, U.K.
3,923,626 Middle China, South China. 896,882 | 13,426,358 Japan, North China.
6,914,562 Germany, U.K.
452,745
1,038,382 U.K., Japan.
35,624
431,731 France, U.K.
92,398
Machinery & Engines
17,136,128
Sulphate of Ammonia
Piculs
Iron Bars
Tinplates
1,234,988 9,431,860 273,981 3,474,,895 218,858 4,866,254
876,230
487,536
"
Tin Slabs
113,218 | 19,450,562
"7
Wolframite
47,251 7,040,759
""
Manganese Ore
21,664
19
Nuts
967,712
56,063 10,236,951
957,003
443,583
15
Seeds
173,496
155,367
"
Lard
"
Petrol
Fuel Oil
Kerosene
Gallons
Lubricating Oil
Wood Oil
Piculs
Peanut Oil
Paints
Printing Paper
Unbleached Cottons
Bleached Cottons
Light Colton Fancies
Other Cotlons
287,464 5,913,909
143,970
3,960,741 North China, Netherlands East
17
2,328,535 4,740,273
2,297,260 |U.K., Germany, Japan.
Pieces
833,220 7,480,648 788,547 251,678 2,781,664
6,645,378 Japan, North China.
3,174,032 C.K., Japan, North China.
1,499,592 France, U.K.
8,865,764 Germany, U.K., U.S.A.
1,977,310 | 12,949,457 | Germany, U.K., Belgium, Holland.
7,561,933 Belgium, U.K.
9,891,456 U.S.A., U.K.
143,384 27,486,699 South China, Malaya.
61,721 | 10,984,339 South China, Macao, North China.
964,378 | South China.
3,585,980
1,533 37,707 60,109 Imperial 14,395,809 | 10,962,436 20,960,597
Gallons Tons
246,601 12,728,474 172,355 Imperial 15,754,497
5,494,953 22,429,157
2,997,489 2,438,909 6,559,791 711,506 32,327,155 353,410
5,479,726 North China, Netherlands East
3,880,820 South China, Malaya, Kwong Chow Wan, North China. 2,258,266 North China, Siam, South China. 14,468,969 | Netherlands East Indies, U.S.A.,
North China.
10,377,242 | Netherlands East Indies, U.S.A. 7,708,906 | Netherlands East Indies, U.S.A.
4,459,945 Netherlands East Indies, U.S.A. 19,217,853 South China, North China, French
Indo-China.
Indies, Kwong Chow Wan.
5,131,012 Germany, Canada.
Indies.
22
Yards
Prints
Cotton Thread
Cotton Yarn
Woollens
"
"
Grosses of
50 Yards
lbs. Yards
Silk (artificial)
Silk (raw)
Tobacco, Cigars & Cigarettes
lbs.
1,815,244 3,907,678 1,795,360
Motor Cars
No.
Motor Lorries
800 3,424
2,819,324
740
15
8,472,228
695
Boots & Shoes
Wearing Apparel
1,556,707 3,515,339
Gunny Bags
Pieces 5,899,587
China Ware
1,657,431 5,916,024
743,998
•
Cosmetics & Perfumery
1,108,589
Electric Lamp Bulbs
(all kinds)
Radio Apparatus
Feathers
883,879
1,246,508
2,619,634
Firecrackers
3,389,688
Hides (all kinds)
Piculs
98,447
5,482,534 173,459
Leather (all kinds)
2,747,263
Mats (all kinds)
1,906,568
Matches
1,611,180
3,183,873 1,092,808 49,174,764 11,705,564 955,971 327823 577,527 1,090,172
48,035,978 31,006,160 1,759,224 4,732,590
3,304,035 5,296,211
273,380
4,194,833
1,112,997 Japan, U.K., North China.
57,463,154 12,548,649 Japan, North China, South China.
3,264,081
328,987
619,008 Japan, U.K.
698,440 C.K., Middle China.
36,080,586 | 24,598,913 North China, Japan, U.K., India.
1,651,844 3,727,279 U.K., Japan, Italy.
8,337,042 Japan, North China.
4,708,008 South China.
2,987,825 U.K., Philippines, North China.
U.S.A., Macao.
954,901 Japan, Czechoslovakia.
3,492,787 U.K., Japan, North China, South
China.
1,945,363 India, Malaya, Macao.
795,041 North China, Japan, Middle China. 1,049,607 U.S.A., South China, U.K., France.
461,656 North China, U.K., Japan. 779,242 U.S.A., U.K.
4,295,645 South China, French Indo-China,
Middle China.
5,333,825 South China, Macao, Kwong Chow
Wan, North China.
3,137,610 | Australia, South China, Malaya. 2,652,605 South China, French Indo-China.
1,086,075 Japan, Macao, South China,
Sweden.
2,123,831 |U.K., Canada, U.S.A.
1,531,201 | U.S.A., U.K.
8,387,030 South China, Siam.
Rubber (raw)
Piculs
35,367 2,410,211
36,785
3,484,115 Malaya, Netherlands East Indies, French Indo-China.
29
Appendix E.
QUANTITIES AND VALUES OF PRINCIPAL ARTICLES OF EXPORTS DURING THE YEARS 1938 AND 1937.
1938.
1937.
Article
Quantity
Valze
$
Quantity
Value
Ce rent
Timber
Piculs Cu. Ft.
1,124,985 2,087,131
1,615,806
2,611,357
1,016,354
1,315,882
458,759
633,461
Chemicals & Drugs
4,914,923
4,239,195
Pharmaceutical Products
4,159,535
2,296,349
Chinese Medicines
15,714,561
17.045.541
Aniline Dyes
4,921,612
1.917,450
Indigo (artificial)
Piculs
21,506
2,693,847
7,102
1,050,417
Beans
458,508
3,824,779
382,541
3,561,930
Fish & Fishery Products
6,704,216
9,459,738
Wheat Flour
Piculs
1,064,107
9,974,442
804,590
9,012,606
Rice (all kinds)
5,418,281
36,429,104
6,079,649
39,395,832
Sugar (all kinds)
1,605,715
14,470,235
2,011,846
16,600,742
Ginger, Preserved
2,156,132
2,264,708
Tea
16,080,814
3,620,211
Hardware
3,013,405
5,216,889
Nalive Liquors
Gallons
202,720
689,906
258,338
898,457
Machinery & Engines
6,470,542
4,861,358
Sulphate of Ammonia
Piculs
1,439,992
12,445,490
1,566,820
11,041,647
Iron & Steel Bars
175,722
1,949,689
114,891
4.104 458
Iron & Steel Scrap
Tinplates
Tin Slabs & Ingots
Wolframite
157,696
813,943
425,711
2,149,953
223,547
4,944,384
141,809
3,029 696
""
106,345
16,362,918
120,812
22.921,351
80,817
14,252,838
78,231
15.382,666
Manganese Ore
37,146
63,652
720,073
1,089 367
21
Nuls
717,863
7,717,548
212,265
2,767,533
Seeds
130,498
2,860,771
116,024
3,025,620
Lard
35,188
884,008
94,290
4,057 026
Petrol
Imperial Gallons
10,936,933
10,267,764
13,138,66?
11,789,431
Fuel
Tons
Kerosene
Imperial
75,676 14,394,702
5,141,422
77,004
7,378,516
20,921,437
4.857.172 10,994,777
Gallons
Lubricating Oil
3,460,499
3,685,568
3,330,849
3,214 638
Peanut Oil
Piculs
167,941
3,920,453
125,810
3,717,575
Wood Oil
822,462
39,762,205
268,703
15,476,909
Paints
1,713,284
1,769,357
Printing Paper
1,283,281
1,519.888
Unbleached Cottons
Pieces
337,813
3,240,508
411,031
3,074,432
Bleached Collons
109,495
1,395,940
128,191
1,603,156
Light Cotton Fancies
Yard's
532,488
190,110
1,144,362
312,981
Other Cottons
61,289,110
14,631,675
58,826,585
13.291,204
29
Coltoas, Prints
•
Cotton Thread
Cotton Yarn
Woollens
Grosses lbs. Yards
343,288 421,162 35,394,504 193,236
90,218 792,978
1,692,073
324,191
200,475
362,362
21,163,764
25,438,399
14,586,821
367,063
184,728
309,556
Silk (artificial)
1,016,028
2,567,497
Silk (raw)
4,446,735
4,318,999
Tobacco, Cigars & Cigarettes
Motor Cars
lbs. No.
7,374,125
7,664,107
4,358,711
4,490,405
Motor Lorries
469 4,224
1,212,465
353
664.808
15,285,364
570
1.490.298
"
Boots & Shoes
7,585,639
6,677,500
Wearing Apparel
12,975,680
13.007,043
Gunny Bags
Pieces
8,781,568
2,733,911
8,930,438
2,962,774
China Ware
461,411
524,235
Cosmetic & Perfumery
1,007,637
1,115,128
Electric Torches
2,900,261
3,670.609
Electric Torch Batteries
2,189,923
1,840,956
Embriodery & Lace
1,380,026
2,347,448
Feathers
2,359,284
4,599,331
Firecrackers
4,647,436
5,486,075
Hides (all kinds)
Piculs
59,392
3,672,228
89,038
4,750,560
Leather (all kinds)
796,483
936,580
Mats (all kinds)
1,918,453
2,338,627
Matches
1,186,256
836,626
Rubber (raw)
15,308
1,021,659
16,168
1,443,237
Trunks & Suit Cases
Piculs
1,287,311
1,423,655
30
Appendix F.
TOTAL VALUE OF IMPORTS OF TREASURE (IN $'S THOUSANDS).
1938
1937 1936 1935
1934
་
$
$
$
$
$
Bank Notes
2,100
80,112
22,546
12,521
16,736
Copper Coins
1
421
193
6
157
Gold Bars
5,572
11,113
3,656
3,549
13,714
Gold Coins
90
331
Gold Leaf
9
8
6
5
15
Silver Bars
18 6,448
45 1,053
3,575
Silver Dollars
786 152,677
45,541
16,371
40,353
Silver Subsidiary Coins
1,025 135,339
741 5,280 3,531
Total
9,601 386,449
72,728 38,785 78,081
Appendix G.
TOTAL VALUE OF EXPORTS OF TREASURE (IN $'s THOUSANDS).
1938
1937 1936 1935
1934
$
$
$
$
$
Bank Notes
35,851
Copper Coins
18,178
15 1,295
24,757
12,620
13,296
13
265
Gold Bars
48,538
10,979 33,218
28,330
69,869
Gold Coins
3,186
2,567
760
38
528
Gold Leaf
Silver Bars
266
552
356
140
253
Silver Dollars
Silver Subsidiary Coins
Total
46,283 87,520
87,520 | 17,202 3,276 3,737
188,124 395,227 143,815 215,959 128,480
1,600 5,986
52,385 268,150 67,496 70,685 31,341
26 100,857
9,191
Appendix H.
WHOLESALE PRICE INDEX.
1922=100.
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
Foodstuffs
113.4
94.3
85.4
113.3 136.2 131.6
Textiles
97.0
85.9
74.2
99.4
117.7 116.1
Metals and Minerals
107.8
97.4
79.8
107.2
146.1
147.3
Miscellaneous Articles
95.7
88.5.
72.3
92.5 124.4
127.3
Average
103.5
91.5
77.9
103.1 131.1
130.6
31
Appendix I.
INDEX NUMBERS OF QUANTITIES OF COMMODITIES IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG DURING
1934, 1935, 1936, 1937 AND 1938.
1931=100.
Items
1934
1935 1936
1937
1938
Building Materials
10
57.9
.72.4
67.3
77.5
65.9
Chemicals & Drugs
18
91.8
84.9
55.7
133.8
93.0
Dyeing Materials
5
44.2
53.4
43.6
41.8
55.2
Foodstuffs
25
91.9
90.1
85.8
110.7
107.3
Fuels
5
115.3
122.6
118.1
126.8
119.3
Manures
2
21.7
48.2
101.1
141.9
$8.7
Metals
30
69.3
88.7
82.9
120.7
62.3
Minerals & Ores
3
8.2
16.5
125.8
308.6
22.8
Nuts & Seeds
134.7
106.3
98.0
113.7
310.9
Oils & Fats
14
99.4
99.4
99.0
129.6
145.1
Textiles
37
79.4
79.0
68.4
59.8
$3.0
Sundries
29
83.4
75.4
64.2
71.6
64.7
Total Items
185
General Average
74.8
78.1
84.2
119.7
101.5
Chapter VIII.
LABOUR.
A new Factories and Workshops Ordinance, No. 18 of 1937, replacing the old Ordinance, No. 27 of 1932, came into operation on the 1st of January, 1938. The Chairman, Urban Council, replaced the Secretary for Chinese Affairs as Protector of Labour, and the Factory Inspectorate was transferred from the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs to the Urban Council. The new Ordinance gives to the Urban Council power to make by-laws in respect of industrial undertakings. A Select Committee of the Council deals with applications for the registration of factories. and workshops and other matters arising out of the administration of the Ordinance. The By-laws in the Schedule to the new Ordinance prohibit the employment of any child under the age of fourteen years in any industrial undertaking and the employ- ment of women and of young persons under the age of eighteen years between the hours of 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. No new By-laws were made during the year.
The Inspectorate, consisting of an Inspector of Factories and Workshops and an Inspector of Labour, deals with new applications for registration and pays periodic visits of inspection to all factories and workshops. Special attention is given to the safety of machinery, overcrowding of workers and machinery, obstructions to exits and the ages of workers. Night visits are frequently made to guard against the employment of females and young persons during prohibited hours.
All registered factories and workshops are inspected for renewal of registration during the early part of the year. 199 new certificates of registration were issued during the year 1938, bringing (the total of registered factories and workshops up to 829. There were 45 prosecutions, including 23 for the offence of employing females and young persons during prohibited hours, and 19 for the offence of operating an unregistered factory. The total number of accidents reported was 141, of which 14 were fatal. Ten of the fatal accidents occurred in shipyards.
32
The year 1938 was quite outstanding in the industrial life of the Colony, the general improvement which set in in 1937 being well maintained Hostilities in China caused many industrialists to turn their eyes to the Colony with a view to establishing themselves here. Consequently industries, hitherto unknown in the Colony, have come into being, for instance, the manufacture of war necessities such as gas masks, metal helmets, spades and entrenching tools, uniforms, water-bottles, the assembling of field telephones, and portable military transmitting and receiving sets. Other new industries are the manufacture of bicycles and tricycles, tabloid medicines, nails, postage stamps, bank notes, coupons, tooth brushes and pearl buttons. Many Shanghai workers were brought into the Colony for these trades, especially for printing, this finer craft being peculiar to the northern Chinese. The output of electric hand-torches, dry-batteries, rubber boots and shoes, cotton and silk goods, etc., mostly for Empire and oversea markets, was well maintained..
Many new factory-type premises have been erected and plans for more are in preparation. The general prosperity in some trades and the pressure exerted by the Health Authorities and the Factory Inspectorate have resulted in the removal of some factories from the tenement-house premises, which they formerly occupied, to new modern factory-type buildings. But the conversion of tenement houses into factories still remains a disquieting feature of the industrialization of the Colony, especially in view of the acute housing shortage due to the influx of refugees from China.
There was a good demand for skilled and unskilled male labour in the heavy industries. Female workers, too, were in demand, especially in the cigarette-making, spinning and weaving factories. The general supply of labour, skilled, unskilled and casual, is, however, in excess of the demand. It is difficult to state in what pro- portion this excess obtains at present owing to the abnormal conditions created by the Sino-Japanese hostilities
It is estimated that about 55,000 workers of both sexes are employed in the various industries. Of these some 17,000 are spread over the less important industries. The approximate distribution of the remainder is as follows:--
Industries.
Male.
Female.
Total.
Shipyards
10,390
36
10,426
Sugar Refineries
871
81
952
Oil Refineries
449
12
461
Breweries
52
48
100
Metal Wares
1,756
2,170
3,926
Knitting Factories
1,710
5,035
6,745
Spinning and Weaving Factories
1,597
4,554
6,151
Engineering
674
4
678
Rubber Factories
599
1,420
2,019
Newspaper Factories
743
2
745
Printing Factories
3,664
703
4,367
Tobacco Factories
319
1,372
1,691
22,817
15,394
38,211
Employment in the heavy industries, e.g. roads, reclamations, buildings, ship- yards, etc., is on the contract system. Otherwise the piece-work or the monthly wage system is adhered to.
33
Trades Unions are freely permitted to function in the Colony, but at the present time there are no orthodox unions in existence. During the year under review there were about eight industrial disputes. These were of a minor nature, and in each case an amicable settlement was reached through the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs. No bona fide trade union has ever been suppressed in the Colony, but certain guilds and associations have from time to time been declared unlawful under the Societies Ordinance of 1920, mainly on account of terrorist and political activities. No such suppression took place during 1938.
The new Ordinance, No. 18 of 1937, referred to above, consolidated the law relating to factories and workshops. Articles 2 and 4 of the Draft Convention fixing the minimum age. for the admission of children to industrial employment, and Articles 2 and 3 of the Draft Convention concerning the employment of women during the night, were introduced in that Ordinance.
The Minimum Wage Ordinance, No. 28 of 1932, created machinery by which a minimum wage may be fixed for any occupation, in which, in the opinion of the Governor-in-Council, the wages paid are unreasonably low. No minimum wages for any industry have yet been prescribed.
There is no legislation providing for the establishment of conciliatory machinery for the amicable settlement of disputes between employers and their work people. nor is there factory legislation controlling compensation for accidents or enforcing provision for sickness, old age, etc. Several European owned and controlled industrial undertakings have their private schemes of insurance, compensation in case of accidents or death, sick benefits and provident funds.
A Labour Officer was appointed in November, 1938. The status of this officer is at present undefined and his work up to the end of the year under review was largely in the nature of a preliminary survey. He is at present considering the application to the Colony of workmen's compensation legislation.
The
Chapter IX.
WAGES AND THE COST OF LIVING.
The year 1938 showed a continued increase in trading activity until the Japanese invasion of South China in October resulted in the closure of the river and an interrruption of the Colony's trade with the West River area. These conditions obtained during the remainder of the year. Prices remained remarkably steady throughout the year, with a general tendency to fall. There were exceptional price-movements, caused by témporary local conditions, but these were not maintained. The supply of labour increased considerably with the influx of refugees, but the general wage level was not depressed, the wage-rate of female workers in factories shewing an increase over the 1937 level. This steady level was the result of the demand for labour increasing with the supply. Many small industries moved into the Colony from China during the year and a great trade was done in the manu- facture of small appliances required in large quantities by the Chinese Government Payment continued to be by piece-work in the lower grades of work in light industries and in all mass production work, and this system appeared to be satisfactory to employers and employees. Skilled male labour was employed on daily pay. In the case of refugee northern workers housing and food were usually provided by the employer.
The The chief factor in the slight rise in the cost of living was a general increase in rents. This increase, stimulated by the continued entry of refugees into the Colony and the acute shortage of vacant tenements, assumed alarming proportions in the first few months of the year. In March a Commission was appointed to investigate the whole question of rentals, and, as a result of this Commission's recommendations, legislation was introduced providing for appeal to the Courts by persons evicted without adequate cause.
34
There was a slight and fairly steady fall in the prices of commodities included in the cost of living index throughout the year. In the early part of the year the prices of fish, meat and vegetables were between 10% and 30% above the corres- ponding figures for last year and at the end of the year they were 10% or less below those figures. The October figures for vegetables showed an increase of 80% over the previous month. This was entirely due to the temporary dislocation of supplies caused by the Japanese invasion of South China at the end of the year, however, prices of vegetables later fell to the minimum for the year, which was about 8% lower than the corresponding figure for 1937. The price of oil, at the beginning of year, was about the same as the average level for 1937 and in the course of the year fell gradually to a point 30% below that figure.
The price of rice fell steadily throughout the year. For the first seven months it was not more than 9% above the corresponding figures for 1937, and for the last five months was consistently less than the 1937 figures, the greatest falling off being 15% in August. The absolute variation during the year (14%) was consi- derably less than in 1936 or 1937 (23% and 25% respectively) and the interval between the two extremes was eleven months as compared with two months in 1937. The figures for rice are:-
1938...
Per 100 catties.
December
Average of four grades. January
1937.....
$7.33
June
$7.31
$8.38
August
$9.16
Variatic
14%
Variatic
25%
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
وو
1936
1937
1938\
6.3. cents
20.9
7.9 cents 26.9
7.3 cents
24.4
21.2
24.1
25.2
""
""
3
32.8
· 36.8
37.6
23
41.7
""
23.7
51.9
28.3
49.7
""
22.2
"
,,
.10 cents for 12.2 catties
9.8 catties 7.0 catties
Dil.
per catty
Wirewood,
Average Rates of Wages for Labour.
Building Trade:-
Locomotive Driver
$1.30 to $1.80 per day.
Carpenters.
0.80 to 1.30
وو
,,
Bricklayers
0.80 to
1.30
,,
دو
Painters
0.80 to
1.30
,,
Plasterers (including Shanghai Plasterers)
1.00 to
1.50
""
>>
Scaffolders
1.00 to
1.50
وو
''
Labourers (male)
0.60 to
0.80
"
وو
(female)
0.40 to 0.50
,,
وو
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.·
Shipbuilding & Engineering
Electricians
Coppersmiths
Fitters
$1.00 to $1.40 per day.
1.00 to 1.60 0.80 to
وو
""
1.55 ""
""
.
Sawmillers
Boilermakers
Sailmakers
Blacksmiths
Turners
Patternmakers
Labourers
35
$0.70 to $1.25 per day.
0.95 to 1.20
""
1.00 to
1.40
,,
35
0.75 to
1.20
""
1.00 to
1.40
,,
1.00 to
1.40
0.70 to 1.00
""
Overtime-time and a half. Night work-double time.
Transport Workers :-
Tram Drivers
Tram Conductors
Bus Drivers, Chinese Bus Co.
Bus Conductors,
35
days' pay.
.$36 to $45 per month.
30 to 39
وو
27 to
54
18 to 21
""
Working hours 9 per day. Free Uniform. Bonus at end of year 3
Bus Drivers, European Co.
$55.00 per month.
Bus Conductors
وو
22.50 to $35 per month.
Working hours 9 per day. Free Uniform.
Free Uniform.
One month's salary bonus.
Railway Workers (Government)
Station Masters
$1,100 to $1,800 per annum.
Telephone Operators
480 to 1,400
33
"
Booking Clerks
600 to
1,000
Guards
Signalmen
600 to
1,000
""
>7
600 to
Engine Drivers
540 to
1,000 1,000
J
""
وو
Ticket Collectors
420 to
600
""
Firemen
Pointsmen
330 to
480
""
192 to
240
Female Workers in Factories :—
Cigarette making
Knitting factories
Perfumery
Confectionery
$0.30 to $0.70 per day.
0.25 to 0.50
3"
0.20 to
0.40
""
د,
0.20 to
0.50
""
د,
Electric hand torch factories
Electric hand torch battery factories
Rope works
0.25 to
0.45
""
,,
0.15 to 0.35
,,
>>
0.42 a day.
Gunny Bag makers
0.30 to
0.50 per day.
Feather works
0.30 to
0.60
3
Joss stick workers
0.20 to
0.30
""
Printing works
0.20 to
0.80
""
Weaving and spinning
0.25 to
0.60
23
Rattan workers
0.30 to
1.00
""
Hardware workers
0.25. to
0.40 ""
Felt hat workers
0.25 to
0.70 23
دو
Cork hat workers
0.30 to
0.55 ""
""
Green pea sorting
0.15 to
0.25 ""
124
36
Handkerchief makers Paper dyeing
Grass rope makers
Preserved fruit makers
Sugar refinery
Rubber shoe makers
Working hours from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Overtime from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at day rates.
Domestic Servants :-
Employed by Chinese
$0.20 to $0.40 per day.
دو
>>
0.20. to
0.30 to
0.40
0.35
J
0.15 to 0.35
0.60
""
""
,,
>>
0.35 to 1.05
>>
One hour off at mid-day.
$ 7.00 to $20.00 per month.
Employed by Europeans Gardeners
15.00 to 40.00
15.00 to 30.00
""
J
وو
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
0.60 to 0.70
وو
Chapter X.
EDUCATION AND WELFARE INSTITUTIONS.
Schools.
Education in Hong Kong is voluntary and is mainly in the hands of Government and of missionary bodies.
The present system may be said to have started in 1913 when the Education Ordinance, requiring all non-Government Schools (unless specifically exempted) to register and to conform to certain regulations, came into operation. The Director of Education derives his legal powers from this Ordinance. Since 1920 he has been advised by a Board of Education of which he is ex officio chairman. This board is appointed by the Governor and at present consists of eleven unofficial members together with the Senior Inspectors of English and Vernacular Schools.
The Schools in the Colony may be classified as follows:-
(1) Government Schools which are staffed and maintained by the Education
Department.
(2) Grant Schools, i.e. schools, run mainly by missionary bodies, which are in receipt of a grant from Government under the provisions of the Grant Code.
(3) Subsidized Schools, i.e. vernacular schools which are in receipt of a
subsidy from Government.
(4) The Military Schools and certain others which are exempted from the
provisions of the Education Ordinance, 1913.
(5) All other Private Schools.
* Now reduced to 55 cents. Formerly business was better and up to $1.00 was paid in some The reduction is reckoned to be due to business falling off and to a lessened cost of living.
cases.
36
Handkerchief makers Paper dyeing
Grass rope makers
Preserved fruit makers
Sugar refinery
Rubber shoe makers
Working hours from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Overtime from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at day rates.
Domestic Servants :-
Employed by Chinese
$0.20 to $0.40 per day.
دو
>>
0.20. to
0.30 to
0.40
0.35
J
0.15 to 0.35
0.60
""
""
,,
>>
0.35 to 1.05
>>
One hour off at mid-day.
$ 7.00 to $20.00 per month.
Employed by Europeans Gardeners
15.00 to 40.00
15.00 to 30.00
""
J
وو
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
0.60 to 0.70
وو
Chapter X.
EDUCATION AND WELFARE INSTITUTIONS.
Schools.
Education in Hong Kong is voluntary and is mainly in the hands of Government and of missionary bodies.
The present system may be said to have started in 1913 when the Education Ordinance, requiring all non-Government Schools (unless specifically exempted) to register and to conform to certain regulations, came into operation. The Director of Education derives his legal powers from this Ordinance. Since 1920 he has been advised by a Board of Education of which he is ex officio chairman. This board is appointed by the Governor and at present consists of eleven unofficial members together with the Senior Inspectors of English and Vernacular Schools.
The Schools in the Colony may be classified as follows:-
(1) Government Schools which are staffed and maintained by the Education
Department.
(2) Grant Schools, i.e. schools, run mainly by missionary bodies, which are in receipt of a grant from Government under the provisions of the Grant Code.
(3) Subsidized Schools, i.e. vernacular schools which are in receipt of a
subsidy from Government.
(4) The Military Schools and certain others which are exempted from the
provisions of the Education Ordinance, 1913.
(5) All other Private Schools.
* Now reduced to 55 cents. Formerly business was better and up to $1.00 was paid in some The reduction is reckoned to be due to business falling off and to a lessened cost of living.
cases.
37
There are fourteen Government English Schools (i.e. schools in which English is the medium of instruction) of which four are for British pupils, though other European children may be admitted if vacancies are available. These are all primary schools with the exception of the Central British School which comprises both primary and secondary classes. The remaining three British chools have, in addition, an infants' department. Of the other English schools, three are for secondary education, two for boys and one for girls, each having a primary department attached. The other Government English Schools are all primary, one of them being reserved for the education of Indians. The Government also provides four vernacular schools (i.e. schools in which Chinese is the medium of instruction). Of these one is a primary school, two are for training vernacular teachers, and one comprises both secondary classes and normal classes. There are two English vocational Schools, the Junior Technical School and the Trade School. In the latter, classes have been started in Wireless Telegraphy, Building and Engineering.
The English Grant Schools number sixteen, eight for boys and eight for girls, the latter admitting boys to the lower classes. The majority of these schools are managed by religious bodies. The sixteen schools provide both secondary and primary education, with the exception of two girls' schools, one of which is infant and primary, and the other infant.
There are three Upper Grade Vernacular Grant Schools, two conducted by the Church Missionary Society and one by the London Missionary Society.
A total of 1,243 institutions were under the control of the Education Department at the end of 1938, while there were six exempted schools. The number of pupils on the rolls of these schools was 103,564 and 570 respectively.
The Evening Institute, controlled directly by the Education Department, provides classes at seven centres in the following subjects:-English, Field Surveying, Building, Engineering, Ship-building, Pedagogy (English and Vernacular), Book- Keeping, Shorthand, and Physical Instruction. 1,243 students were enrolled in these
classes during 1938.
At present the training of teachers for English schools is carried out in the Education Group of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Hong Kong, and in the Teachers' Classes of the Evening Institute. At the end of 1938 there were sixty-six students in the Education Department of the University of whom nineteen held Government Educational Scholarships which are awarded annually. The Teachers' Classes in the Evening Institute provide a three-year course.
The Training of Vernacular Teachers is undertaken in the following four institutions :-
(a) The Evening Institute.
(b) The Normal School for Men at the Vernacular Middle School.
(c) The Vernacular Normal School for Women.
(d) The Vernacular Normal School at Taipo (New Territories).
It is proposed that a new Teachers' Training College shall be opened during the course of the present year.
There are in the Colony four orphanages and one home for incurables and aged women, all of which are controlled by religious communities. There are two industrial schools which are under the control of the Salesian Institute.
The School Health Branch of the Medical Department came into being in 1925 when a Medical Officer for Schools was appointed. This has now been expanded and consists of a European Health Officer for Schools, two Chinese Medical Officers, one European Lady Medical Officer (part-time) and five nurses. Three school clinics and two special centres for the treatment of eye, throat and nose defects have been established. Pupils in Government and Grant-in-Aid Schools are now medically examined initially and periodically through their school career, while the provision of free spectacles for those requiring them has been made possible.
38
In 1937 a Supervisor of Physical Education was appointed and physical train- ing is proceeding along organized lines. The regulations require that every boy and girl in Government and Grant Schools shall receive a minimum of one hour's training each week in addition to organized games.
As only a few schools in the Colony are fortunate enough to possess adequate playing fields it has become necessary to rely on the generosity of the numerous sports' clubs for the use of grounds for football, cricket, and hockey. These clubs, established for all nationalities, willingly place their grounds and equipment at the disposal of schools when required.
The University.
The University of Hong Kong, which was incorporated in 1911 and formally opened in 1912, reached the twenty-sixth year of its existence in the year under review. The buildings, including class-room accommodation for about 500 students, six hostels, laboratories, residences for the staff, the students' Union, a gymnasium, workshops and playing fields, occupy an area of thirty-six acres.
The Court, the supreme governing body, is composed of life members, ex officio members, and nominated members, with the Governor as Chairman. The Council, which is the executive body, is composed of the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, the Treasurer, certain Government officials, the Chinese members of the Legislative Council, the Deans of Faculty, two representatives of the commercial community, and two additional members appointed by the Governor. The Senate consists of the Vice-Chancellor, the Director of Education, the Professors and Readers. There are three Faculties Medicine, Engineering and Arts. The Arts Faculty includes a Department of Chinese Studies. The Degrees granted are M.B., B.S., M.D., M.S., B.Á., M.A., B.Sc. (Engineering), M.Sc. The standard aimed at is that of the University of London.
All male students are required, as a condition of admission, to reside in halls of residence provided by the University or in hostels founded by religious bodies and conducted under regulations approved by the Council. The tuition fee is $400 a year and the hostel fee, which includes board and lodging, $300 a year. It is estimated that it costs a student $1,500 a year at the University. This sum includes registration and laboratory fees, Union and club fees, books, instruments, clothes and vacations.
538 students were on the rolls during 1938. This was the highest enrolment recorded in the history of the University. The large majority of these students were of Chinese nationality, and 40% of them were obliged to relinquish their studies in Chinese universities on account of the Sino-Japanese hostilities.
Since September, 1938, facilities have been afforded to 500 refugee students of Lingnan University, Canton, to continue their studies under their own professors and lecturers at Hong Kong University.
Of the 536 regular students in 1938, 418 were men and 118 women students distributed as follows:-
Men
Women
Medicine
187
24
Engineering
129
3
Arts
88
$5
External students
14
6
Total
418
118
-
40
gave practical evidence of their continued interest in their University by providing funds for a new hard tennis court. Similar Associations are in active existence in Shanghai, the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States.
As a result of the findings and recommendations of the University (1937) Committee, the organization and financial position of the University formed the subject of close investigation by the Court of the University. Important changes and developments are under consideration. The provision of a block of Science buildings and the inauguration of a Faculty of Science are contemplated, and a new diploma course for teachers is to be instituted. Considerable expenditure will be involved and the need for augmenting the resources of the University is prominently indicated.
Welfare Institutions.
Practically every form of sport is played in the Colony the most popular being Association Football in winter and swimming in summer. Hockey has become increasingly popular during recent years. Lawn Tennis and Golf are played throughout the year. In addition the following are followed with the keenest interest-Cricket, Rugby Football, Badminton, Baseball, Volley Ball and Athletics.
The Colony is well provided with social clubs for all nationalities. Among the most prominent may be mentioned the Philharmonic and Amateur Dramatic Societies both of which produce at least one play each year. The Hong Kong Branch of the English Association, the Hong Kong Singers and the Hong Kong Rotary Club all contribute in their own way to the social life of the Colony. For lovers of flowers and gardening the Horticultural Society and the New Territories Agricultural Asso- ciation provide an outlet for enthusiasm. There are local branches of the Young Men's and Young Women's Christian Associations which provide recreation and accommodation. A public library is housed in a portion of the former City Hall and is used mainly by Chinese, the European community obtaining reading matter from libraries run in connection with the clubs of which they are members.
}
The influx of a large number of refugees into the Colony as a result of the Sino-Japanese hostilities has brought the local charitable organizations into even greater prominence. The work, for instance, of the Society for the Protection of Children has been increased. The Hong Kong Benevolent Society and the Ministering Children's League both continue to do excellent work. Charitable associations. connected with Churches, etc., are all helping in the very necessary relief work. The work of the St. John Ambulance Association and Brigade has been greatly extended, especially in the New Territories where at least nine additional centres have been established.
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 outside world. Regular services are maintained by shipping companies of every maritime nation bringing merchandise, raw materials and passengers destined for all parts of China. The following are details of the Colony's chief sea communications—
The P. & O. Steam Navigation Co., Ltd., Messageries Maritimes Cie, Blue Funnel Line, Norddeutscher Lloyd, Lloyd Triestino and Nippon Yusen Kaisya to the United Kingdom and Europe.
J
COLONIAL
SECRETARIAT
BRARY
41
The Blue Funnel Line, Osaka Syosen Kaisya, Nippon Yusen Kaisya and American President Lines, Ltd. to the United States of America.
The Canadian Pacific S. S. Ltd. and the Blue Funnel Line to Vancouver B.C.
The Eastern and Australian Line, Australian Oriental Line, Burns Philp Line, Nippon Yusen Kaisya and Osaka Syosen Kaisya to Australian ports.
The Java-China-Japan Line and the Royal Packet Navigation Co. (K.P.M. Line) to Java and other ports in the Dutch East Indies.
The Indo-China S.N. Co., Ltd., China Navigation S.S. Co., and other small lines to ports on the east and south coast of China and Formosa.
The British India, Shire, Glen and Bank Lines also call at Hong Kong.
The River Service to Canton and the West River, previously run by the Hong Kong, Canton & Macao Steamboat Co.'s ships and other smaller companies, is now at a standstill on account of the Sino-Japanese hostilities.
In addition, there is normally a vast traffic between Hong Kong and the adjacent provinces of China by junk. This, at present, is much depleted."
• The total shipping entering and clearing ports in the Colony during the year 1938 amounted to 67,007 vessels of 30,962,756 tons. This, compared with 1937, shewed a decrease of 6,250 vessels and 6,868,004 tons.
24,670 vessels of 29,530,384 tons were engaged in foreign trade compared with 38,782 vessels of 36,191,724 tons in 1937. British ocean-going shipping shewed a decrease of 326 vessels and 312,456 tons. Foreign ocean-going shipping shewed a decrease of 2,070 vessels and 5,133,209 tons.
British river steamers shewed an increase of 276 vessels and 402,207 tons. Foreign river steamers shewed a decrease of 1,191 vessels and 614,251 tons. Steamships, not exceeding 60 tons, in foreign trade shewed a decrease of 2,497 vessels and 57,359 tons.
Junks in foreign trade shewed a decrease of 3,304 vessels and 946,272 tons.
In local trade, steam launches shewed a decrease of 307 vessels and 1,094 tons, and junks shewed an increase of 3,169 vessels but a decrease of 205,570 tons.
AVIATION.
Hong Kong Airport is situated at Kai Tak and has facilities for marine and land aircraft. The equipment of the airport includes W/T and R/T (short and medium wave) and D/F, aeronautical meteorological service, administration building, offices and workshops of operating companies, fuel and oil installations with tankage for some 7,000 gallons of petrol, and full night flying facilities for land aircraft, including a 1,200,000 c.p. floodlight installed during 1938. A new terminal building has been constructed for traffic arriving by flying boat services; a slipway, pontoon and special mooring buoys are available for marine aircraft.
The continued growth of civil aviation caused a large increase in the amount of traffic handled at Kai Tak Airport, for example, the number of passengers arriving and departing has risen from 3,685 in 1937 to 9,969 in the year under review. Hong Kong was included in the Empire "all-up" air mail scheme in September, and from that date Imperial Airways Ltd. operated its service to Bangkok twice instead of once weekly and services were often duplicated. In August Air France extended its Paris-Hanoi service to Hong Kong. The following air lines now main- tain regular schedules from the airport:-
Imperial Airways Ltd., twice weekly to Bangkok, connecting with the England- Australia trunk route.
42
Air France, once weekly to Paris, via Hanoi.
Pan American Airways, once weekly to San Francisco via Manila.
China National Aviation Corporation, to Kweilin and Chungking.
(The
he fall of Hankow and Canton to the Japanese meant that air services to these towns could no longer be operated, but very heavy loads of passengers and mails are carried to those places in China still accessible by air.
air]
The Far East Flying Training School Ltd. maintained a fleet of five aeroplanes during the year which flew a total of 1,900 hours, including the training of the Air Arm of the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps, the training of six Reserve of Air Force Officers and 28 pupils, and 160 hours for Army Co-operation purposes. Twenty-six Government certificates were awarded to pupils of the engineering section of the company.
No accident to aircraft causing injury to personnel occurred within the Colony.
The appendix to this chapter is a statement of the number, tonnage, cargo, passengers and crew of aircraft arriving at Hong Kong Airport during the years 1936, 1937 and 1938.
RAILWAY.
(Railway activities throughout the period under review were dominated by the Sino-Japanese conflict. Before the Japanese invasion of South China the Kowloon- Canton Railway was connected up with the Canton-Hankow Line. Several times during the earlier part of the year through trains were run between the Colony and Hankow. The year opened full of promise, due to the unparalleled growth of through goods traffic, and closed gloomily with the contraction of operations to the local service
。
Receipts and net operating revenue were $1,901,883.32 and $932,418.48 respectively, as against $1,331,468.73 and $436,935.30 in the previous year. Both these figures reached new high levels. There is little doubt that, but for the unexpected stoppage of through traffic for the last 81 days) of the year, net operating revenue would have exceeded $1,000,000.
The increase in operating expenditure is accounted for largely by the marked advance in the average price of coal which rose from $12.44 to $21.96 per ton and affected running costs to the extent of $110,668.37.
In order to cope with the abnormal conditions prevailing during the greater part of the year the Railway was called upon to solve many difficult problems, not the least among them being the utilization to the best advantage of an organization which had been built up to cater primarily for passenger traffic. A heavy strain was put upon the resources of the Department, calling for the utmost effort from the staff and a maximum use of rolling stock.
The value of the results obtained during the year cannot accurately be gauged by comparison with previous figures owing to the abnormal conditions which affected, to a marked extent, both through and local traffic receipts. Consequent on the blockade of Chinese ports by the Japanese and the closing of the Yangtze in 1937, Hong Kong became the main entrepôt for foreign trade with China, and large quantities of cargo were conveyed by rail to and from the interior. Further stimulation was obtained through an increase in the Colony's resident population owing to the influx of refugees. On the other hand, intensive bombing of the Chinese section of the line caused considerable dislocation and curtailment of the through passenger service with a corresponding drop in receipts from that source. This state of affairs continued until the 12th of October when all through traffic ceased after a small bridge at Mile 52 on the Chinese section had been hit by a bomb. Repairs were uncompleted when the Chinese military forces blew up all
A
43
major railway structures before the Japanese capture of Canton on the 21st of October. For the remainder of the year railway operations were confined to the local service, the northern terminal being withdrawn to Lowu which lies just within British territory. )
Receipts from through passenger traffic declined by 50.46%, due to the circumstances outlined above, although the earnings per train mile improved from $10.45 to $16.17. The curtailment of the service resulted in only 622 express trains being run, as against 2,235 in 1937.
The outstanding traffic feature of the year was the phenomenal growth of through goods traffic. Railings aggregated 456,146 tons compared with 166,438 tons in 1937, and 60,732 tons in 1936, corresponding revenue being $621,787.28, $167,556.45, and $44,694.93.
An
encouraging feature of the year's activities was the volume of export traffic. received at Kowloon. Despite the abnormal conditions prevailing in Kwangtung and Hunan, large quantities of wood oil, tea, antimony, firecrackers, cotton flax, wolfram and zinc were exported to Hong Kong. This, coupled with the number of applications received from commercial firms for wagon space, would appear to indicate that, in times of peace, the future prosperity of the Railway is assured.)
Local passenger receipts appreciated to the extent of 61.71%. This substantial growth is ascribable to the increase in resident population. The gain during the first 9 months of the year approximated 50%, and during the least 24 months 1.18%.
POSTS AND TELEGRAPHS.
Postal communication is maintained with all parts of the world by air, sea, and, in normal times, with Canton by rail.
All forms of mail handled during the year under review shewed an increase on the amount handled during 1937, ordinary mail receptacles shewing an increase of 4%, and registered articles and parcels shewing an increase of over 40%.
Long distance telephone services are normally available to Shanghai, Canton and various places in China.
Cable & Wireless Limited, by means of three cables to Singapore, one direct and one each via Labuan and Cape St. James, provide good connections with. Europe via India, with Australasia, and with other parts of the British Empire. By their cable to Manila connection is made with the direct American cable to San Francisco. Two cables to Shanghai, belonging to Cable & Wireless Limited and to the Great Northern Company (Danish), via Sharp Peak and Amoy respectively, give a good fast connection with Shanghai, North China, Japan and Russia. The system of the Great Northern Telegraph Company gives good service to Europe via Siberia.
Cable & Wireless Limited also operate the direct commercial radio services to the Chinese stations at Chengtu, Chungking, Foochow, Shameen, Swatow, Tsangwu and Yunnanfu; to Dutch East Indies, French Indo-China, Formosa, Macao, Philippines, Siam and Shanghai.
The total revenue from the Government Wireless Telegraph service amounted to $126,902 as compared with $976,923 in 1937; a decrease of $850,021 due to the transfer of the commercial fixed point services to Cable & Wireless Limited as from the 1st of January, 1938.
The number of paid messages-mobile and commercial press services-forwarded and received during the year was 56,883, consisting of 4,568,023 words, as compared with 20,946 messages of 195,744 words in 1937; the increase being due to press services taken over by Government.
44
Unpaid traffic, which includes meteorological, police, anti-piracy, Rugby press, aircraft and air station operational messages etc., totalled 87,815 messages of 3,077.842 words as against 86,694 messages of 3,354,570 words in 1937.
Service messages totalled 4,684 consisting of 49,433 words as compared with 47,078 messages of 373,497 words in 1937; the decrease being due to the transfer of the commercial fixed point services.
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.
Co-ordination between road and rail interests was obtained when a motor rail-bus commenced a shuttle service between Fanling and Taipo Market on the 1st of May, displacing the road buses which had performed a similar function since the 1st of November, 1932. At the same time both transportation systems were made supplementary by the linking up at Fanling Railway Station of the Un Long- Sheung Shui and the Shataukok-Fanling bus services. The rail-bus was constructed at the Hung Hom locomotive workshops on novel lines, two Bedford 3-ton lorry chassis being welded back to back and fitted with cast steel wheel discs to supple- ment the pneumatic tyres. The financial results were most gratifying, and it is probable that the profits from two years of operation will exceed the capital outlay.
ROADS.
There are 371 miles of roads in the Colony, 173 miles on the Island of Hong Kong, 106 miles in Kowloon and 92 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, 55 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 98 operating on the Island of Hong Kong, and 133 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 103 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 4,009 private motor-cars, 291 motor-cycles, 350 public cars and
taxis and 945 commercial lorries and vans registered in 1938.
FERRIES.
Communication between the Island of Hong Kong and the mainland is maintained by a number of ferry services, of which the most important are:-
1) The Star Ferry, between Kowloon Point and a pier near the General Post Office, Hong Kong. This ferry provides a 5-minute passenger service during the busy periods of the day and a 10-minute service at other times. The passage of just under one mile is negotiated in about 8 minutes.
(2) The Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Company, which operates passenger ferry services between Hong Kong and Jordan Road, Shan Tung Street, Pei Ho Street, Gillies Avenue, and Kai Tack Road, all in Kowloon; also to Sai Wan Ho, near the eastern end of Hong Kong harbour. This Company also operates a 12-minute vehicles ferry service between Hong Kong (Jubilee Street) and Kowloon (Jordan Road).
47
Chapter XII.
PUBLIC WORKS.
During the year under review the operations of the Public Works Department were carried out, under a Head Office Staff, by eleven sub-departments: Accounts and Stores (later, Accounts), Architectural, Buildings Ordinance, Crown Lands and Surveys, Drainage, Electrical, Port Development, Roads and Transport, Valuations and Resumptions, Waterworks Construction and Waterworks Maintenance.
As from the 1st June, 1938, all work in connection with the purchase of Government stores was removed from the Public Works Department, and was taken over by an independent Stores Department.
The staff of the Public Works Department comprises 148 European officers, including 9 temporary officers, and 557 non-European officers, including 12 temporary officers. The number of daily paid artisans and labourers averaged 1,778.
The following is a summary of works carried out during the year-
Buildings.
The reinforced concrete frame of the New Central Market was completed by the end of the year when work was well advanced on the erection of the stalls, the application of the terrazzo wall finishings, the fixing of windows and the drainage work. This building is of four storeys with main entrances on Queen's Road and Des Voeux Road, At the Des Voeux Road entrance a passenger lift will be provided and the entrances for goods will be on Jubilee Street and Queen Victoria Street. The Wongneichung Market was completed in October. It is a small single storey market of the open type, in reinforced concrete, providing twenty stalls finished in terrazzo. Extensive alterations and additions were carried out during the year to the former Victoria Hospital, converting the Hospital block and the Nursing Sisters' quarters into quarters for senior officers. The Hospital block was converted into three flats of five rooms and one flat of four rooms. The Nursing Sisters' quarters were converted into two semi-detached houses. Following the Japanese invasion of South China camps to house refugees from the neighbouring Chinese territory were erected at North Point, King's Park and Ma Tau Chung. These camps, of timber construction with concrete floors, consist of 26, 24 and 27 huts respectively, providing accommodation for 1,512, 1,368 and 2,016 refugees. Because of the uncertain political and economic situation it was decided not to proceed with work on the New Mental Hospital and the New Ward Block D, Kowloon Hospital. > Owing to pressure of other architectural work it was not found possible to com- mence work during the year on the new Central Government Store, for which $205,000 had been provided in the Estimates for 1938.
Roads.
Among the more important road works completed during the year were the super-elevation of the bends on the Wong Nei Cheong Gap and Castle Peak road, the building of the Customs Pass Road and the road from Sheung Shui to Mak Fu Ferry, the widening and surfacing of the Tai Po Road and the reconstruction of the bridge at Deep Water Bay.
Major works in hand at the end of the year included the reconstruction of the junction of Hennessy Road, Arsenal Street and Queen's Road East, the recon- struction of MacDonnell Road Bridge, and widening, resurfacing and super-elevating several major roads on the island and on the mainland.
Drainage.
In Hong Kong new main sewers and storm water drains to a length of 5,522 feet and new open channels of varying sections to a length of 851 feet were laid.
48
In addition, 1,114 feet of parapet walling to open nullahs was constructed, and Tai Hang Nullah bridge was reconditioned, strengthened and extended. In Kowloon, New Kowloon and New Territories, new main sewers and storm water drains were constructed to a length of 12,923 feet. The construction of Pat Heung nullah at Shek Kong, New Territories, commenced in 1936, was completed at the end of the year.
Anti-malarial work was continued in Hong Kong. An area between the two reservoirs at Aberdeen was completely drained, and work was continued at Pokfulam between the Queen Mary Hospital and Sandy Bay. In New Kowloon 935 feet of channel were laid and subsoil drains were completed to a length of 2,162 feet.
Waterworks.
In Hong Kong 17,000 feet of mains, of various sizes, were laid. At Repulse Bay a covered concrete service reservoir of 56,000 gallons was constructed. Steel plate balance tanks, each of 30,000 gallons capacity, were erected at Tai Hang and Kennedy Town. A third pressure filter was installed for the Stanley supply.
In Kowloon and New Kowloon 17,000 feet of mains were laid, and 15,000 feet were laid in the New Territories.
Remedial measures at Pincapple Pass Dam were carried out by the Consulting Engineers. The work consisted mainly of removing the sand wedge and substituting 4,405 cubic yards of cement concrete. As the Jubilee Reservoir did not fill during the year no opinion as to the efficacy of the measures taken could be formed.
The rainfall during the year amounted to 55.36′′ which, with one exception, is the lowest ever recorded in the Colony. As a result the main storage reservoirs did not fill, and the water supply to Hong Kong and Kowloon was subjected to restrictions from August until the end of the year.
The formation of a waste detection branch of the waterworks sub-department was proceeded with during the year. Additional staff, waste detection meters, etc., were provided, and a zoning scheme was worked out. Unfortunately the water restrictions after August greatly hampered the carrying out of night tests.
A new Waterworks Ordinance was prepared and passed in 1938, to take effect from the 1st of January, 1939.
Work in connection with the general extension of the Colony's waterworks, approved in 1937, was proceeded with. The pumping stations and pipe-lines for the supplies to Albany and Peak Road were practically completed, and construction of the Peak Road service reservoir was cominenced. The two new 21′′ cross-harbour pipe-lines were about one-third complete.l. Kowloon Chai Service Reservoir was commenced. Extensions to the distribution system of the island and mainland were made. The first section of the Shing Man Catchwater was completed and second commenced. Preliminary works for the supply and distribution mains for Kowloon Chai Service Reservoir, and for the rapid gravity filters at the Eastern Service Reservoir, were put in hand. Preliminary investigations in connection with the Tai Lam Chung Valley Scheme were commenced.
Reclamations.
the
Reclamations at North Point, Kennedy Town and Kun Tong were continued. The two former are being made by deposits of building debris; the last-named by deposits of town refuse. The areas reclaimed by the end of the year were 3.4, 2.4 and 12 acres respectively.
Electrical Works.
Two submarine cables between Victoria and Kowloon, which had been dragged eastward, were under-run and restored to their proper position. Repairs were carried
49
out to the submarine cable to Green Island. The cable to Waglan was also damaged but weather conditions did not permit repairs to be completed in 1938.
A new landing floodlight was installed at Kai Tak Airport. Extensive electrical work was carried out at the Refugee camps at North Point, Ma Tau Chung, King's Park and Kam Tin. A private intercommunication telephone system was installed in the Colonial Secretariat. The Electrical Workshops were removed to premises in Arsenal Yard.
Buildings Ordinance Office.
(Early in the year the building industry began to show signs of recovering from the slump from which it had suffered during the past four years. The disturbed conditions in China have given an impetus to the erection of European flats and of buildings of a non-domestic character.)
Valuations and Resumptions.
The total valuations made during the year comprised 773 hereditaments, with a total estimated value of $8,082,845.35.
Valuations were made for the purpose of resumption for street widenings and the development of areas in accordance with the approved Town Planning Scheme, for anti-malarial works, Estate Duty and sundry other purposes.
Valuations comprising 463 hereditaments, with a total estimated value of $7,127,560.50, were made for sundry Government Departments.
area.
Town Planning.
A tentative revised plan was prepared for the Government House and Offices No other new schemes or revisions of any importance were prepared during 1938, 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 1909 to 1918 was $2,293,762; 1919 to 1928, $6,990,950; 1929 to 1938, $8,507,690.
Comparative expenditure for 1937 and 1938 is as follows:--
1937
1938
Public Works Department
$2,436,112.31 $2,213,667.71
Public Works Recurrent
1,768,369.96 1,811,168.55
Public Works Extraordinary
1,510,298.07 1,899,902.40
Works undertaken and charged to Loan Accounts.
747,506.81 1,657,596.33
Miscellaneous Works
734,730.07 555,649.47
Totals....
$7,197,017.22 $8,137,984.46
50
Chapter XIII.
JUSTICE AND POLICE.
The Courts of Hong Kong.
THE SUPREME COURT.
There are at present two permanent Judges, a Chief Justice and a Puisne Judge, whilst additional judges for purposes of certain appeals are temporarily appointed as and when required.
The Supreme Court has the same jurisdiction as His Majesty's Courts of King's Bench, Common Pleas and Exchequer lawfully have or had in England and is a Court of Oyer and Terminer and Gaol Delivery, Assize and Nisi Prius, with juris- diction in Probate, Divorce, Admiralty, Bankruptcy and Criminal matters.
It is also a Court of Equity with such and the like jurisdiction as the Court of Chancery has or had in England, and has and executes the powers and authorities of the Lord High Chancellor of England with full liberty to appoint and control guardians of infants and their estates and also keepers of the persons and estates of idiots, lunatics and such as, being of unsound mind, are unable to govern themselves and their estates.
The practice for the time of the English Courts is in force in the Colony and such of the laws of England as existed on the 5th of April, 1843, are in force in the Colony except so far as the practice and laws are in applicable to local circumstances and subject to legislative modifications thereto.
All civil claims above the sum of $1,000 are heard in the Court's Original Jurisdiction as well as all miscellaneous proceedings concerning questions arising on estates, appointments of trustees, company matters, etc.
196 actions were instituted in this jurisdiction during the year 1938 as against 172 in 1937.
All civil claims from $5.00 up to and including $1,000 are heard in the Court's Summary Jurisdiction by the Puisne Judge as well as all matters arising from distraints for non-payment of rent.
1,383 actions were instituted during the year as against 1,582 in 1937.
All cases in the Probate, Divorce, Admiralty and Bankruptcy Jurisdictions of the Court are heard by the Chief Justice; Bankruptcy sittings usually taking place once a month.
In its Probate Jurisdiction, 432 grants (180 Probates and 252 Letters of Administration) were made by the Court. 77 grants by other British Courts were sealed, making a total of 509 grants made during the year compared with 402 in 1937.
Six new Petitions for Divorce were filed during the year. Eight decrees were made absolute, including four petitions pending at the end of 1937. Two petitions were pending at the end of 1938.
Only three actions were instituted in the Court's Admiralty Jurisdiction during the year.
Criminal cases are first heard by the Magistrates and committed to the Criminal Sessions which are held once every month and the cases are usually divided between the two judges.
"
50
Chapter XIII.
JUSTICE AND POLICE.
The Courts of Hong Kong.
THE SUPREME COURT.
There are at present two permanent Judges, a Chief Justice and a Puisne Judge, whilst additional judges for purposes of certain appeals are temporarily appointed as and when required.
The Supreme Court has the same jurisdiction as His Majesty's Courts of King's Bench, Common Pleas and Exchequer lawfully have or had in England and is a Court of Oyer and Terminer and Gaol Delivery, Assize and Nisi Prius, with juris- diction in Probate, Divorce, Admiralty, Bankruptcy and Criminal matters.
It is also a Court of Equity with such and the like jurisdiction as the Court of Chancery has or had in England, and has and executes the powers and authorities of the Lord High Chancellor of England with full liberty to appoint and control guardians of infants and their estates and also keepers of the persons and estates of idiots, lunatics and such as, being of unsound mind, are unable to govern themselves and their estates.
The practice for the time of the English Courts is in force in the Colony and such of the laws of England as existed on the 5th of April, 1843, are in force in the Colony except so far as the practice and laws are in applicable to local circumstances and subject to legislative modifications thereto.
All civil claims above the sum of $1,000 are heard in the Court's Original Jurisdiction as well as all miscellaneous proceedings concerning questions arising on estates, appointments of trustees, company matters, etc.
196 actions were instituted in this jurisdiction during the year 1938 as against 172 in 1937.
All civil claims from $5.00 up to and including $1,000 are heard in the Court's Summary Jurisdiction by the Puisne Judge as well as all matters arising from distraints for non-payment of rent.
1,383 actions were instituted during the year as against 1,582 in 1937.
All cases in the Probate, Divorce, Admiralty and Bankruptcy Jurisdictions of the Court are heard by the Chief Justice; Bankruptcy sittings usually taking place once a month.
In its Probate Jurisdiction, 432 grants (180 Probates and 252 Letters of Administration) were made by the Court. 77 grants by other British Courts were sealed, making a total of 509 grants made during the year compared with 402 in 1937.
Six new Petitions for Divorce were filed during the year. Eight decrees were made absolute, including four petitions pending at the end of 1937. Two petitions were pending at the end of 1938.
Only three actions were instituted in the Court's Admiralty Jurisdiction during the year.
Criminal cases are first heard by the Magistrates and committed to the Criminal Sessions which are held once every month and the cases are usually divided between the two judges.
"
Xu
Ch. XIII p.50
51
426 persons were committed to stand their trial at the Criminal Sessions of whom 347 were convicted. Two defendants failed to appear and Bench Warrants were issued for their arrest, their bail being estreated.
A right of appeal exists in all the above jurisdictions. Appeals are board by a Full Court consisting of two or more judges. Under the Magistrates Ordinance, 1932, as amended by Ordinance No. 19 of 1935, any person aggrieved can appeal to a judge from the decision of a magistrate in a summary way. Appeals in this event are heard by a single judge although a right of appeal from the single judge to a Full Court exists.
Criminal: There were seven appeals against conviction or sentence on indict- ment at the Criminal Sessions.
Magistrates: There were thirteen appeals against conviction or sentence by the magistrates.
Civil: There were eight appeals from judgments of the Supreme Court judges.
The Registrar of the Supreme Court also acts in the capacity of Official Trustee, Official Administrator and Registrar of Companies, administering trust estates and deceased's estates and registering companies under the Companies Ordinance, 1932. Bills of Sale are also registered with the Registrar.
The number of Trust Estates in the hands of the Official Trustee at the end of the year was twenty-one.
During the year twenty-five deceased's estates were taken into the custody of the Official Administrator and thirty-seven were wound up.
Eighty-four new companies were registered, bringing the total number of companies on the register at the end of the year to 764 of which nine were in the course of liquidation. Fifty-six were incorporated outside the Colony but carry on business within the Colony. Three further companies ceased to do business. during the year.
Seventeen companies were removed from the register by reason of the cessation. of their business. No company was transferred from the Hong Kong to the Shanghai Register. Five companies were transferred from the Shanghai to the Hong Kong Register.
THE LOWER COURTS.
The lower civil courts are the land courts in the Northern and Southern districts of the New Territories, with jurisdiction over land cases in those districts, and the small debts courts of the same two districts. In these courts the District Officers sit to hear land and small debts cases.
The lower criminal courts are the magistrates' courts, two for Hong Kong island and a small area on the mainland opposite Shaukiwan, two for Kowloon, including the whole area south of the Kowloon hills, and one each for the two districts of the New Territories, in which the District Officers are the magistrates. A third court was in operation from the 20th of September to the end of the year at the Hong Kong Magistracy and from the 26th of September to the 18th of Novem- ber at the Kowloon Magistracy.
The following figures show the amount of work done by the lower courts in 1938-
Civil:-
District Officer, North, Land Court
Small Debts Court
District Officer, South, Land Court
Small Debts Court
127 cases.
125
40
47
22
52
Criminal:-
Hong Kong Magistracy, three courts. Kowloon Magistracy, three courts District Officer, North, one court
District Officer, South, one court
38,612 cases. 34,181 1,418
667
J
""
The figures below show the penalties awarded at the Hong Kong and Kowloon Magistracies in respect of certain cases in 1938:-
Hong
Kowloon. Total.
Kong.
Prosecution (against Adults and Juveniles)
38,571
34,181
:
72,752
Convictions (against Adults and Juveniles)
35,363
32,237
67,600
Adult Offenders.
Fined
25,735
21,447
47,182
Ipmrisoned in default of payment of fine
4:,306
5,011
9,317
Imprisoned without option of fine
3,297
2,589 5,886
Bound over
896
1,710
2,606
Placed under Police Supervision.
45
73
118
Cautioned or discharged
5,063
2,825
7,888
Defendants fined and allowed time to pay fine....
257
710
967
Juvenile Offenders.
Fined
612
932
1,544
Sent to Remand Home
125
167
292
Committed to approved institution
8
S
16
Bound over
87
226
313
Placed on probation
13
10
23
Cautioned or discharged
305
158
508
Whipped
132
58
190
:
Maintenance Cases.
Order made
9
5
10
14
Order varied
1
1
2
Committals in default of payment
لسر
1
1
55
Chapter XIV.
:
LEGISLATION.
Twenty-nine Ordinances were passed during the year 1938. These, and also the Regulations, Rules, By-Laws and other subordinate legislation enacted during 1938, are published in a separate volume by the Government Printers. The twenty- nine Ordinances comprised two appropriations, three replacement, twenty-one amend- ment Ordinances, and three Ordinances which were new to the Colony.
The Appropriation Ordinance, (No. 22), applied a sum not exceeding $29,327,294 to the public service for the year 1938, and Ordinance No. 7 appropriated a supple- mentary sum of $774,321.44 to defray the charges of the year 1937.
The three replacement Ordinances were:-
(1) The Protection of Women and Girls Ordinance, 1938 (No. 5). This Ordinance, which replaced the Protection of Women and Girls Ordinance, 1897 (No. 4) and its amending Ordinances, re-enacted them after a close scrutiny and revision of every clause in the light of the recommendations in the Report of the Mui Tsai Commission and in the light of experience gained from the working of these Ordinances.
(2) The Sedition Ordinance, 1938 (No. 13). This Ordinance, which replaced the Seditious Publications Ordinance, 1914 (No. 6), is based upon a model Ordinance compiled by direction of the Secretary of State. It clarifies and brings up-to-date the law relating to sedition previously in force in the Colony as contained in the Seditious Publications Ordinance, 1914 (No. 6), regulations under the Emergency Regulations Ordinance, 1922, and the common law.
(3) The Waterworks Ordinance, 1938 (No. 20). This Ordinance replaced the Waterworks Ordinance, 1903 (No. 16) and the regulations made thereunder, and is more in accordance with modern requirements than the 1903 Ordinance.
The twenty-one amending Ordinances covered a wide range of subjects, namely Asiatic Emigration (No. 2), Empire Preference (Nos. 3 and 29), Vaccination (No. 4), Merchandise Marks (No. 8), Bankruptcy (No. 9), Dentistry (No. 10), Registration of Persons (Nos. 11 and 26), Sand (No. 12), Female Domestic Service (No. 15), Offences Against the Person (No. 16), Dangerous Drugs (No. 17), New Territories Regulation (No. 18), Stamp (No. 19), Rating (No. 21), Land Registration (No. 23), Pharmacy and Poisons (No. 24), Dollar Currency Notes (No. 25), Police Force and Peace Preservation (No. 27), Sedition (No. 28).
The Ordinances new to the Colony were:-
(1) Gasholders Examination (No. 1);
(2) Prevention of Eviction (No. 6);
(3) Prohibited Publications (No. 14).
+
Ordinance No. 1 made provision for the periodical examination of gasholders. Ordinance No. 6 restricted the rights of landlords to possession of dwelling-houses in certain cases. Ordinance No. 14 substituted new provisions for the provisions in the Seditious Publications Ordinance, No. 6 of 1914, dealing with the importation of seditious literature.
The subsidiary legislation covered a wide range of subjects including—
Adulterated Food and Drugs, Air Navigation, Asylums, Basel Evangelical Missionary Society Incorporation, Buildings Companies, Dangerous Goods, Daughters of Charity of the Canossian Institute Incorporation, Dentistry, Emergency Regulations,
56
Evidence, Female Domestic Service, Gasholders Examination, Jury, Lighting Control, Liquors, Marriage, Medical Registration, Merchant Shipping, Midwives, Naval Volun- teer, New Territories Regulation, Nurses Registration, Nursing and Maternity Homes Registration, Pensions, Pharmacy and Poisons, Pleasure Ground and Bathing Places Regulations, Police Force, Post Office, Protection of Women and Girls, Public Health (Food and Sanitation), Public Officers (Changes of Style), Public Reclamations Validation and Clauses, Quarantine and Prevention of Disease, Rating, Rating (Refunds), Rope Company's Tramway, Telecommunication, Trade Marks, Tramway, Vaccination, Volunteer.
Factory legislation in the Colony is limited to a single ordinance, The Factories and Workshops Ordinance, No. 18 of 1937, which came into operation on the 1st of January, 1938. There is no legislative provision for compensation for accidents nor for sickness and old age. The introduction of legislation dealing with workmen's compensation is at present under consideration.
D
¡
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, 1938 (the latest date for which figures have been made public) the Fund had issued Certificates of Indebtedness to the value of $191,034,887, which is equivalent to £11,914,806 @ 1/232d, the middle market rate on that day. The total assets of the Fund amounted to £13,012,872.
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 31.12.38.
(i) Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China....... $24,852,657 (i) Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation......$210,197,678 (ii) Mercantile Bank of India
$4,441,620
(b) Government $1 notes, of which $5,571,000 had been issued up to the
end of 1938.
(c) 10 cent and 5 cent cupro-nickel coins, and 10 cent and 5 cent nickel
coins with the security rim.
A
56
Evidence, Female Domestic Service, Gasholders Examination, Jury, Lighting Control, Liquors, Marriage, Medical Registration, Merchant Shipping, Midwives, Naval Volun- teer, New Territories Regulation, Nurses Registration, Nursing and Maternity Homes Registration, Pensions, Pharmacy and Poisons, Pleasure Ground and Bathing Places Regulations, Police Force, Post Office, Protection of Women and Girls, Public Health (Food and Sanitation), Public Officers (Changes of Style), Public Reclamations Validation and Clauses, Quarantine and Prevention of Disease, Rating, Rating (Refunds), Rope Company's Tramway, Telecommunication, Trade Marks, Tramway, Vaccination, Volunteer.
Factory legislation in the Colony is limited to a single ordinance, The Factories and Workshops Ordinance, No. 18 of 1937, which came into operation on the 1st of January, 1938. There is no legislative provision for compensation for accidents nor for sickness and old age. The introduction of legislation dealing with workmen's compensation is at present under consideration.
D
¡
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, 1938 (the latest date for which figures have been made public) the Fund had issued Certificates of Indebtedness to the value of $191,034,887, which is equivalent to £11,914,806 @ 1/232d, the middle market rate on that day. The total assets of the Fund amounted to £13,012,872.
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 31.12.38.
(i) Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China....... $24,852,657 (i) Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation......$210,197,678 (ii) Mercantile Bank of India
$4,441,620
(b) Government $1 notes, of which $5,571,000 had been issued up to the
end of 1938.
(c) 10 cent and 5 cent cupro-nickel coins, and 10 cent and 5 cent nickel
coins with the security rim.
A
(d) 1 cent copper coins.
57
(e) .800 fine siver 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 fluctuations in the exchange rate, controlled by the Exchange Fund, were small. The official rate quoted by the Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation for the sale of sterling varied between a maximum of 1/2 and a minimum of 1/212 on the 20th of March. For eight months of the year the quotation was at the maximum rate. The fall in exchange in the Spring was due to the temporary disturbance caused by the sharp decline in the value of the Shanghai dollar which commenced then. Market rates were, in general, somewhat higher than the official rates quoted above.
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)
1 tsin (mace)
1 leung (tael)
1 kan (catty)
1 tam (picul)
1 check (foot)
0.0133 ounces avoirdupois.
.133 ounces avoirdupois.
1.33
ounces avoirdupois.
1.33
pounds avoirdupois.
=
133.33
pounds avoirdupois.
145 Engllish 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 1934 to 1938 inclusive.
1934..
1935.
1936....
1937.....
1938...
Revenue.
Expenditure.
Surplus.
$29,574,286 $31,149,156
Deficit. $1,574,870
28,430,550 28,291,636 $ 138,194
30,042,984 29,513,520
529,464
33,196,368 32,111,222
1,085,146
36,735,854
37,175,897
440,043
The estimates for 1938 provided for a deficit of $3,124,629, revenue being put at $30,254,920 and expenditure at $33,379,549. 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 1938, 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
58
payment of the Military Contribution also had the effect of weighting the 1938 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, 1938, was $16,598,000, 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, 1938, to £66,937. 7. 4; and the 34% 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, 1933, was thus reduced to $11,760,000.
The Assets and Liabilities of the Colony on the 31st of December, 1938, are shewn in the following statement :-
LIABILITIES.
EA
C.
ASSETS.
$
C.
Deposits:-
Contractors
and Officers
Deposits $ 519,585.00
Insurance
Companies... 1,678,641.62
Miscellaneous
Advances:
Miscellaneous
Pending Re-imbursements from 31% dollar loan
Pending Re-imbursements
from proposed new loan
Imprest Account
Subsidiary Coin
Suspense Account
53,443.81
10,926,056.46
1,077,333.06
10,420.17
90,625.00
26,438.25
Deposits.... 1,486,256.87
3,684,483.49
Current
Government House and City
Development Fund
Note Issue Account:
Account .$1,480,119.62 Fixed Deposit. 4,000,000.00
839,704.12
5,480,119.62
King George V Memorial Fund.
158,368.56
Nickel Coinage Account:-
Current
Exchange Adjustment
26,092.39
Account..
$ 206,860.45
Sterling Invest-
Praya East Reclamation.
74,089.39
ment Account 1,286,208.61
1,493,069.06
Note Security Fund.
Cash:
5,480,119.62
Accountant-General
Nickel Coinage Security Fund..
1,493,069.06
Crown Agents
422,048.64
18,827.76
*Joint Colonial Fund
2,871,932.78
Fixed Deposits:
Total Liabilities
11,755,926.63
General Insurance
.$1,050,000.00
Companies... 1,678,641.62 Miscellaneous.. 119,205.37
General Revenue Balance
13,562,234.97
Total
$
25,318,161.60
Total
2,847,846.99
$ 25,318,161.60
*Joint Colonial Fund £178,000. Os. Od.
The main heads of taxation enforced in the Colony, with the yield of each for 1938, are as follows:-
(a) Duties on Liquor, Tobacco, Motor Spirit and Perfumed
Spirit
(b) Port and Harbour Dues
(c) Rates (Assessed Taxes)
(d) Estate Duty
($9,105,121.72)
.(
532,539.63)
( 5,997,110.00)
( 1,220,854.17)
59
(e) Stamp Duties
(f) Entertainment Tax
(g) Betting Tax
h) Miscellaneous Licences
(2,324,948.76)
.(
320,027.86)
.(
238,274.89)
.( 2,451,313,97)
Considerable revenue is, however, derived from sources not strictly classifiable
as taxation, i.e.
Excess Water Supply
Post Office
Kowloon-Canton Railway
Land Sales
($2,315,668.20)
.( 2,918,028.82)
.( 1,782,287.74)
( 1,199,510.47)
The largest item of revenue is derived from the assessment tax (Rates). The sum collected during 1938 represents 16.32% 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, motor spirit 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 $0.80 per gallon on beer to $1.50 on Chinese liquor and to $13 on sparkling European wines. A 50% 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 30 cents per gallon is payable on all light oils imported into the Colony.
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.
60
Chapter XVII.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Vice-Admiral Sir Percy Noble, K.C.B., assumed command of the China Station on the 5th of February, 1938. His flag was hoisted in H.M.S. "Cumberland" on that day. From the 24th to the 30th of January Air Chief Marshal Sir Edward Ellington, G.C.B., Marshal and Inspector Ceneral of the Royal Air Force, paid a visit to the Colony as the guest of the Governor. His Excellency Dr. Tamagnini Barbosa, Governor of Macao, paid an official visit to the Governor on the 24th of March. General Wu Te-chen, Chairman of the Kwangtung Provincial Government, arrived in the Colony on the 30th of August on an unofficial visit to the Governor, and was present at a meeting of the Legislative Council on the 1st of September.
The Governor paid an unofficial visit to Canton from the 21st to the 23rd of
July.
On Friday, the 7th of January, the Governor officially re-opened the New Nethersole Hospital. The original Nethersole Hospital was founded in 1893 by private enterprise as an institution for women and children. The new building was built at a cost of $200,000 and, together with the adjoining Alice Memorial Hospital, now has accommodation for 100 patients of both sexes.
A Government-controlled Trade School for the training of craftsmen and technicians was opened by the Governor on the 12th of April. The school itself developed from a Junior Technical School which had been run successfully for several years. Full-time courses in wireless-telegraphy, engineering and building are now provided. The Building Contractors Association was largely responsible for this new accommodation for the school.
On the 30th of June the tenth anniversary of the Hong Kong Broadcasting Studio (ZBW) was celebrated.
A commission to enquire into the general increase in rents was appointed on the 9th of March. Its report was submitted to the Governor on the 2nd of April and was printed as Sessional Paper No. 5 of 1938. The Housing Commission, appointed by Sir William Peel on the 10th of May, 1935, concluded its enquiry on the 16th of March, 1938, and its report was printed as Sessional Paper No. 6 of 1938. A Refugee Camps Committee was appointed in September and a Committee to enquire into the broadening of the basis of taxation in the Colony in December.
•
New Emergency Regulations for Hong Kong were gazetted on the 12th of October.
An epidemic of small-pox occurred during the month of January. Free vaccination was made available at all Government clinics and with the coming of the warmer weather the epidemic gradually disappeared.
The Empire "All Up" air mail scheme was extended to the Colony by the arrival of two Imperial Airways aeroplanes on the 9th of September. The Air France service for passengers and mails was inaugurated on the 10th of August, and the Eurasia Aviation Corporation commenced a new service from Hong Kong to Kunming on the 13th of June.
Co-operation with the business firms with regard to Air Raid Precautions was commenced in June. A Ladies Air Raid Precautions Union was formed on the 3rd of June, with Lady Northcote as President. Air Raid Precautions drill for women was made available on the 18th of July.
Among the Honours conferred by His Majesty during the year were the following:-
C.B.E.
O.B.E.
61
New Year Honours.
The Honourable Mr. T. N. Chau.
―
Major M. A. Johnson.
King's Police Medal - The Honourable Mr. T. H. King.
Kt.
O.B.E.
O.B.E.
Birthday Honours.
The Honourable Mr. R. H. Kotewall, C.M.G., LL.D. Mr. J. H. Taggart.
Dr. R. B. Jackson.
Appendix I.
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS OF GENERAL INTEREST RELATING TO HONG KONG.
TITLE.
PRICE.
AGENTS FOR SALE.
$
Sessional Papers (Annual)
Blue Book (Annual)
Ordinances-Ball's Revised Edition (In 6
Volumes) 1844-1923
Regulations of Hong Kong, 1844-1925 *Ordinances, Fraser's Revised Edition,
1844-1937
30.00
150.00
*Regulations of Hong Kong, 1844-1937
75.00
Ordinances and Regulations (Annual)
3.00
Administration Reports (Annual)
5.00
Estimates (Annual)
3.00
Government Gazettes (Weekly)
Meteorological Bulletin (Monthly)
2.00
Colonial Secretariat and Government
3.00
90.00
Printers.
Colonial Secretariat, Government Printers and Crown Agents for the Colonies, London.
Colonial Secretariat, Government Printers and Crown Agents for the Colonies, London.
Colonial Secretariat.
Government Printers and Crown Agents
for the Colonies.
Colonial Secretariat and Crown Agents for
the Colonies.
Colonial Secretariat, Government Printers
and Crown Agents.
Colonial Secretariat.
Government Printers.
.50 Government Printers and Crown Agents.
10.00
Government Printers.
per
Hong Kong Trade and Shipping Returns
annum.
(Monthly)
2.00
Government Printers and Crown Agents.
Hong Kong Trade and Shipping Returns
(Annual)
2.00
Hansards (Annual)
5.00
Historical & Statistical Abstract of the
Colony of Hong Kong, 1844-1930
4.00
Government Printers and Crown Agents. South China Morning Post, Hong Kong.
Colonial Secretariat.
* First volume only available at the end of 1938.
TITLE.
Hong Kong
Rambles in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Around and About Hong Kong
AUTHOR'S NAME.
E. Thorbecke
PRICE.
AGENTS FOR SALE.
$
3.50
Kelly and Walsh, Ltd. and Brewers' Bookshop, Hong Kong.
G. S. P.
do.
Heywood
2.00
W. Peplow
4.00
do.
G. R. Sayer
18/-
Kelly and Walsh, Ltd.
Hong Kong Riviera of the Orient Glimpses of Hong Kong
1.00
do.
1.00
do.
Echoes of Hong Kong & Be; ond
L. Forster
1.50
do.
Hong Kong Naturalist (published
quarterly)
Herklots &
Heywood
4.00
do.
Under the Mosquito Curtain
Hong Kong Dollar Directory
Lady Southorn,
O.B.E.
3.50
do.
1.00
Brewers' Bookshop.
Naval, Military & Air Force Directory.
.50
do.
Hong Kong Daily Press Directory ..... Picturesque Hong Kong.....
.50
do.
1.25
do.
..
62
Appendix II.
A NOTE ON THE EFFECT OF THE SINO-JAPANESE HOSTILITIES ON THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LIFE OF THE COLONY.
Two effects on Hong Kong of the hostilities in China stand out; the large increase in population due to the influx of refugees and the diversion to the Colony of Chinese trade normally conducted through other ports. The special problem of the destitute refugees is dealt with separately below.
General.
Trade passing through Hong Kong was increased abnormally by the diversion of some of the Yang-tse Valley trade to the Canton-Hankow Railway, linked at the end of 1937 with the Kowloon-Canton Railway; and by the large imports both by rail und by the new road of supplies for the Chinese Government. Early in the year Chinese Maritime Customs returns shewed the Colony to be handling about half the trade of China coming within their purview; the proportion fell later as Shanghai trade revived, but trade in Hong Kong continued brisk until October. With the fall of Canton and the closing of the Pearl River, there was, after October, a sharp fall in trade with South China and grave fears were felt for the Colony's economic future. Although the intense activity of the first nine months of the year was not maintained, business conditions generally were not unsatisfactory owing to an aggregation of various beneficial influences, among which may be mentioned the diversion of part of the Canton trade to indirect channels, the continued diversion to Hong Kong of other branches of China trade (e.g. the tea trade), the development of manufacturing under Imperial Preference and the continued transfer of minor industries from China, and the well-sustained demand of the local market owing to the increase of population. Many of the refugees, it is important to remember, were by no means destitute.
The increased population had many other effects. There was a rapid fall in the number of vacant tenements. By June, 1938, for practical purposes, all vacant properties had become occupied. A general increase in rents had set in shortly before, and, to protect existing tenants from exploitation, a Prevention of Eviction Ordinance was passed. A considerable demand was shewn for Crown Land for both new residential building and new factories. The general level of prices had risen since the commencement of the hostilities, but during the year under review there was a remarkable absence of severe fluctuation. Fresh vegetables and firewood became scarce after the fall of Canton, but the initial rise in price of these com- modities was not maintained.
The yield of most forms of taxation was greatly increased, and the profits of public utility companies and other enterprises operating mainly in the Colony were enhanced by the growing population. The Kowloon-Canton Railway had a prosperous year and, even after the limitation of its activities to British territory after the fall of Canton, it maintained unusually high receipts from local traffic.
The general supply of labour was considerably in excess of demand throughout the year. Crime, particularly in the various forms of larceny, not unnaturally increased with the entry into the Colony of large numbers of destitutes. Hospitals were overcrowded throughout the year.
Tourist traffic shewed a slight falling off by comparison with previous years, but this was perhaps more than compensated for by the fact that Hong Kong became the main port of entry into China proper. Hotels and boarding houses were full throughout the year.
Considering that the Japanese operations in South China extended to the very frontier of the Colony it is remarkable that no incidents of a political nature occurred within the Colony during the year under review. Outside territorial waters, however, fishing junks were severely harassed, numerous cases of allegedly unwarranted attack being reported to the Government.
=
63
Relief Measures.
By the end of 1937 the Shanghai Refugees Committee had practically concluded its work. Most of the non-Chinese refugees from the North had returned to their homes, but the Colony was faced, during the ensuing year, with a much larger influx of Chinese from neighbouring territories consequent upon the Japanese invasion of South China. The various relief organizations in Hong Kong including the Tung Wah Hospitals Committee, the oldest Chinese charitable institution in the Colony, the Street Sleepers Shelter Society, the Society for the Protection of Children, the Little Sisters of the Poor, the Salvation Army, etc., did their utmost to cope with the great increase in destitution which resulted from the influx of refugees from the affected parts of China, but their combined resources were quite inadequate to meet the task and Government was obliged to step in and to take over the major part of the burden.
In the earlier part of 1938 the Tung Wah Hospital Authorities were entrusted with the care of homeless and friendless refugees. Several buildings were lent to this body for the purpose, including the former Government Civil Hospital, a portion of the former Victoria Gaol and a building, which had served as the Kowloon Magistracy. By May some 2,648 of such refugees were receiving food and shelter in this way. Many thousands were repatriated through the good offices of the authorities in question, a total of over 30,000 being reached between July, 1937, and June, 1938. Needless to say, this number formed but a small proportion of those who sought asylum in these territories. Tens of thousands of refugees packed into the already crowded tenements and the average number of persons to each floor of the typical three-storied Chinese houses rose from an average of eighteen to sixty. Many could find no accommodation and slept in the streets. A census taken in June, 1938, by the Police Department estimated the number of street sleepers at 27,000. Sanitary conditions deteriorated as might be expected and a severe outbreak of cholera was superimposed on an even more severe epidemic of small-pox. To relieve these conditions Government decided to undertake a scheme for the housing of some 5,000 persons in the urban area. Three camps were built, one on the Island at North Point, a second at Ma Tau Chung and a third at King's Park, the last two being situated on the mainland. These camps were designed to hold about 5,000 persons and cost about $500,000 to build.
The administrative, medical and health duties of the camps were the responsibility of the Director of Medical Services and his staff, with the assistance of a Committee appointed by the Governor.
Welfare work, education and industrial activities in the camps were handed over to representatives of a voluntary organization-the Emergency Refugee Council- which came into being on the 11th of June, 1938, and which was, later, regarded by Government as the chief co-ordinating body for the refugee relief associations in Hong Kong .
Whilst the urban area camps were being constructed a new situation arose in the rural areas owing to the extension of hostilities to Kwangtung.
The landing of Japanese troops at Bias Bay on the 12th of October, followed by the taking of Canton, nine days later, intensified the refugee problem and many thousands poured across the frontier into the New Territories.
A matshed camp was rapidly established at Pat Heung which eventually housed 5,000 refugees.
Later, as the result of a further extension of the Japanese activities on the Hong Kong Kwangtung border, additional camps in the form of railway trucks were opened at Fanling close to the border. These provided accommodation for another 3,000 to 4,000 refugees.
A large number of refugees scattered to the villages in the New Territories, being prevented from entering the urban area by a particularly efficient policing system along a line drawn between Taipo and Castle Peak.
7.
7
64
The sanitary conditions and lack of housing accommodation and water supply called for concerted action in December. The Emergency Refugee Council, the Wai Yeung Association, the Tung Wah Hospitals Committee and allied Chinese charitable bodies were approached and asked to assist in establishing camps in Chinese territory just across the border. At the same time St. John Ambulance Association was asked to furnish medical aid to the camps in Chinese territory. As the result of intensive propaganda in the New Territories, the bulk of the refugees were induced to return to their villages in Kwangtung. By the end of 1938 there were about four thousand refugees in Government camps in the New Territories apart. from those in the towns and villages of the New Territories, and about three thousand in Government camps in the urban area.
In addition, there were in an internment camp rather over 1,100 Chinese soldiers out of an original total of about 1,300 healthy and wounded soldiers who had sought safety in these territories during the operations on the Hong Kong-Kwangtung border at the end of November.
Some idea of the extent of the refugee problem can be gauged from the fact that 305,957 more persons arrived in the Colony by railway and by ocean and river steamer than departed. This figure does not include numbers arriving by sampan, junk, ferry, launch and on foot. It represents an addition of more than one third to the normal estimated population of the Colony. As might be expected, a pro- portion of the cases of cholera, small-pox and cerebro-spinal meningitis which had to be dealt with in the Colony were imported from Kwangtung and other infected parts of China.
One of the more remarkable features of the situation in connexion with the refugee problem in Hong Kong in 1938 was the immediate response on the part of all classes of the community to appeals for help for the refugees. So much was this the case that it was found necessary to warn organizations of the desirability of working through a single co-ordinating voluntary body.
In order to stimulate further the generous response for help for the refugees, not only in the colony but in South China as a whole, in the autumn of 1938 a Hong Kong and South China Branch of a fund called the British Fund for the Relief of Distress in China was opened. Up to the 31st of December, 1938, the total contributions to this branch of the Fund amounted to $389,824.16. The Fund was organized with the idea of centralizing, as far as possible, all charitable efforts at obtaining donations for the relief of distress in South China, including Hong Kong. It did not itself undertake any actual relief work, this being entrusted to such existing relief bodies as were equipped for this purpose, and, in particular, to the Hong Kong Emergency Refugee Council.
On the 14th of December, 1938, a Chinese Sub-Committee of the Fund was appointed to canvass for further subscriptions from the Chinese community.
·
FINANCIAL RETURNS FOR THE YE
ANNUAL COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF THE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR T
Revenue for same period
Heads of Revenue.
Estimates,
1938.
Actual Revenue
to 31st December, 1938.
of preceding
year.
Increase.
Decrease.
Heads of Expenditure.
C.
C.
Duties
6,820 000
9.105,121.72 7,625,411.42
1,479,710.30
Port and Harbour Dues
655,000
532,539.53 625,684.20
Licences and Internal Re- venue not otherwise specified -
14,004,500
15,098,620.05 14,192,267.74
906,352.31
Fees of Court or Office, Payments for specific purposes, and Reim- bursements in Aid
Post Office
2,615,420 2,787,487.90 2,660,076.47
127,411.43
2,437,050 2,918,028.82 3,254,396.09
Kowloon-Canton Railway -
1,044,900
1,782,287.74 1,297,940.29.
484,347.45
Rent of Government Pro-
perty, Land and Houses -
1,635,050 1,899,215.26 1,725,848.68
173,366.58
Interest
96,000 104,750.87
92,560.15
12,190.72
Miscellaneous Receipts -
592,000 1,308,292.22 1,193,719.34
114,572.88
Se
C.
93,144.57
:
H. E. the Governor Colonial Secretary's Office
and Legislature
Secretariat for Chinese
Affairs
Treasury -
Audit Department
District Office, North -
Do.,
South -
Communications :
(a) Post Office
(b) Radio Traffic Office (c) Wireless
Imports & Exports Office. Harbour Department :—
-
(a) Harbour (b) Air Services-
8
336,367.27 Royal Observatory-
Fire Brigade Supreme Court -
Attorney General's Office Crown Solicitor's Office Official Receiver's Office Land Office
-
Magistracy, Hong Kong Do., Kowloon Police Force- Prisons Department Medical Department Sanitary Department - Botanical and Forestry
Department - - Education Department towloon-Canton Railway Defence:-
(a) Volunteer Defence
Corps
() Naval Volunteer
Force-
(c) Military Contribu-
tion
(b) Air Raid Precau-
tions
-
iscellaneous Services haritable Services
harge on Account of
Public Debt-
Insions
blic Works Depart-
ment
blic Works, Recurrent-
Total (exclusive of Land
Sales)-
29,899,920 35,536,344.21 32,667,904.38 3,297,951.67
429,511.84
Land Sales, (Premia on
New Leases)
355,000 1,199,510.47 528,463.72 671,046.75
TOTAL
$
30,254,920 36,735,854.68 | 33,196,368.10 3,968,998.42
429,511.84
Deduct
$429,511.84
$3,539,486.58
31st January, 1939.
Nett
Dc., Extraordinary
TOTAL
Appendix A.
RETURNS FOR THE YEAR 1938.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST DECEMBER, 1938.
Estimates,
Decrease.
Heads of Expenditure.
1938.
Actual Expenditure to 31st December,
1938.
Expenditure for same
period of preceding
year.
Increase.
Decrease.
C.
$
C.
C.
$
C.
$3
C.
30
H. E. the Governor
181,897
177,614.91
194,814.98
17,200.07
Colonial Secretary's Office
and Legislature
308,038
289,148.64
297,082.33
7,933.69
93,144.57
Secretariat for Chinese.
Affairs
146,094
141,520.94
130,757.37
10,763.57
Treasury -
322,901
311,370.12
301,692.79
9,677-33
Audit Department
125,443
115,934.51
121,973.02
6,038.51
District Office, North -
75,788
69,799.63
75,107.19
5,307.56
31
Do.,
South
53,506
70,731.05
48,189.50
22,541.55
Communications
(a) Post Office
820,546
942,717.00
787,756.06
154,960.94
() Radio Traffic Office
183,065
80,768,13
181,934.17
101,166.04
(c) Wireless
-
279,929
211,020.71
211,020.71
+3
Imports & Exports Office-
496,314
457,669.38
+58,006.78
337.40
Harbour Department :-
(a) Harbour -
1,314,654
1,245,853.86
1,035,967.77
210,886.09
(b) Air Services-
120,271
101,138.38
51,930.16
49,208.22
336,367.27 Royal Observatory-
94,003
92,941.16
83,970.09
8,971.07
Fire Brigade
378,786
400,269.05
328,892.56
71,376.49
Supreme Court -
237,906
245,178.48
234,819.59
10,358.89
Attorney General's Office
88,043
86,472.01
79,864.88
6,607.13
+5
Crown Solicitor's Office
66,945
66,376.63
57,718.06
8,658.57
Official Receiver's Office
-
25,849
26,495-59
21,270.10
5,225.49
58
Land Office -
Police Force-
74,011
70,456.05
67,992.54
2,463.51
Magistracy, Hong Kong
74,380
111,072.36
74,494.80
36,577-56
Do., Kowloon
51,457
68,049.36
51,766.36
16,283.00
3.307,395
3,289,490.32
3,109,696.18
179,794.14
Prisons Department
983,622
908,863.71 1,021,593.04
112,729.33
Medical Department
2,177,835
2,407,347.92
2,018,137-44
389,210.48
Sanitary Department -
1,123,136
1,050,283.55
1,009,439.35
40,844.20
72
Botanical and Forestry
Department -
139,579
139,078.07
132,193.47
6,884.60
ducation Department
-
2,276,736
2,139,241.01
2,034,562.00
104,679.01
Cowloon-Canton Railway
832,346
1,163,614.28
831,129.04
332,485.24
38
efence:
(a) Volunteer Defence
Corps
161,932
177,614.40
153.373.62
24,240.78
(6) Naval Volunteer
Force-
49,164
(e) Military Contribu-
tion
5,689,578
47,788.10
6,880,723.81
39,220.86
8,567.24
5,586,415.34
1,294,308.47
37
429,511.84
(b) Air Raid Precau-
tions
50,000
104,501.04
104,501.04
iscellaneous Services.
1,752,435
3,040,662.53
1,628,719.69
1,411,942.84
haritable Services
214,774
460,329.47
214,920.04
245,409.43
harge on Account of
75
Public Debt-
1,351,631
1,351,631.00
1,371,230.98
19,599.98
Insions
2,500,000
2,706,392.00
2,559,809.79
146,582.21
blic Works Depart-
ment
-
blic Works, Recurrent-
2,371,510 1,600,200
2,213,667.71
2,436, 112.31
222,444.60
1,811,168.55
1,768,369.96
42,798.59
32,101,699
35,275,995.42
30,600,924.21
5,167,828.39
492,757.18
1
Dc., Extraordinary 1,277,850 1,899,902.40
1,510,298.07
389,604.33
.2
429,511.84
TOTAL
33,379,549
37,175,897.82 32,111,222.28
5,557:432.72
492,757.18
ཁྲ།༞ {
34
Deduct
$
492,757.18
Nett
-
$ 5,064,675.54
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES ON THE 31ST DECEMBER, 1938.
LIABILITES.
€A
C.
ASSETS.
C.
Deposits :-
Contractors and
Officers De-
posits
...$ 519,585.00
Insurance Com-
-
Advances
Miscellaneous
...
Pending Re-imbursements from
31% dollar loan...
...
Pending Re-imbursements from
proposed new loan
Imprest Account
...
panies
1,678,641.62
Subsidiary Coin
Suspense Account
53,443.81
10,926,056.46
1,077,333.06
10,420.17
...
90,625.00 26,438.25
Miscellaneous De-
posits
...
1,486,256.87
Note Issue Account :-
Current Account. $ 1,480,119.62
3,684,483.49
Fixed Deposit
--
4,000,000.00
5,480,119.62
Government House and City
Development Fund
839,704.12
Nickel Coinage Account :-
King George V Memorial Fund
158,368.56
Current Account. $ 206,860.45 Sterling Invest-
ment Account...
Exchange Adjustment
26,092.39
1,280,208.61
1,493,069.06
Praya East Reclamation ...
74,089.39
Cash:
Note Security Fund...
5,480,119.62
Accountant-General Crown Agents
...
•
* Joint Colonial Fund
:
•
422,048.64 18,827.76 2,871,932.78
Nickel Coinage Security Fund
1,493,069.06
Total Liabilities
General Revenue Balance
TOTAL...
:
Fixed Deposits :-
General
...$ 1,050,000.00 Com-
1,678,641.62 119,205.37
2,847,846.99
...
11,755,926.62
13,562,234.97
Insurance
panies Miscellaneous
CA=
:
:
31st January, 1939.
25,318,161.60
TOTAL...
* Joint Colonial und £178,000 Os. Od.
:
$
*60
T. BLACK,
25,318,161.60
Accountant-General.
APPENDIX A.
STATEMENT OF SPECIAL FUNDS &c. DEPOSITED IN THE TREASURY.
F
Insurance
Companies.
Government House & City
Praya East
Development
Fund.
Reclamation.
Note
Security
Fund.
Nickel Coinage Security
Fund.
Trade Loan
Reserve.
Total.
C.
$
C.
Balance of Deposits at 1st January, 1938
1,563,341.62.
839,704.12
Add:-Receipts
165,300.00
Deduct-Payments
的
C.
108,280.35
$
C.
$
3,513,870.42
1,678,854.57
338,689.27
8,042,740.35
2,668,884.00
1,556,217.07
311,999.81
4,702,400.88
1,728,641.62
839,704.12
108,280.35
6,182,754.42
3,235,071.64
650,689.08 12,745,141.23
50,000.00
34,190.96
702,634.80
1,742,002.58
650,689.08
3,179,517.42
Balance of Deposits at 31st December, 1938
1,678,641.62
839,704.12
74,089.39
5,480,119.62
1,493,069.06
Investments
Cash in hands of Accountant-General
Cash due to Accountant-General
Balance as above
9,565,623.81
1,286,208.61
1,286,208.61
1,678,641.62
839,704.12
74,089.39
5,480,119.62
206,860.45
8,279,415.20
1,678,641.62
839,704.12
74,089.39
5,480,119.62
1,493,069.06
Net Cash Balance in hands of Accountant-General $8,279,415.20.
9,565,623.81
T. BLACK,
Accountant-General.
Appendix A.
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1938.
I.-REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE,
The outstanding feature of the financial results of 1938 has been the large increase in both revenue and expenditure. The estimates provided for a deficit of $3,124,629, revenue being put at $30,254,920 and expenditure at $33,379,549. Actual revenue exceeded, the estimate by $6,480,935 and actual expenditure, including certain special non-recurrent items, exceeded the estimate by $3,796,349 leaving a net deficit of $440,043. The surplus of assets on 31st December, 1938, was $13,562,235 which may be compared with a figure of approximately $9,000,000 which was contemplated as probable after allowing for anticipated deficits in 1937 and 1938 at the time when the 1938 estimates were originally prepared.
2. (No new or increased taxes were imposed during the year and the increase in both revenue and expenditure 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 ports trading through Hong Kong, which commenced towards the end of 1937 continued during the greater part of 1938, that is, until the Japanese invasion of South China, and the increase of the Colony's population owing to the influx of refugees continued with some fluctuations throughout the year. The Japanese occupation of Canton in October caused some slackening of trade activity, but increased the stream of refugees and up to the end of 1938 no decline in revenue receipts was perceptible)
3. 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 fell to practically nil and receipts from rates were correspon- dingly higher than in 1937. Liquor and tobacco duties show very large increases and many other items, such as entertainment and betting tax and royalties payable by transport companies, which are affected by the magnitude of the population rose correspondingly. Receipts from land sales rose with the demand for new building and reached the highest level since 1932.
4. (The situation in China and its repercussions on the Colony, particularly the incursion of increasing numbers of destitute or semi-destitute refugees, caused also considerable increases of expenditure, details of which are given in the Accountant- General's report.) In all, supplementary votes for a total of $5,430,507 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
$1,376,083
188,228
(3) Excesses on approved votes due to increased prices of
supplies or services
374,614
(4) Excesses on provision for pensions and passages of
Government servants
439,184
(5) Post Office-increases due to introduction of air mail,
changes in transit charges, etc.
275,600
A 2
(6) Emergency expenses :-
(a) Epidemics of disease
$327,877
(b) Relief of Refugees
804,802
(c) Other emergency expenditure
497,535 1,630,214
(7) Typhoon damage
417,550
(8) Purchase and building of new Government quarters, and
resumptions
(9) Other new or additional expenditure
273,000
456,034
$5,430,507
It will be seen that a large proportion of these votes resulted from the emergency situation, directly or indirectly, including the epidemics of disease which led to a largely increased expenditure by the Medical Department. Much of the supple- mentary expenditure which cannot be definitely attributed to the emergency was indirectly affected by it and the supplementary votes included practically nothing in the way of definitely new services.
5 The expenditure charged during 1928 was also swollen by two special items. In the first place, in pursuance of a new system of accounting introduced by the direction of the Secretary of State, with the object of increasing legislative control of the disposal of public funds and showing more clearly the actual revenue balance available for appropriation, there was charged to expenditure at the end of the year the outstanding balance of building loans made by the Colonial Government and of. the unallocated stores accounts, amounting in all to $1,203,616. In future receipts, and payments on these accounts will be credited or debited as revenue and expenditure.
Secondly, an exceptional payment on account of Military Contribution. made. During the year it was agreed with His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to abandon the old system by which the Colony paid, as a contribution towards the cost of its defence, 20% of its net revenue and to substitute, for an experimental period of five years, a fixed contribution of $6,000,000 per annum, subject to certain provisos. The amount due on the 20% basis for 1938 was considerably in excess of the estimate and in order to start the new system with ast clean a sheet as possible a payment of $1,000,000 on account of this additional contribution was made at the end of December instead of waiting, according to the usual custom, until after the closing of the accounts of the year.
These two adjustments had the result of reducing the surplus of assets at 31st December, 1938, substantially below what it would have been if the accounts had been made up on the same basis as formerly, but they have left the position corres- pondingly more liquid and future liabilities reduced.
6. As already noted the surplus of assets over liabilities at the end of the year was $13,562,235. The greater part of this, i.e. $12,003,389, was advanced to loan funds pending reimbursement from the issue of loans (i.e. $10,926,056 against the 3% dollar loan, 1934, and $1,077,333 against a proposed new loan. The actual cash resources, after deducting deposits held against special funds, amounted to $3,568,221.
1
Y
A 3
2. LOANS.
7. 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 is being continued for the present as the liquid resources available appear sufficient to meet the immediate needs but the necessity of issuing the remainder of the loan as soon as circumstances require is kept in mind.
3. CURRENCY.
8. The currency situation remained stable during the year.
during the year. The exchange 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
March
.1/23.
.1/27.
.1/2/37.
.1/22.
April
May
June
July
.1/2. 13/16.
.1/2. 13/16.
August
September
October
November
December
1/27.
.1/27.
.1/27.
.1/2/3.
1/2. 13/16.
.1/27.
It should be noted that the market rates were in general somewhat above the official rates quoted above. The fall in exchange in the spring was due to the temporary disturbance caused by the sharp decline in the value of the Shanghai deilar which commenced then.
10. There was a small further increase in the circulation of bank notes and of Government $1 notes, the figures being as follows:-
Government $1 notes
31.12.37.
$ 3,625,000
31.12.38.
$ 5,571,000
Chartered Bank of India, Australia
and China
25,172,604
24,852,657
Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking
Corporation
199,689,793
210,197,678
Mercantile Bank of India, Ltd.
5,175,570
4,441,620
$233,662,967
$245,062,955
A 4
11. Statements of the position of the Exchange Fund were made in accordance with the now established practice, on the 30th June, 1938, and the 6th January, 1939, showing the position of the Fund at 31st December, 1937, and 30th June, 1938, respectively. The figures of the Certificates of Indebtedness outstanding and the total assets of the Fund were as follows:--
December 31st, 1937
June 30th, 1938
Certificates of Indebtedness (in sterling, converted at middle market
rates).
Assets.
£11,394,969
£12,313,938
£11,914,806
£13,012,872
12. Reference was made in last year's report to the advantages which had been experienced as the result of the steadiness of the exchange and the system of managed currency. During 1938 these advantages continued to be enjoyed and no 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 already referred to took place. It appeared then to be the general desire of the business community that no attempt should be made to make the Hong Kong dollar follow the Chinese dollar.
13. Subsidiary Coinage. The withdrawal of cupro-nickel 10¢. and 5. coins and the substitution of the new security rim nickel coins introduced towards the end of 1937 has been continued and the following amounts of subsidiary coins were in circulation on 31st December, 1938, in addition to small quantities of silver coins.
Cupro-nickel 10¢.
وو
5¢
,,
Nickel security rim 10¢.
· 5¢.
$
570,000
50,000
1,632,500
174,500
4.
ADMINISTRATION.
14. During the year a separate Stores Department in charge of a Controller of Stores, acting under the Financial Secretary, was created, taking over the central stores work previously undertaken by the Public Works Department. No increase of staff was involved, staff being transferred from the Public Works Department.
15. Reports by the Accountant-General on the Accounts for 1938 and by the Assessor, the Superintendent of Inland Revenue and the Controller of Stores on their departments are appended.
Hong Kong 7th March, 1939.
S. CAINE, Financial Secretary.
;
A. 5
AR
A.
REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR 1938.
1. Expenditure for the year amounted to $37,175,897 and the Revenue totalled $36,735,854 resulting in a deficit on the year's working of $440,043. The revenue and expenditure for the past ten years is charted in a graph appended to this Report as Financial Return No. 1.
2. The original estimates provided for a total expenditure of $33,379,549 against revenue expected to realize $30,254,920, forecasting a deficit of $3,124,629 for the year under review.
3. The accumulated surplus on 31st December, 1938,
1938, was reduced from $14,002,278 to $13,562,234 as shown in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities attached hereto as Financial Return No. 2.
The statement is supported by four appendices A, B, C, and D, which are published for the first time in accordance with changes in accounting procedure directed by the Secretary of State.
4. Revenue. The actual revenue collected during 1938 was $6,480,935 in excess of the estimate. Of this sum $2,285,121 was in respect of Head 1, Duties, and largely represents the increased consumption of tobacco and liquor consequent on the abnormal increase in population brought about by conditions in China. The decline in shipping was reflected in the fall in Head 2, Port and Harbour Dues, which failed to reach the estimate by $122,460. Head 3, Licences and Internal Revenue, produced $1,094,120 more than was expected. The chief items showing excesses were Water Excess Supply, Stamp Duties, Betting and Entertainment Taxes.
Post
Under Head 4, Fees of Court, etc., a net increase of $172,068 was recorded, largely due to increased sales of Sand, Medical Treatment, and Air Services Fees. Notable decreases were in Companies Fees as a result of the situation in Shanghai and in Medical Fees for the Examination of Emigrants consequent in the decline in emigration. A phenomenal rise of $1,015,465 in postage is shown in Head 5, Office, and is explained by an all round increase in postal services but particularly the introduction of the Empire "all up" mail. The revenue from Wireless Telegraphy was $538,098 below the estimate on account of the transfer of Commer- cial Services to Cable and Wireless, Ltd. The net increase in Post Office revenue. was $480,979.
An increase under Head 6, Kowloon-Canton Railway, of $737,388 was chiefly due to a heavier freight business despite the cessation of through running for the last three months of the year. Head 7, Rent of Government Property, was $264,165 in excess of estimates. More buildings, including some new markets, were rented and certain areas of land were rented for open storage.
The estimated revenue from Head 9, Miscellaneous Receipts, was
more than doubled as a result of the abnormal conditions resulting in large royalty payments by the transportation companies. The sale of the Rescue Tug "Kau Sing" and of the commercial wireless equipment produced considerable sums and the transfer to Revenue of the Trade Loan Reserve Fund contributed largely to a net increase of $716,292. Head 10, Land Sales, brought an additional sum of $844,511 to revenue due to the demand for building sites for housing and industrial projects.
5. Expenditure. The expenditure for the year was $3,796,349 greater than the amount provided for in the estimates.
Personal Emoluments amounted to $13,384,078 being $583,223 less than the estimated cost of $13,967,301.
A 6
Other Charges amounted to $5,536,509 as against $4,975,780 an increase of $560,729.
Notable increases over the estimates were shown in the Medical Department, which expended $229,512 in excess of original provision, and Kowloon-Canton Railway, in which the net increase was $331,268.
Defence costs exceeded the original estimates by $1,259,953, of which $1,191,145 was Military Contribution which became due on account of the increased assessable revenue, and $54,501 additional expenditure on Air Raid Precautions.
Miscellaneous Services showed an increase of $1,288, 227 as a result of changes in accounting procedure which necessitated the charging to Expenditure of all unallocated stores and outstanding loans made by Government. Increased expen- diture on Transport of Government Servants was a minor contributory factor.
The cost of Charitable Services exceeded the estimate by $245,555 directly as a result of refugee relief.
Pensions proved to be underestimated by $206,392.
Public Works Extraordinary accounted for $1,899,902 approximately 50% more than originally estimated. Of this additional expenditure the heaviest items. were in connection with the building of Refugee Camps at North Point, King's Park and Ma Tau Chung totalling $461,521.
Provision of quarters for senior officers cost $176,527 and $44,144 was expended on a new Wireless Station at Hung Hom.
Building expenditure on hospitals additional to that provided in Estimates amounted to $121,178.
The expenditure is compared with the original estimates and with the previous year's expenditure 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. Loan Works. Expenditure on loan works authorized by Ordinance No. 11 of 1934 during the year 1938 amounted to $662,572 which was met by an advance from surplus revenues. The total expenditure up to 31st December, 1938, was $24,786,056 details of which are shown in Financial Return No. 8.
Expenditure on certain works which it is proposed to charge to a new Loan amounted to $1,077,333 and was financed by an advance from surplus revenues. Particulars of this expenditure is given in Financial Return No. 9.
7. Trade Loan Account. In accordance with the Secretary of State's instruc- tions to charge all outstanding loans to expenditure, this account was closed on 31st December, 1938.
The outstanding loans on that date amounted to $218,771.42 but as the Reserve Account stood at $311,036.78 the matter was adjusted by debiting the outstanding loans to this Account and transferring the balance $92,265.36 to revenue.
During the year one loan was liquidated by the sale of the mortgaged property and the writing off of the irrecoverable balance.
Financial Return No. 10 shows the position at the close of 1938.
Q
A 7
8. Public Debt. The annual contribution of $166,911 to the 4% Conversion Loan Sinking Fund was as usual invested in sterling securities. A sum of $560,000 was expended in redeeming 3% Dollar Loan Bonds at par in accordance with the terms of the Ordinance governing this issue.
It was again found unnecessary to issue during 1938 any of the remaining $11,000,000 of Bonds authorized by the Ordinance, as the works covered by this Loan were financed without difficulty by an advance from the surplus revenues of the Colony.
A statement of the Colony's Funded Public Debt outstanding on 31st December, 1938, is shown in Financial Return No. 11.
9. The following Financial Returns are intended to show the 1938 results in comparison with the estimates and with the results of previous years.
1.
Chart of actual revenue and expenditure for the years 1929 to 1938.
2. Statement of Assets and Liabilities on 31st December, 1938.
3. Actual Revenue compared with estimate and with previous year.
4. Principal increases and decreases in Revenue.
5. Chart showing fluctuations of Revenue under Heads during past ten
years.
6. Actual expenditure compared with estimate and with previous year.
7. Percentages on the various Heads of Expenditure to the total for the
past five years.
8. Statement of Expenditure on 34% Dollar Loan Account at 31st
December, 1938.
9. Statement of Advances on Loan Works pending reimbursement from
proposed new Loan.
10. Statement of Trade Loans as at 31st December, 1938.
11:
Statement of Funded Public Debt outstanding on the 31st December, 1938.
Treasury March 3rd, 1939.
T. BLACK,
Accountant-General.
- A 9-
GRAPH OF ACTUAL REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR
THE YEARS 1929 - 1938
TO
MILLION GL
IDOLLARS
+39
38
37
36
35
34
33
32
30
29
28
27
25
23
22
930
226
933
க
REVENUE
326
EXPENDITURE
1936
938
LIABILITES.
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 2.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES ON THE 31ST DECEMBER, 1938.
A 10
$ e.
ASSETS.
$
SA
0.
Deposits:-
Advances :-
Contractors and Officers De-
Miscellaneous
53,443.81
posits
$ 519,585.00
Pending Re-imbursements from 34% dollar loan
10,926,056.46
Insurance Companies
1,678,641.62
Pending Re-imbursements from proposed
new loan
1,077,333.06
Miscellaneous Deposits
1,486,256.87
Imprest Account
10,420.17
Subsidiary Coin
90,625.00
3,684,483.49
Suspense Account
26,438.25
Government House and City Development Fund
839,704.12
Note Issue Account:
Current Account
$1,480,119.62
King George V Memorial Fund
158,368.56
Fixed Deposit
4,000,000.00
5,480,119.62
Exchange Adjustment
26,092.39
Nickel Coinage Account :-
Current Account
$ 206,860.45
Praya East Reclamation
74,089.39
Note Security Fund
5,480,119.62
Cash :-
Sterling Investment Account 1,286,208.61
Accountant-General
1,493,069.06
422,048.64
Nickel Coinage Security Fund
1,493,069.06
Crown Agents
*Joint Colonial Fund
18,827.76
2,817,932.78
Fixed Deposits :---
Total Liabilities
General Revenue Balance
11,755,926.63
General
$1,050,000.00
13,562,234.97
Insurance Companies Miscellaneous
1,678,641.62
119,205.37
2,847,846.99
Total
25,318,161.60
$
* Joint Colonial Fund £178,000 Os. Od.
Total. $
25,318,161.60
APPENDIX A.
STATEMENT OF SPECIAL FUNDS &c. DEPOSITED IN THE TREASURY.
A 11
Government Insurance House & City Praya East Companies. Development Reclamation. Fund.
Nickel
Note
Security
Coinage
Fund.
Security
Trade Loan
Reserve.
Total.
Fund.
Balance of Deposits at 1st January, 1938
$ C.
1,563,341.62
$ 0.
839,704.12
$ C. $ C. $ C. 108,280.35 3,513,870.42 1,678,854.57
$
4.
$ 4.
338,689.27 8,042,740.35
Add:-Receipts
165,300.00
2,668,884.00 1,556,217.07
1,728,641.62
839,704.12
Deduct :-Payments
50,000.00
108,280.35 6,182,754.42 3,235,071.64 34,190.96 702,634.80 1,742,002.58
311,999.81 4,702,400.88
650,689.08 (12,745,141.23 650,689.08 3,179,517.42
Balance of Deposits at 31st December, 1938
1,678,641.62 839,704.12
74,089.39 5,480,119.62 1,493,069.06
9,565,623.81
Investments
1,286,208.61
1,286,208.61
Cash in hands of Accountant-General Cash due to Accountant-General
1,678,641.62
839,704.12
74,089.39 5,480,119.62 206,860.45
8,279,415.20
Balance as above
1,678,641.62
839,704.12
74,089.395,480,119.62 1,493,069.06
9,565,623.81
Net Cash Balance in hands of Accountant-General $8,279,415.20.
Previous Year.
C.
447,749.26
1,339,709.71
A 12
APPEN
STATEMENT OF BALANCES EXCLUDING SPECIAL
LIABILITIES.
€
ON THE 31st
C.
C.
Deposits:-
Contractors & Officers Deposits....
519,585.00
Miscellaneous
1,486,256.87
2,005,841.87
31,007.47
House Service Account
23,934.73
Exchange Adjustment
26,092.39
10,404.98
Coal Account
7,026.69
Crown Agents Overdrafts
King George V Memorial Fund.........
158,368.56
1,859,832.84
GENERAL REVENUE BALANCE
c.
Balance at 1st January, 1938
14,002,278.11
Revenue 1938
.$36,735,854.68
Expenditure 1938
37,175,897.82
Deduct Deficit 1938
440,043.14
Balance at 31st December, 1938
13,562,234.97
2,190,302.82
14,002,278.11
General Revenue Balance
13,562,234.97
15,862,110.95
15,752,537.79.
-
>
:
DIX B.
A 13
FUNDS &c. DEPOSITED IN THE TREASURY
DECEMBER, 1938.
ASSETS.
Previous Year.
Advances:
C.
A
C.
$
Miscellaneous
53,443.81
Pending Re-imbursements from 31%
Dollar Loan
10,926,056.46
C.
220,148.51
10,263,484.30
Pending Re-imbursements from Proposed
New Loan
1,077,333.06
56,783.30
12,056,833.33
Building Loan
Imprest Account
Subsidiary Coins
Trade Loan Outstanding
Unallocated Stores P. W. D.
Unallocated Stores K. C. R. ̈.
Suspense Account
337,922.63
10,420.17
9,420.17
90,625.00
120,625.00
295,493.00
486,938.40
121,552.45
26,438.25
84,285.42
Cash:
12.184,316.75 11,996,653.18
Fixed Deposit General
1,050,000.00
Fixed Deposit Insurance Companies
1,678,641.62
Fixed Deposit Miscellaneous
119,205.37
Fixed Deposit Note Security Fund
4,000,000.00
Accountant-General
422,048.64
Crown Agents
18,827.76
Joint Colonial Fund
2,871,932.78
Note Issue Current Account
1,480,119.62
Nickel Coinage Current Account
206,860.45
11,847,636.24
Deduct:
Balance of Special Funds etc., in hands of Accountant-General. (Statement A). ...
8,279,415.20
3,568,221.04 3,865,457.77
15,752,537.79 15,862,110.95
APPENDIX C.
STATEMENT OF OUTSTANDING LOANS REPAYABLE TO THE COLONY AS AT 31st DECEMBER, 1938.
Amount
LOAN.
Interest
Date of
Loan.
Authority.
per
TERMS OF REPAYMENT.
annum.
Repaid or
Amount
Sinking Fund Outstanding. accumulated.
A 14
$ C.
$
Shek O
O Development
Co., Ltd. .....$ 38,187.00 Diocesan Boys' School 175,000.00 J. A. Fraser
29. 1.25 C.S.O.
1445/19
4%
2nd February, 1940
38,187.00
28. 1.27 C.S.O.
776/18
3%
Sinking Fund $1,000 half
*11,862.05]
yearly
26,000.00) 137,137.95
25,000.00
16.11.33
C.S.O.
3001/19
4%
$400 monthly
21,200.00
3,800.00
:
G. S. Kennedy-Skipton 30,000.00
27. 4.34 C.S.O.
3009/32
4%
$300 monthly
9,000.00 21,000.00
S. C. Feltham
7,000.00
2. 4.35
C.S.O.
13/3009/22
4%
$400 half yearly
2,800.00
4.200.00
C. E. Moore
15,000.00
2.10.35
C.S.O.
2/5038/29
4%
$500 half yearly
3,000.00
12.000.00
R. H. Woodman
19,500.00
8. 1.36
C.S.O.
C.S.O.
4/5038/29
4%
$975 half yearly
4,875.00
14 625.00
F. J. Farr
20,000.00 17. 1.36
C.S.O.
4778/28
4%
$1,000 half yearly
5,000.00
15,000.00
L. B. Holmes
16,000.00 26. 5.36 C.S.O.
9/5046/29
4%
$800 half yearly
3,200.00
12,800.00
R. E. Stott
13,000.00
29. 8.36
C.S.O.
5035/29
4%
$150 monthly
2,628.91
10,371.09
Hong Kong Travel Asso-
ciation
5,258.84
30. 9.36 C.S.O.
911/35
$100 monthly
2,600.00
2,658.84
R. S. Begbie
20,000.00
F. J. T. Locke
12,000.00
28. 5.37 C.S.O. 16. 6.38 C.S.O.
6/5039/29
4%
$1,000 half yearly
3,000.00 17,000.00
3/5038/29
4%
$1,000 half yearly
12,000.00
Total.
$395,945.84
$95,165.96 $300,779.88.
*Held as Sinking Fund.
A
A 15
APPENDIX D.
STATEMENT OF UNALLOCATED STORES ACCOUNT.
Government
Stores Department.
Kowloon-Canton Railway.
$
C.
$ ¢.
Stock on hand at 1st January, 1938
486,938.40
121,552.45
Add Purchases, returns and charges, as charged
to Expenditure Sub-head
3,134,773.67
814,594.00
3,621,712.07
936,146.45.
Deduct Issues to votes and services as credited
to Expenditure Sub-head
2,775,611.46
494,928.21
846,100.61
441,218.24
Deduct Proceeds of stores sold
60,076.66
335,467.19
786,023.95
105,751.05
Add Transfer between stores
:
42,201.01
786,023.95
147,952.06
Deduct Transfer between stores
40,594.16
745,429.79
147,952.06
Deduct Adjustments for stores not paid for in
year in which received (net)
256.33
745,173.46
147,952.06
Deduct Losses and deficiencies written off
2,153.45
Stock on hand at 31st December, 1938
743,020.01
147,952.06
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 3.
Heads of Revenue.
Actual 1937. Estimates 1938. Actual 1938.
Actual
1937
Percentage of Revenue.
Estimates
1938
Actual
1938
%
%
%
- A 16
1. Duties
7,625,411.42
6,820,000
9,105,121.72
22.98
22.54
24.79
2. Port & Harbour Dues
625,684.20
655,000
532,539.63
1.88
2.17
1.45
3.
Licences and Internal Revenue not otherwise specified
14,192,267.74
14,004,500
15,098,620.05
42.77
46.29
41.10
4.
Fees of Court or Office etc.
2,660,076.47
2,615,420
2,787,487.90
8.01
8.64
7.59
5.
Post Office
3,254,396.09
2,437,050
2,918,028.82
9.80
8.06
7.94
6.
Kowloon-Canton Railway
1,297,940.29
1,044,900
1,782,287.74
3.91
3.45
4.85
7.
Rent of Government Property etc.
1,725,848.68
1,635,050
1,899,215.26
5.20
5.40
5.17
8.
Interest
92,560.15
96,000
104,750.87
.27
.32
28
9.
Miscellaneous Receipts
1,193,719.34
592,000
1,308,292.22
3.59
1.96
3.56
32,667,904.38
29,899,920
35,536,344.21
98.41
98.83
96.73
10. Land Sales (Premia on New Leases)....
528,463.72
355,000
1,199,510.47
1.59
1.17
3.27
33,196,368.10
30,254,920- 36,735,854.68
100.00
100.00
100.00
*
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 4.
THE PRINCIPAL INCREASES AND DECREASES IN REVENUE OVER THE AMOUNTS ESTIMATED WERE AS FOLLOWs :-
1.-DUTIES. Import Duty on Liquor
Estimated
Actual
Increase
Decrease
$
$ $
1,175,000 1,586,705.44 411,705.44
धन
$
,,
""
""
Motor Spirit Tobacco
Duty on Locally Manufactured Liquor
770,000 955,033.69 185,033.69 3,800,000 5,190,701.10 1,390,701.10 975,000 1,265,705.41 290,705.41
2.-PORT AND HARBOUR Dues.
Light Dues
530,000
402,358.63
3.-LICENCES AND INTERNAL REVENUE NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.
A.-Licences.
Boat
113,000
133,321.60 20,321.60
Liquor
Opium Monopoly
Vehicles Motor
300,000
Motor Drivers
47,000
""
320,000 335,664.30 15,664.30 275,000 345,090.64 70,090.64 340,370.20 40,370.20 64,100.25 17,100.25
Motor Special Licensing Fee
Foreign Registration
40,000
Wireless, Receiving
100,000
94,909.13
127,189.00
54,909.13
27,189.00
Explanatory Remarks
Greater consumption due to increase of population on account of Sino-Japanese War.
do.
do.
do.
127,641.37
Less tonnage clearing the Port.
Revision of fees and more native craft confined to waters of Colony.
More licences issued.
Increased consumption due to increased population.
More liecnces issued.
do.
More foreign vehicles imported. More licences issued.
A 17
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 4.-Contd.
THE PRINCIPAL INCREASES AND DECREASES IN REVENUE OVER THE AMOUNTS ESTIMATED WERE AS FOLLOWS
Estimated
Actual
Increase
Decrease
B.—Internal Revenue.
$
$
$
SA
Bets and Sweeps Tax
120,000
238,274.89
118,274.89
Entertainments Tax
225,000
320,027.86
95,027.86
Estate Duty
1,250,000 1,220,854.17
29,145.83
Stamp Duties
2,150,000 2,324,948.76 174,948.76
Water Excess Supply and Meter Rents
1,900,000 2,315,668.20
415,668.20
C.—Fines and Forfeitures.
Fines
Forfeitures
134,000
30,000
161,854.56
27,854.56
50,354.54 20,354.54
4. FEES OF COURT OR OFFICE, PAYMENTS FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES, AND REIMBURSEMENTS IN AID :-
Explanatory Remarks
Increased population.
do.
Overestimated.
Due to transfer of business from China. More metered services and increased con- sumption.
Increased population.
do.
A 18
A.-Fees.
1.
Air Services Fees
20,000
62,880.20
42,880.20
China Companies
210,000
166,571.51
43,428.49
Crown Leases
48,000
27,450.00
20,550.00
Medical Examination of Emigrants Sunday Cargo-working Permits
220,000
137,127.30
82,872.70
More aircraft using Air Port.
Fewer companies registered due to present situation in Shanghai.
Fewer Crown Leases issued.
Decline in emigration.
110,000
126,456.25 16,456.25
More permits issued.
B.-Receipts.
Fumigating and-Disinfecting Fees
14,500
35,645.09 21,145.09
Medical Treatment
Official Receiver's Commission
Slaughter Houses
110,000, 173,566.93 23,000 6,236.86 136,000 159,562.15
63,566.93
16,763.14
23,562.15
More disinfection and fumigation of ships. More patients.
No large insolvencies.
Increase in slaughtering trade.
Sand
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 4.-Contd.
THE PRINCIPAL INCREASES AND DECREASES IN REVENUE OVER THE AMOUNTS ESTIMATED WERE AS FOLLOWS:
D.-Sales.
5.-POST OFFICE.
Message Fees
6.—KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.
Estimated
Actual
Increase
Decrease
$F
$
$
$
90,000
148,865.25
58,865.25
665,000
126,901.82
MAIN LINE-
R1. Passenger Service, Passengers, Foreign Line
650,000
302,841.34
R1. Passenger Service, Passengers, Home Line
268,000
447,141.82 179,141.82
R3. Goods Service, Goods, Foreign Line. R4. Goods Service, Others, Foreign Line.
50,000
700
510,311.48
71,712.15
460,311.48
71,012.15
R7. Profits on Central Mechanical Works Home Line
200
58,505.43 58,305.43
R8. Rents, Home Line.
7,900
148,581.57 140,681.57
R9. Incidental Revenue, Foreign Line R.10 Auxiliary Operations, Foreign Line...
13,000
92,675.44 79,675.44 62,136.73 62,136.73
538,098.18
347,158.66
Explanatory Remarks
Increased building.
Commercial Services transferred to Cable and Wireless, Ltd.
The train service was considerably cur- tailed due to continuous bombing of Chinese Section.
Increase is caused by the influx of refugees from China.
Large quantities of cargo carried. Increase is due primarily to the running of 2,034 special goods trains.
Overhead charges in connection with re- pairs to rolling stock.
13 acres of space let on the Railway Reclamation at Hung Hom. Profit on exchange.
Haulage on 47,952 train miles on behalf of the Chinese Section.
A 19
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 4.-Contd.
THE PRINCIPAL INCREASES AND DECREASES IN REVENUE OVER THE AMOUNTS ESTIMATED WERE AS FOLLOWS:-
Explanatory Remarks
|
:
A 20
More buildings rented and some increase
in rents.
More permits issued for open storage.
More land sales and fewer arrears. New markets opened at Stanley and Wong Nei Chung.
Sale of Rescue Tug and equipment used in commercial radio business. Contractors' failure to carry out contract owing to conditions in China.
Casual.
Variable.
Traffic affected by large increase in popu- lation
Larger traffic receipts owing to the great increases in population.
do.
Previously held as Reserve Fund and now transferred to Revenue as a result of changes in accounting procedure. Profit on realization.
Increased demand for building sites for housing and industrial projects.
Estimated
Actual
Increase
Decrease
7.-RENT OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY
$
$
$
LAND AND HOUSES :-
Buildings
105,000 175,011.06 70,011.06
Lands not Leased (Permits for
Encroachment &c.)
250,000
373,185.69
123,185.69
Leased Lands (Crown Rent Exclusive of N.T.)
602,000
631,179.00 29,179.00
Markets
360,000
404,050.13 44,050.13
9.-MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS :-
Condemned Stores &c.
15,000
183,528.04 168,528.04
Conservancy Contracts
30,000
13,654.39
16,345.61
Overpayments in previous years
10,000
64,365.45 54,365.45
Other Miscellaneous Receipts
100,000
146,962.93 46,962.93
Royalty Payable by the China Motor Bus Co., Ltd.
110,000
Royalty Payable by the Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Co., Ltd.
...
Royalty Payable by the Kowloon Motor Bus Co., Ltd.
126,000
Repayment of Trade Loan and Interest
Realization of Sterling Fund
194,702.65 84,702.65 124,000 222,495.65 98,495.65 225,672.29 99,672.29 92,265.36 92,265.36
76,398.75 76,398.75
10.-LAND SALES :-
Premia on New Leases, Hong Kong
180,000
362,800.00 182,800.00
Kowloon
""
""
""
75,000
484,169.30 409,169.30
"
New Kowloon
70,000
327,802.84 257,802.84
do.
do.
MI!!
$
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HEADS DURI
to
REVENUE
க
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CHART SHOWING FLUCTUATIONS
OF REVENUE UNDER VARIOUS
HEADS DURING THE PAST TEN
YEARS
1929 - 1938.
REVENUE HEADL
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2
PORI AND HARBOUR
3
DUESI
LICENCES AND INTERNAL REVENUE NOT
OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.
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FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES LANDI
REIMBURSEMENTS IN ADI
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KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY
RENTI OF
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LAND AND HOUSESI
81 INTERESTI
MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPNS)
OLANDI SALES (PREMIA ON NEW LEASES)
YEAR
19291
13301
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132
[33]
134
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135
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1421
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[1929]
30
131
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THERWISE SPECIFIED
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FOST OFFICE
KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY,
YMENTS.
RENT KH GOVERNMENT PROPERTI
I AND AND HOUSES.I
BINTEREST
DE MISCELLANEOUS RECETENSI
KLAND SALES (PREMIALLON' NEW LEASES).
A 22
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 6.
IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE THE ACTUAL EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR 1938 IS COMPARED
WITH THE EXPENDITURE FOR THE PREVIOUS YEAR AND WITH THE ESTIMATES FOR 1938.
Heads of Expenditure.
Actual 1937
Estimates 1938
Actual 1938
$
C.
$
$
C.
H. E. the Governor
194,814.98
181,897
177,614.91
Colonial Secretary's Office and
Legislature
297,082.33
308,038
289,148.64
Secretariat for Chinese Affairs
130,757.37
146,094
141,520.94
Treasury
Audit Department
District Office, North
Do.,
Communications :---
301,692.79
322,901
311,370.12
121,973.02
125,443
115,934.51
75,107.19
75,788
69,799.63
South
48,189.50.
53,506
70,731.05
(a) Post Office
787,756.06
820,546
942,717.00
(b) Radio Traffic Office
181,934.17
183,065
80,768.13
(c) Wireless
279,929
211,020.71
Imports and Exports Office
458,006.78
496,314
457,669.38
Harbour Department :-
(a) Harbour
1,035,967.77
1,314,654
1,246,853.86
(b) Air Services
51.930.16
120,271
Royal Observatory
83,970.09
$94,003
Fire Brigade
328,892.56
378,786
Supreme Court
234,819.59
237,906
101,138.38 92,941.16 400,269.05 : 245,178.48
Attorney General's Office
79,864.88
88,043
86,472.01
Crown Solicitor's Office
57,718.06
66,945.
66,376.63
Official Receiver's Office
21,270.10
25,849
26,495.59
Land Office
67,992.54
74,011
70,456.05
Magistracy, Hong Kong
74,494.80
74,380
111,072.36
Do., Kowloon
Police Force
.51,766.36
51,457
68,049.36
3,109,696.18
3,307,395
3,289,490.32
Prisons Department
1,021,593.04
983,622
908,863.71
Medical Department
2,018,137.44
2,177,835
Sanitary Department
1,009,439.35
1,123,136
Botanical and Forestry Depart-
2,407,347.92 1,050,283.55
ment
132,193.47
139,579
Education Department
}
2,034,562.00
2,276,736
Kowloon-Canton Railway
831,129.04
832,346
Defence:-
· (a) Volunteer Defence Corps
153,373.62
161,932
(b) Naval Volunteer Force
-39,220.86
49,164
139,078.07 2,139,241.01 1,163.614.28
177,614.40 47,788.10
(c) Military Constribution
5,586,415.34
5,689,578
6,880,723.81
(d) Air Raid Precautions
50,000
104,501.04
Miscellaneous Services
1,628,719.69
1,752,435
3,040,662.53
Charitable Services ...
214,920.04
214,774
460,329.47
Charge on Account of Public Debt
1,371,230.98
1,351,631
1,351,631.00
Pensions
2,559,809.79
2,500,000
2,706,392.00
Public Works Department
2,436,112.31
2,371,510
Do., Recurrent
2,213,667.71
1,768,369.96 1,600,200
1,811,168.55
30,600,924.21 32,101,699
Do.,
35,275,995.42
Extraordinary
1,510,298.07
1,277,850
1,899,902.40
TOTAL.. $
32,111,222.28
33,379,549
37,175,897.82
- A 23
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 7.
DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE FOR 5 YEARS 1934-1938.
2.
Head.
Service.
தன்
1.
His Excellency the Governor
Colonial Secretary's Office and
Legislature
1934 1935 1936 1937
1938
%
%
%
.50
.51
.50
.61
.48
.91
.93
1.01
.93
.78
3.
Secretariat for Chinese Affairs ...
.46
.45
.47
.41
.38
4.
Treasury
.76
.73
.85
.94
.84
5.
Audit Department
.83
.32
.35
.38
.31
6-7.
District Offices
.35
.37
.42
.38
.38
8.
Post Office and Wireless
Telegraph Services
1.93
2.11
2.24
3.02
3.32
9.
Imports and Exports Office
1.17
1.15
1.45
1.43
1.23
10.
Harbour Department and Air
Services
3.30
3.61
3.77
3.39
3.63
11.
Royal Observatory
.19
.20
.24
.26
.25
12.
Fire Brigade
1.05
.94
.99
1.02
1.08
13-19. Legal Departments
1.76
1.60
1.81
1.83 1.81
20.
Police Force
9.01 8.61
9.60 9.68
8.85
21.
Prisons Department
2.66 2.64 3.00
3.18 2.44
22.
Medical Department
4.83
4.96 5.37
6.28
6.48
23.
Sanitary Department
3.38
3.26
3.15
3.14.
2.82
24. Botanical and Forestry Dept.
.41
.42
.42
.41
.37
25.
Education Department.
5.72
6.02
6.31
6.34 5.75
26.
Kowloon-Canton Railway
3.18
3.26 2.46
2.59 3.13
27.
Defence
16.76 17.34 15.08
18.00 19.40
28.
Miscellaneous Services
6.29 6.01 5.04
5.07 8.18
29.
Charitable Services
.53
.81
.62
.67
1.24
30.
Public Debt.
3.96
4.99 4.71
4.27
3.64
31.
Pensions
5.61
5.49 7.75
7.97
7.28
32.
Public Works Department
7.40
6.84 7.61 7.59
5.95
33. Public Works Recurrent
5.40
4.91 4.44 5.51 4.87
34.
Public Works Extraordinary Naval Arsenal Yard and Kellet
12.15
9.90 10.34 4.70 5.11
Island
1.62
Total....
100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
- A 24
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 8.
31% DOLLAR LOAN ACCOUNT. AUTHORIZED BY ORDINANCE No. 11 OF 1934.
STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AT 31ST DECEMBER, 1938.
Head.
Total Expenditure
up to 31st December, 1938.
Expended up to 31st December,
Expended
During 1938.
1937.
$
$
$
1. Aberdeen Valley Water
Scheme
2,555,702.78
2,555,702.78
2. Shing Mun Valley Water
Schemes:-
(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
8,650,454.49
13,465.46
8,663,919.95
(4) 2nd Cross Harbour
Pipe
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
3,857,087.25
55,884.16
3,912,971.41
5. Tytam Tuk Catchwaters
689,386.55
689,386.55
6. Air Port :-
(a) Aerodrome
20,485.92
20,485.92
(b) Airport and Sea Plane
Slipway
732,454.98 20,987.36
753,442.34
(c) Wireless Telegraph
Station
108,776.58 12,060.13
120,836.71
7. Redemption of 3% Ins-
cribed Stock
3,864,942.97
3,864,942.97
8. New Markets:
(a) Central Market
34,840.73 545,301.90
580,142.63
(b) Wholesale Market
185,638.18
14,873.15
/ 200,511.33
Total........ $ 24,123,484.30 662,572.16
24,786,056.46
—
A 25
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 9.
LOAN WORKS.
ADVANCES PENDING RE-IMBURSEMENT FROM PROPOSED NEW LOAN.
Works.
Expenditure
up to 31st December, 1938.
$
Head 1.-NEW MARKETS :- (a) Central Market
Head 2.-WATER WORKS :-
(a) Supply to Albany
80,541.18
(b) Supply to Peak Road
53,181.40
(c) Cross Harbour Pipes
581,801.12
(d) Rapid Gravity Filters Eastern
9,442.72
(e) Kowloon Chai Service Reservoir
22,780.80
(f) Supply Main to Kowloon Chai Service Reservoir.
1,854.95
(g) Distribution Island
19,247.25
(h) Distribution Mainland
44,588.25
(i) Shing Mun Valley Scheme Catchwater
253,895.39
(k) Tai Lam Chung Scheme Preliminary Works
10,000.00
Total...
$1,077,333.06
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 10.
STATEMENT OF TRADE LOANS AS AT 31ST DECEMBER, 1938.
Loans issued since 16th November, 1925,
November, 1925, on approved
securities
Less redemptions effected up to
31st December, 1937
1938
""
$15,633,582.97
$14,954,326.17 40,071.65
14,994,397.82
Less amount written off as irrecoverable
Loans outstanding on 31st December, 1938
Total number of Loans issued since 16.11.1925..........
Less number redeemed up to 31.12.38
302 300
Number of Loans outstanding on 31.12.38
2
639,185.15
420,413.73
$218,771.42
:
FINANCIAL RETURN No. 11.
STATEMENT OF FUNDED PUBLIC DEBT OR LOANS BORROWED FOR FIXED PERIODS OUTSTANDING ON THE 31ST DECEMBER, 1938, AND OF THE ACCUMULATED SINKING FUND AT THE SAME DATE.
A 26
Designation
of Debt or
Loan.
Legal
Authority.
Amount:
SINKING FUND.
Nominal Value.
Cost Price.
Market Value.
Outstanding.
Amount of Stocks, &c.
$
Hong Kong
4%
Conversion
Loan.
Ordinance
No. 15 of
1933.
4,838,000
British Guiana (1960)
3% Stock.
£ S. d.
19,009 9 9 2
£ s. d.
18,724 6 4
£
s. d.
*18,724 6 4
Commonwealth of
Australia (1950/52) ......34%
Funding Loan (1956/61) ...2%
5,000 0 0 0
12,975 10 9
"J
Northern Rhodesia (1950/70) 5%
Sierra Leone (1954)
3%
""
New Zealand (1949)
5%
>>
Kenya (1950)
4/12%
1,572 5 0
13,015 9 7
5,399 17 6
9,673 10 10
4,792 6 8
12,097 9 4
1,845 18 5
12,866 5 10
5,867 16 1
10,743 4 8
(911)
4,575 4,575
(863) 11,256 57
0 0.
(1101) 1,737 69
(921) 12,039 64
(98)
5,291 17 7
น
(1091)10,592 10 7
£66,646 2 10
£66,937 7 4
£64,216 13 2
Hong Kong
31%
Dollar Loan.
Ordinance
No. 11 of
1934.
11,760,000 | Repayable annually at the rate of 1/25th
of the total nominal value $14,000,000
of the bonds issued.
* No quotation.
- A 27
A.
ON INLAND REVENUE FOR THE YEAR 1938.
The four heads of Inland Revenue are Betting Duty, Entertainment Tax, Estate Duty and Stamp Duties.
After allowing for refunds, revenue for the years 1937 and 1938 amounted to :-
1937.
1938.
Betting Duty
133,047.67
238,274.89
Entertainment Tax
238,343.85
320,027.86
Estate Duty
1,383,251.40
1,220,854.17
Stamp Duties
2,130,186.38
2,324,948.76
$4,104,105.68
Totals......$3,884,829.30
There were no new enactments passed during the year affecting Inland Revenue.
As a result of the resolution of the Legislative Council dated 15th December, 1937, under the Betting Duty Ordinance, 1931, to change the rate of duties from a sliding scale to a fixed rate of 2% with effect from 1st April, 1938, the additional sum of $18,479.62 accrued to revenue.
There were no prosecutions or penalties under the Betting Duty or Entertainment Tax Ordinances during the year.
There were 213 convictions in connection with Stamp Duties, as compared with 118 during 1937. Fines imposed amounted to $6,096.00.
Penalties for late stamping inflicted by the Collector of Stamp Revenue during 1938 amounted to $640.80. Details are given below.
Agreements Receipts Promissory Notes
Partnership Instrument Power of Attorney Guarantees
$262.00
15.80
3.00
100.00
50.00
210.00
Total ......$640.80
The Estate Duty Commissioner imposed penalties amounting to $7,693.35 during 1938, as compared with $6,284.20 during 1937.
One appeal, under Section 16 of the Estate Duty Ordinance, was heard by the Governor-in-Council during 1938. A remission of the penal duties claimed by the Estate Duty Commissioner under Section 12 was allowed.
An Assistant Crown Solicitor, Mr. W. A. Jones was seconded to the Treasury departments in October 1938. His main function during the remainder of the year was to advise on legal questions connected with the Estate Duty and Stamp Duty Ordinances. In November 1938 Mr. Jones was appointed Deputy Estate Duty Commissioner and Assistant Collector of Stamp Revenue.
Statistical summaries of Stamp Duty and Estate Duty receipts are shewn in the appendices to this report.
C. BRAMALL BURGESS, Superintendent of Inland Revenue.
13th February, 1939.
A 28
STAMP DUTIES STATISTICS.
CLASSIFICATION.
1937.
1938.
*Charter Parties
16,271.65
Share Contract Notes
43,544.00
47,052.25
Share Transfers
121,154.45
107,511.75
Insurance Policies
71,910.65
77,791.45
Bills of Lading
96,381.55
93,007.00
Certificates to Practise
16,700.00
18,200.00
Promissory Notes
13,900.25
12,922.70
Dividend Warrants
2,317.60
3,584.20
Cheques
108,600.85
121,809.50
Registrar of Companies, Shanghai
1,480.00
988.99
Bank-note Duty
724,494.43
729,357.57
Bills of Exchange
275,982.30
314,035.20
Receipt Stamps
Legal Documents
366,252.00
401,904.00
284,507.25
379,926.65
Other Documents
2,961.05
585.85
Totals
$2,130,186.38
$2,324,948.76
*No statistics kept prior to 1938.
Allowances.
Gross Estate.
Classification
A 29
ESTATE DUTY STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR 1938.
Note. FIGURES IN BRACKETS RELATE TO THE YEAR 1937.
Estates under $200,000. Pre- sumed origin of deceased, British
Isles.
Estates under $200,000. Pre- sumed origin of deceased, China.
502,148.99
Estates under $200,000. Pre- sumed origin of deceased, Other.
Estates over $200,000. All races.
Total.
Bank deposits
436,951.60
(165,665.39)
(675,937.15)
89,560.48 (40,952.87)
421,165.59 (147,687.47)
1,449,826.66 (1,030,242.88)
Business deposits
5,509.28
211,647.63
4,833.42
10,075.00
232,065.33
(3,061.64)
(29,310.97)
(36,015.72)
(300.00)
(68,688.33)
Money out on
82,045.07
170,247.70
1,032,942.98
1,285,235.75
mortgage of land
-)
(140,030.41)
(88,463.15)
(228,493.56)
Other debts due to deceased
48,633.94
*-1,296.00
47,337.94
(1,686.00)
(115,238.87)
(1,166.00)
(93,972.57)
(212,063.44)
Shares quoted on Stock exchange
1,584,810.25
528,560.74
267,457.09
3,254,288.26
5,635,116.34
(2,575,694.14)
(615,159.69)
(361,425.63)
(2,099,182.25)
(5,651,461.71)
37,907.90
Other Shares
827,159.28
(93,909.29)
(457,372.01)
13,945.16 (13,183.41)
997,535.00
1,876,547.34
(424,936.13)
(989,400.84)
Life Insurance
*-15,227.27
147,875.39
150,332.35
1.7.684.23
(114,498,52)
(259,798.49)
(41,096.15)
(780.00)
(416,173.16)
Immovable
43,400.00
2,319,797.85
29,150.00
property
(3,360.00)
(2,393,625.01)
(108,494.73)
827,219.08 (5,174,397.42)
3,219,566.93
(7,679,877.16)
Other property
62,150.26
236,278.74
26,909.06
914,457.97
1,239,796.03.
(202,613.70)
(141,788.31)
(95,732.08)
(28,416.98)
(468,551.07)
2,237,547.09
Gross Estates
4,992,350.26
449,539.44
7,456,387.88
(3,160,488.68)
(4,828,260.91)
(698,066.59)
(8,058,135.97)
15,135,824.67 (16,744,952.15)
9,551.01
Mortgage debts
451,545.22
-)
(432,043.01)
(11,039.03)
(5,281.98)
461,096.23 (448,364.02)
Other debts
23,481.44 (194,546,23)
475,458.55
(777,844.36)
54,260.65 (16,972.75)
200,289.47 (572,384.25)
753,490.11 (1,561,747.59)
Funeral expenses
4,352.33 (4,891.11)
43,753.60
(35,329.05)
1,775.00 (2,528.00)
3,882.00 (2,389.00)
53,762.93 (45,137.16)
Net estates as finally assessed by Commissioner
2,200,162.31
4,021,592.89
(2,961,051.34)
(3,583,044.49)
393.503.79 (667,526.81)
7,252,216.41 (7,478,080.74)
13,867,475.40 (14,689,703.38)
Net estates as originally sworn
2,193,476.34
(2,945,046.24)
3,656,610.09 (3,389,919.50)
385,795.16 (687,987:73)
7,204,789.54 (7,138,082.95)
13,440,671.13 (14,161,036.42)
Revenue
104,842.28 (142,599.28)
171,124.57 (136,325.41)
16,558.19 (30,161.55)
928,329.13 (1,074,165.16)
1,220,854.17 (1,383,251.40)
Number of estates (male)
62
311
27
(81)
(320)
(31)
10 (12)
410 (444)
Number of estates
(female)
22
66
6
3
(28)
(68)
(6)
(2)
97 (104)
Number of cases
19
224
16
6
265
where deceased
died in Colony
(20)
(177)
(14)
(3)
(214)
*Refunds in respect of previous years exceeded receipts.
A 30
A.
REPORT OF THE ASSESSOR FOR THE YEAR 1938.
1. The total Rateable Value of the Island of Hong Kong (including Aplichau), Kowloon and New Kowloon on the 31st December 1938 was $36,120,381 as compared with $34,700,389 on the 31st December 1937, representing an increase of $1,419,992 or 4.09% during the year under review.
2. The following table shows the distribution of the Assessments on December 31st 1938:-
District.
Valuation on 31. 12. 38.
City of Victoria
H. K. Villages
Kowloon
New Kowloon
Total
...
$
21,591,151
3,868,149
8,326,660
2,334,421
36,120,381
3. During the year under review the net revenue from rates was $5,987,126.31 as compared with $5,914,066.49 the previous year, an increase of $73,059.82. The refunds of rates in respect of vacant tenements, assessments cancelled, and tenements not rateable amounted to $52,788.39, compared with $128,138.69 in 1937, a decrease of $75,350.30, which figure, however, cannot be directly com- pared 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 29th April 1938, 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 $1,293,888 or 3.78% over the Rateable Value obtained by the re-valuation made in 1937.
The details being as follows:-
District
City of Victoria
H. K. Villages
Kowloon
New Kowloon
Total
Valuation Valuation 1937-1938 1938-1939
Increase
Increase
%
$
$
$
20,804,547 21,346,621
542,074 2.61
3,572,778 3,828,927 256,149 7.17
7,704,446 8,118,336
413,890 5.37
2,126,963 2,208,738
81,775 3.84
34,208,734
35,502,622
1,293,888 8.78
Observations with regard to these increases were given in last year's Annual
Report.
A
- A 31
5. The number of floors reported and found vacant during the year averaged 120 per month compared with 1,373 per month last year, while the number of all classes of tenements each under one assessment reported and found vacant averaged 117 per month compared with 618 per month last year. Thus the total vacancies averaged 237 per month compared with 1,991 per month last year. (For December 1938 the total number of tenements and floors found vacant was 95 compared with 870 for December the previous year, (See graph No. 1). The reduction was due to the great influx of refugees from China.
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 1,405 made up as follows:-
City of Victoria
Rest of Colony
:
Rateable
Rateable
No.
Value
No.
Value
$
$
New or rebuilt tenements and
tenements structurally altered
440
987,174
532
640,026
Assessment cancelled, tenements
resumed, pulled down or being in other respects not rateable
176
607,683
257
252,775
Number and Increase
616
379,491
789
387,251
(See graph No. 2).
8. There was one prosecution during the year, the case being one in which a false return had been given in the Form 1. The defendant was found guilty and a fine of $500 was imposed.
9. The following table shows a comparison of the total assessments for the years 1928-1929 to 1938-1939 and at the 31st December 1937 and the 31st December 1938:-
Year
Rateable Value
As compared with previous year
Increase Decrease
Increase Decrease
%
%
1928-1929 1929 - 1930
30,395,447
1930-1931
1931 - 1932
31,617,566 1,222,119 33,069,602 1,452,036 35,071,566 2,001,964
4.02
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
31st Dec. 1937
34,700,389
31st Dec. 1938
36,120,381
1,419,992
4.09
(See graph No. 2).
A 32
VÄRTATION OR VADANT TONSMONTS
INTEROM
VALUATIONS
500000L ?
NI
RATIBABUE
117
אן
树
(A) VARIATION OF THE KATEABLE VALUE OF
(B) VARIATION OF INTERIM VALUATIONS
1828-1939
1939-1930.
11930-1931
121-122.
1932-1933]
A 33
HIMA
INTERLIM
ONS
व
RAID ABUEL MALUDI
IN
35
A 33
2. SHOW
(A) VARIATION OF THE RATEABLE VALUE OF THE COLONY
(B) VARIATION OF INTERIM VALUATIONS
30.1
1928 1929
1929-1930
1220=1931
121 122.
1932-19331
1933-1934
7934 1935
YEAR
I
1
AP
4
CONTENTS.
A. Manner in which the Accounts have been kept and Rendered
Closing of accounts
Matters commented on in report
Rendering of statements
Simplification of accounts.
Misallocations
Queries
Recoveries due to Audit
B. Sufficiency of Existing Checks Against Fraud
Adequacy of regulations
Annual Boards of Survey
Internal Checks
Securities furnished by Public Officers
Control of receipt books, Receipt book registers
Paragraph:
2---15
2
N CO
3
4---5
6--7
8
9-12, 15
13--14
16-31
16
17
18-19
20--22
23-24
Receipt Forms-reduction of number in use
Private cash in Government safes
Magistrate's Accounts
25--26
27
28
Passport Office
Prisons accounts
Frauds
C. Annual Abstract Account
Receipts Payments
D. Authorities for Expenditure 1938
Recurrent
Estimates
Appropriation Ordinance
Schedules of additional provision.
29
30
31
32-38
32-34
35-38
39-51
39--42
39
40
41
Supplementary Appropriation Ordinance
42
31% Dollar Loan-1934
43--47
Estimates
43
Revisions of estimates
44
Transfers in Schedule
45
Excess of expenditure
46
1937 Transfers in Schedule
47
Estimates
Actual expenditure during 1938
Proposed New Loan-Expenditure on works to be met from
Excess of expenditure
E. Authorities for Expenditure 1937
48-50
48
49
50
51
ii
CONTENTS,-Contd.
F. Collection of Revenue
Efficacy of Systems
Audit of assessments
Registration of Foreign Cars
School Fees
Paragraph:
52-72 52-53
54
Ambulance Fees
Entertainment Tax
Arrears of Revenue
Royalties payable by Transport Companies
Exchange profits on Money Order transactions
Writing off Revenue-Authorities for
-General
-Court Fees
"Writes off" of Revenue
G. Expenditure
Control over expenditure
Special Warrants
Awards of Pensions and Gratuities.
55
56-57
58
59-60
61
62-63
64-67
68
69-70
71
72
73-84
73
74-75
76
Emergency Expenditure
77
Grants in aid to Hospitals
78-80
Military Contribution ...
81
Losses of public money due to fraud
82
Losses due to irrecoverable advances Trade Loan-"Write off"
83
84
H. Loan Accounts
Public Debt Sinking Fund
Outstanding Loan
Interest Payments
85-88
85
86
87
88
I.
Statement of Assets & Liabilities
89-111
Excess of Assets over Liabilities
Assets
89
90--102
A
Cash
90
Verification of Cash balances etc.
91
Advances Miscellaneous
92-95
-Pending Reimbursement from Loans
96
Suspense Account
97
Building Loans & Unallocated Stores
98-99
Trade Loan Outstanding
.100
Subsidiary Coin, Note Issue & Nickel Coinage Accounts Revaluation of Nickel Coinage Investments
101
.102
Liabilities
Deposits
Reconciliation of deposit accounts
Transfers of deposits to revenue 1938
Transfers of deposits to revenue 1939
Praya East Reclamation
Exchange Adjustment
King George V. Memorial Fund
Investments+ Education Department, Scholarship Accounts ...111
.103-107
...104, 107
..105
.106
.108
.109
110
iii
CONTENTS,—Contd.
Paragraph:
....112--135
J.
Stores Accounts
Losses and depreciation of stores
Losses of stores due to theft
Manner in which the accounts have been kept
Shing Mun Stores-disposal of
Petrol Sales
Government Motor Vehicles
Government Motor Vehicles-use of by officers in receipt of
Conveyance Allowances
Boards of Survey on Stores
Surveys of Plant & Office Furniture
...112
.113
.114-115
.116-117
118
.119
.120
..121
..122
Medical Stores
Central Stores (Unallocated)
.123 ....124-—134
Central Stores-Maximum balance of
.124
-Reconciliation Statement
.125
-Board of Survey on -General
.1.26
.127--134
Kowloon-Canton Railway (Unallocated)
.135
K. General
.136--150
Exchange Fund Accounts
.136--137
Currency Accounts
.138
Currency Rules
.139
China Companies Fees
140-142
Accounting procedure re drawbacks & refunds
.143
Wireless Services
144
Specimen Stamps
.145
Programme of Work
.146--147
Local Audit Inspections & Surprise Surveys
..148
Continuous Audits of Departments
.149
Audit Report 1937
.150
L.
Kowloon-Canton Railway
151--155
General observations
Tools & Plant records
M. Outstanding Questions
1937 Accounts-Estate Duty
151--154
.155
.156-157
156
1938 Accounts
.157
N. Staff
158-159
ppendix "A"
Appendix A (2).
REPORT TO THE DIRECTOR OF COLONIAL AUDIT ON THE AUDIT OF THE ACCOUNTS OF HONG KONG FOR THE YEAR 1938.
1. The accounts of the Colony of Hong Kong for the year ended 31st December, 1938, 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 submitted for audit promptly and were satisfactorily kept and rendered. The accounts of the Colony were closed on 31st January, 1939, which early closing cannot but be regarded as highly satisfactory, and a reflection of efficiency in the Accountant- General's Department.
3. In considering this report it should be borne in mind that only a small percentage of the financial matters covered by audit required to be commented on. Any criticisms made must not therefore be construed as conveying a general reflection on the administration of public expenditure which, in the opinion of the Auditor, continues to maintain a high standard.
4. The annual statements prepared by the Accountant-General were promptly rendered. The draft Appropriation Account, (detailed Statement of Expenditure) was submitted for audit on 1st May, 1939.
5. Reconciliation Statements of Unallocated Stores accounts, analyses of deposit accounts etc., which are prepared by other Departments, were usually received later than the Treasury statements.
Simplification of accounts.
6. From time to time during the year suggestions were made by Audit with a view to simplifying the accounting procedure employed in various Government Departments, which in numbers of instances seemed unnecessarily laborious and cumbersome. It may be of interest to observe that according to paragraph 80 of the Audit Report for the year 1930 my predecessor held much the same view.
7. The proposals, which affected the revenue accounts of a number of Govern- ment Departments, and more particularly those of the Police Department, as well as Stores accounts (referred to in paragraph 114 of this report) were generally agreed to and adopted.
Misallocations and errors of classification discovered too late for adjustment.
S. Twenty one misallocations affecting sub-heads of revenue, and seven misallocations of expenditure were disclosed by Audit. Six of the former were discovered too late for adjustment and are shown in Appendix "A" to this report.
A (2) 2
Appendix "B"
Queries.
9. Two hundred and eighty one queries were raised on the 1938 accounts, of which 122 related to Expenditure and 159 to Revenue.
10. The total represents an increase of 129 over the total number of queries raised on the 1937 accounts. This however does not imply that the standard of accounting has deteriorated, but is attributable mainly to more intensive audit examination of subsidiary accounts and records.
11. Seventeen queries remain unsettled at the date of this report. Details of these are given in Appendix "B.”
• 12.
year.
There are no unsettled queries relating to the accounts of the previous
13. A sum of $820.01 was recovered in respect of undercollections of revenue and overpayments of expenditure, which were brought to notice by means of Audit queries, and in addition recoveries totalling $459.93 were effected as a result of Audit submissions.
14. Details of the more important recoveries effected are :—
15.
Query 6E Overpayment of salary
$274.57
Query 32E Double refund of Import duty
60.00
Query 57R Undercollection of Railway freight
100.00
Audit Submission Overpayment of salary
£20.0.0.
Audit Queries have been replied to promptly and in a satisfactory manner.
B. SUFFICIENCY OF EXISTING CHECKS AGAINST FRAUD.
16. Subject to the comments contained in this report, and as far as has been ascertained, the existing regulations and accounting instructions, if conscientiously applied, appear to afford adequate protection against fraud.
17. In accordance with Colonial Regulation 300 Boards of Survey, appointed by the Governor, examined the cash, bank balances and stamps in the hands of the Accountant-General and at the more important offices in the Colony. The reports of these Boards were satisfactory.
18. The internal check in the Accountant-General's office continued to be satis- factory, and vouchers included in the accounts bore signs of scrutiny and check.
19. With certain exceptions, which have been specially brought to notice by Audit, departmental supervision was found to be satisfactory and Heads of Depart- ments appear to realize their financial res ponsibilities.
A (2) 3
Securities Furnished by Public Officers.
20. The securities provided by Public officers in respect of the pecuniary responsibility attached to their offices in accordance with General Order No. 364, (Colonial Regulation No. 301) and Colonial Audit Department Instruction No. 65, were inspected.
21. A few points of detail in connection with these securities were taken up and are under consideration. As it was considered that the securities provided by certain Post Office Shroffs were insufficient to cover the full extent of their respon- sibilities, steps were taken to equalise the value of securities furnished with the full amount of the imprests issued to them.
22. The question as to the provision of security by all officers who are entrusted with Government Stores was raised by Audit, and the matter is now
consideration.
now under
Control of receipt books. Departmental Receipt book registers.
23. As considerable diversity in the manner in which departments maintained their records relating to receipt books had been observed, and as in a number of instances the registers kept were considered unsuitable, it was suggested that a standard form of receipt book register should be introduced and distributed to all holders of receipt books or licence discs. This has now been done, and full instructions concerning the methods of keeping the registers and the use and custody of receipt books etc. were printed in the Registers. These instructions received the approval of Government.
Accountant-General's Receipt book registers.
24. Certain small points of detail were also taken up in regard to the Registers kept by the Accountant-General and appropriate action was taken. From these registers it was observed that used and audited books were not always being returned promptly by Departments. On the matter being brought to notice, a "Treasury' circular was issued calling attention to these delays. Since the intro- duction of more suitable departmental registers, in which used books are signed off by Audit officers as examined, the importance from an audit standpoint of the return of used books to the Account-General, has diminished considerably.
Receipt Forms.
25. The number of special types of receipt forms in existence appears excessive, and the view was expressed by Audit that an endeavour should be made to effect a reduction by amalgamating certain of them, or where possible by utilizing general receipt forms in lieu. The difficulty in Hong Kong, as elsewhere, is that a large percentage of the forms in use are statutory ones and therefore cannot be dispensed with without legal formality.
26. The whole question of the reduction of the number of receipt forms, as well as of printed forms, in use by Government departments, both for financial and administrative purposes, is being thoroughly enquired into by a Committee appointed by Government and gratifying progress has been made.
A (2) 4
P
Private cash in Government safes.
27.
Audit surveys frequently revealed the presence of private money in Government safes, contrary to Colonial Regulation No. 296. On representation to Government a general Circular was issued warning officers against this practice, and pointing out that it may result in any private cash found in such circumstances being taken on charge as Government property.
Magistrates' Accounts.
28. The existing system of accounting in the Magistrates' offices was considered by Audit to be unsatisfactory, and various suggestions were made to improve it. In order to facilitate check, steps were also taken to establish a system of connecting references between receipts issued and case files. After a certain amount of correspondence the suggestions were agreed to, and were put into force early in the current year.
Passport Office.
29. The records maintained in connection with revenue derived from the issue of Passports and Visas did not provide sufficient safeguard against fraud. As a result of representations special registers have now been brought into use, in which particulars of all transactions are recorded. With a view to facilitating check a system of cross reference between receipts issued, application forms, and registers has also been introduced.
Prison Accounts.
30. Certain improvements to provide for more effective control by means of records to be maintained in respect of jobs done for private individuals, and also on behalf of Government Departments, were suggested by the Audit Department. These have been adopted.
Frauds.
31. The following cases of fraud, other than those reported under the heading "Losses of Public Money" (paragraph 82) came to notice during the
year:
(a) A Shroff failed to issue a receipt for a sum of money received by him, and misappropriated the latter. He was dismissed for this and also for another irregularity. No loss fell upon Government.
(b) An Audit surprise inspection of a Government institution disclosed a cash shortage of $184.00. The deficiency was made good, and disciplinary action was taken against the person responsible.
The
(c) Another shroff failed to issue a receipt for, and bring to account, a sum
of $405.00 received by him which was payable to Government. money was later refunded and he was dismissed the service.
A (2) 5
C. ANNUAL ABSTRACT ACCOUNT.
Receipts.
32. The total revenue for the year 1938 including Land Sales was $36,735,854 Compared with an estimated amount of ...
Thereby exceeding the Estimates by
$30,254,920
$ 6,480,934
33. The main variations, as compared with the Estimates, occur under the following Heads :---
More than Less than
Head.
Estimated.
Estimated.
Duties
$2,285,121
Port and Harbour Duties
$122,460
Licences & Internal Revenue
1,094,120
Fees of Court
172,067
Post Office
480,978
Kowloon-Canton Railway
737,387
Rent of Government Property
264,165
Miscellaneous Receipts
716,292
844,510
Land Sales (Premia on new Leases)
34. The actual revenue for the year 1938 exceeded that of the previous year by $3,539,486.
Payments.
35.
The expenditure for the year 1938, including military Contri- bution was
while the Estimates provided for
Thereby exceeding the Estimates by
$37,175,898 33,379,549
$ 3,796,349
36. Savings, as compared with the Estimates, occurred under 22 Heads, while the estimated provision was exceeded under 17 Heads, the more important of the latter being :-
Head.
Medical Department Kowloon-Canton Railway
Defence-
(c) Military Contribution
Miscellaneous Services
Charitable Services
Pensions
P. W. D. Recurrent
P. W. D. Extraordinary
More than Estimated.
$ 229,513 331,268
1,191,145
1,288,227
245,555
206,392
210,968
622,052
Ă (2) 6
Note: "Miscellaneous Services" includes the balances of the under- mentioned accounts which have been transferred to Expenditure:-
Building Loans
Unallocated Stores K. C. R.
Unallocated Stores--Central Stores
$ 312,641.93
147,952.06
743,020.01
Total....
$1,203,614.00
In this connection reference should also be made to paragraphs 38, 98 and 99.
37. 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).
38. The actual expenditure for 1938 exceeded that of the previous year by $5,064,675, but as noted above $1,203,614 of this increase was caused by the transfer of the balances of the Building Loan and Unallocated Stores accounts to Expenditure.
39.
D. AUTHORITIES FOR EXPENDITURE 1938.
Details of the various authorities obtained to cover the expenditure for the year 1938 are given below:
Estimates ($33,379,549).
(a) The expenditure of a sum of $26,338,340 representing the probable requirements of the Colony for the year 1938, but excluding an estimated contribution of $5,689,578 to the Imperial Government in aid of Military expenditure, and the estimated charges on account of Public Debt ($1,351,631), was authorized by the Legislature on 20th October, 1937, (Hansard 1937 pps. 136-148).
(b) General Warrant signed by Governor-3rd January, 1938.
(c) Estimates approved by Secretary of State vide his telegram No. 281 of 24th December, 1937, confirmed by Despatch No. 7 of 12th January, 1938.
Appropriation Ordinance No. 23 of 1937.
40. Legalized the expenditure of $26,338,340 on the Public Services of the Colony for the year 1938. This, as usual, excluded estimated expenditure on account of Military Contribution and charges on account of the Public Debt. Details of the authorities obtained are as follows:-
(a) Passed by Legislative Council--20th October, 1937.
(b) Notice of Non-disallowance published in Government Notice No. 945
in Official Gazette dated 31st December, 1937.
Schedules of additional provision.
A (2) 7
41. (a) First Quarter ($365,653). Financial Messages 1 & 2.
Items 1-29. Approved by the Secretary of State vide despatch No. 282 of 6th September, 1938.
(b) Second Quarter. ($833,673). Financial Messages 3 to 5. Items 30-92. Approved by the Secretary of State vide despatch No. 394 of 11th November, 1938.
(c) Third Quarter. ($1,392,058). Financial Messages 6-8. Items 93-168. Approved by the Secretary of State vide despatch No. 19 of 13th January, 1939.
(d) Fourth Quarter. ($1,577,997). Financial Messages 9-11. Items 169-306. Approved by the Secretary of State vide despatch No. 136 of 27th April, 1939.
(e) Supplementary.
($1,261,126). Financial Message No. 1 of 1939 Items 307-330. The Secretary of State's approval has not yet been received.
(ƒ) All items included in the Financial Messages referred to above were covered by Special Warrants and received the sanction of the Legislature.
Supplementary Appropriation Ordinance No. 15 of 1939.
42. (a) ($3,426,243.48) covering net excesses on Heads of Expenditure,
was passed by the Legislature on the 25th May, 1939.
(b) Notice of non-disallowance has not yet been received from the
Secretary of State.
Loan Expenditure-3 Dollar Loan 1934. (Ordinance No. 11 of 1934).
43. The total net expenditure incurred during 1938 which is chargeable to this loan is $662,572.16.
(1) Estimates ($815,577.21).
(a) Approved by the Legislature on 29th September, 1937. (Hansard
1937 p.105).
(b) Sanctioned by the Secretary of State vide Telegram No. 280 of 24th
December, 1937.
44. (2) The following revisions of the Estimated Expenditure for 1938 were subsequently approved. (a) First Revision ($915,577.21)-Resolution of Legislature of 7th July, 1938. (Hansard 1938 p.58). Sanctioned by Secretary of State vide despatch No. 279 of 2nd September, 1938.
(b) Second Revision ($735,746.77)-Resolution of Legislature of 10th November, 1938. (Hansard 1938 p.176). Sanctioned by Secretary of State vide Telegram No. 2 of 6th January, 1939.
A (2) 8
45. (3) Since the date of the previous Audit Report Transfers in the Schedule, in accordance with Section 3 (2) of the Ordinance, were made on the following occasions.
(a) First Revision-Approved by Legislature 10th November, 1938 (Hansard 1938 pps. 175-176). Sanctioned by Secretary of State vide Telegram No. 2 of 6th January, 1939.
(b) Second Revision-Approved by Legislature 22nd December, 1938 (Hansard 1938 p.195). Not yet sanctioned by Secretary of State. Reported vide Hong Kong despatch No. 343 of 16th May, 1939.
46. From Enclosure No. 12A to this Report it will be observed that the total expenditure on the Shing Mun Valley Water Scheme as at the 31st December, 1938, exceeded by $915.95 the total sum authorised to be expended on that head, according to the last revision of the Schedule. This excess was of a temporary nature only and was due to the fact that certain adjustments in respect of transfers of plant to other Government departments were not passed through the accounts until January of the following year.
Loan Expenditure 1937-Transfers in Schedule to Ordinance.
47. With reference to paragraph 26(3) of the 1937 Audit Report the sanction of the Secretary of State has now been obtained for the revision referred to, vide despatch No. 279 of 2nd September, 1938.
Expenditure on additional works to be charged to a proposed new loan.
48. Resolutions approving the expenditure, during the year 1938, of sums 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) $1,781,000-29th September, 1937 (Hansard 1937 pps. 105-106). Sanctioned by Secretary of State vide Telegram No. 280 of 24th December, 1937.
(b) Revised to $1,221,000—10th November, 1938 (Hansard 1938 pps. 176-177). Sanctioned by Secretary of State vide Telegram No. 2 of 6th January, 1939.
49. The actual expenditure incurred on these works during the year 1938 was $1,020,549.76.
50. The detailed statement of expenditure for the year 1938 chargeable to the proposed New Loan, which appears as Enclosure No. 13B, records excesses of expenditure as compared with the amounts voted for the year under the following sub-heads :-
A (2) 9
Head 2 Waterworks.
Item.
Expenditure authorized
for 1938.
Actual Expenditure.
Excess.
$
$
$
(d) Rapid Gravity Filters
1,000
9,442.72
8,442.72
(f) Supply Main to Kowloon
Chai Service Reservoir
Nil
1,854.95
1,854.95
(h) Distribution Mainland
25,000
40,366.34
15,366.34
It is understood that the sanction of the Legislature will be sought to cover this expenditure at an early date.
i
E. AUTHORITIES FOR EXPENDITURE 1937.
51. The following authorities, for expenditure other than Loan which were outstanding at the date of the Audit Annual Report on the 1937 accounts, have since been obtained.
(a) Quarterly Return of Additional Provision.
4th Quarter (Supplementary) Financial Messages 1-2. Items 177-205. This was approved by the Secretary of State vide his despatch No. 834 of 20th July, 1938.
(b) Supplementary Appropriation Ordinance (No. 7 of 1938).
Notice of non-disallowance was published vide Government Notice No. 754 in Official Gazette dated 27th September, 1938.
F. COLLECTION OF REVENUE.
52. Subject to the observations contained in this report the systems employed for the collection of revenue continued to prove satisfactory, and moneys becoming due to Government were promptly and efficiently collected.
53. The bulk of the revenue of the Colony is received at the Accountant- General's department where, judging by results, the system of collection is efficient, as the following particulars will illustrate.
The total number of assessments in respect of rates for the 4th Quarter of the year 1938 was 31,702. On the 3rd of January, 1939, 67 only of the above accounts remained unpaid viz.
Hong Kong Kowloon
43 items representing 24 items
$1,908.93
799.27
67
$2,708.20
On 27th January, 1939, only 1 item of $15.30 was outstanding, and this was paid on the 7th March.
Audit of Assessments.
- A (2) 10
54. In accordance with revised Colonial Audit Department Instructions, Audit of the accounts of revenue derived from taxation has now been extended to include an examination of assessments.
Police Department-Registration of Foreign Cars.
55. Owing to the non-retention by the Police Department of Invoices relating to the importation of foreign cars there were no means whereby Audit officers could verify the values stated in the Police records on which the fees payable were calculated. This was considered unsatisfactory, and Audit requested that in future Importers should be required to lodge a copy of the Suppliers' Invoices with the Police Department, which would enable these documents to be utilised as a basis of check. This is now being done.
Education Department-School Fees.
56. The absence of certified particulars in the School fees registers, giving the reasons for the non-collection of fees, was brought to notice.
The necessary information is now being inserted in all cases where, for one reason or another, revenue ceases to become payable.
57. It was observed that Scholastic fees were not always being collected in advance. As a result of Audit representations it was arranged that this should be done in future, and that any arrears should be shown in the Monthly Statement of Outstanding Fees.
Police Department-Ambulance Fees.
58. At the request of Audit certain changes were made to improve control, to facilitate the collection of these fees at Police Headquarters, and also to enable a more satisfactory check on this revenue to be maintained by the Audit Department.
Entertainment Tax-(Ordinance No. 28 of 1930).
59. Revenue obtained from this source is in the case of Theatres collected in arrears, and is based on returns rendered to the Accountant-General by the proprietors. These returns are checked by the former as regards arithmetical accuracy, and are further subject to certain verifications by a Police officer attached to the Accountant-General's Department with the records etc. maintained at the various places of entertainment.
60. In other cases printed tickets registered by Government are utilized. Payment of tax in respect of these is made in advance, subject to adjustment being made later on account of unused tickets.
Royalties payable by Transport Companies.
61. With reference to paragraph 34 of the Audit Report on the 1937 accounts, it has been reported that the necessary books are being produced for inspection, and that clean certificates are now being obtained from the Auditors.
Appendix "C"
A (2) 11
Post Office-Exchange profits on Money Order transactions.
""
62. Profits arising from exchange on Money Order transactions have hitherto been credited to Head 5 Post Office, sub-head "Postage.' It was however pointed out by Audit that this allocation was inappropriate, but as no suitable sub-head existed, a new sub-head should be opened as prescribed by Colonial Regulation 216.
63. The Financial Secretary held the opinion that this form of revenue was more analogous to the sub-head "Commission on Money and Postal Orders" than to the sub-head "Postage," and agreed to alter the title of the former in the 1940 Estimates, to read "Money and Postal Orders commission etc." Any revenue accruing from this source would therefore in future be allocated to it. The revenue sub-head "Postage" in the 1938 accounts includes the sum of $16,918.63, which represents the profits on exchange on the 1937 transactions on Money Order Account.
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Arrears of Revenue.
64. According to the returns rendered by Departments the total arrears of revenue, as at 31st December, 1938 amounted to $242,871.58. Of these arrears $200,138.93 was collected by the 31st March, 1939, leaving a balance of $42,732.65, of which $304.77 was written off as irrecoverable, and $39,002.33 cancelled.
65. Of the latter sum $36,000 was in respect of a Demand Note for premium on Land Sales. The sale by public auction was held in October, 1938, but by reason of the purchaser defaulting it was not completed. The conditions of sale were not immediately enforced, but in January 1939 the sale was cancelled and the deposit estreated.
66. The previous year's figures of arrears of revenue were:-
Outstanding at 31/12/37
Collected by 31/3/38
Outstanding at 31/3/38
$302,635.71 291,550.22
$ 11,085.49
67. A detailed statement, showing the arrears of each class of revenue as at 31st December, 1938, and on the 31st March, 1939 respectively, appears as Appendix C. to this report.
"Writing off" Revenue, Authorities for. Hospital Fees.
68. With reference to paragraph 39 of the 1937 Audit Annual Report the Secretary of State has approved of the Director of Medical Services being authorised to remit hospital fees, subject to a limit of $200 in each case, provided that remission is made by him on compassionate grounds only. In all other cases the authority of the Financial Secretary will be necessary.
>
General.
A (2) 12
69. Government has also agreed to a suggestion made by the Secretary of State, that the power of remission formerly possessed by the Colonial Treasurer (i.e. of items not exceeding $50 in each case) should now be vested in the Financial Secretary, and not in the Accountant-General. General Order No. 296(2) will no doubt shortly be amended to accord with this ruling.
70. In the case of refunds of a routine nature made under the authority of Ordinances, approved Regulations or instructions, or refunds of sums erroneously assessed or collected, it has been proposed by Government that the authority of the Accountant-General should be regarded as sufficient.
Writing off Court Fines.
71. In regard to the remission of Court fines imposed by Magistrates, the Secretary of State considered it inadvisable to empower a Magistrate or other officer of the Court to reduce or remit fines except within the process contem- plated by law or as a judicial act.
"Writes off" of Revenue.
72. 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.
Crown Rents
Amount.
$ 524.65
Authority.
Court Fines
293.10
Colonial Secretary. Financial Secretary.
Ambulance Fees
23.00
Accountant-General.
Hospital Fees
192.50
Accountant-General.
Financial Secretary.
Ilospital Fees (Consultants Fees)
115.00
Financial Secretary.
Scholastic Fees
3.00
Accountant-General.
Conservancy Fees
186.00
Financial Secretary.
Water Rates
29.79
Accountant-General
$1,367.04
G. EXPENDITURE.
Control over Expenditure.
73. The control over Expenditure continues to be 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 (subject to the errors of classification detailed in Appendix "A" to this report) has also been charged to the most appropriate sub-head of expenditure.
Expenditure appears to have been adequately vouched for.
A (2) 13
Special Warrants.
74. The number of Special Warrants issued in respect of the year 1938 was 385, as compared with 213 for the previous year. The large increase of 172 may to a great extent be attributed to abnormal conditions which prevailed in South China during the latter part of the year, which, among other things, were respon- sible for the creation of a Refugee problem. It does not therefore appear to be due to deterioration of financial control or to faulty estimating.
+
75. Fifty seven of the 1938 Special Warrants issued concerned additions to the rates of personal emoluments and the number of posts authorised in the Estimates, which affected "Personal Emolument" Sub-heads only, and did not necessitate the obtaining of additional funds.
Awards of Pensions and Gratuities etc.
76. 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.
Emergency Expenditure.
77. The Japanese invasion of South China resulted in the sudden influx into the Colony of large numbers of refugees, which required immediate action by Government to provide food and accommodation for them. Owing to the urgency of the situation it became necessary in the first instance to purchase stores and to incur other expenditure, without following the procedure laid down in General Orders Nos. 406 to 408 and certain other regulations. After the expiry of the periods of urgency however the normal procedure was reverted to.
Grants-in-aid to Tung Wah and other allied non-Government Hospitals.
:
;
78. Grants-in-aid, from funds of the Colonial Government, were made from time to time to cover deficits incurred by the Tung Wah and other associated Hospitals in respect of repatriation expenses and other relief afforded to Chinese Refugees. The amount paid over by Government for this purpose during the year amounted to $149,960. It has previously been ruled that the Audit Department was not to be responsible for a detailed audit of the actual payments made by these hospitals from money received from Government sources. Acquittances received for grants made by Government to these Institutions have therefore been accepted as sufficient discharge.
79. Owing to the requests for greater financial relief made to Government on behalf of these Hospitals, the question of the efficiency of the financial control over them was raised by Government, and certain steps to improve it were agreed to.
80. On the financial side one of the most important stipulations made was that the Committee should prepare and adhere to a proper annual budget, and should submit annual accounts audited by an Auditor approved by Government.
A (2) 14
}
Military Contribution.
81. The sum of $6,880,723.81 was charged to the Expenditure Head Defence (e) "Military Contribution" during the year 1938. The amount required to be paid to the Imperial Government as Military Contribution under Ordinances No. 1 of 1901 and 43 of 1935, in respect of the year 1938, was $6,277,717.03. A statement showing how this amount is arrived at is attached (Enclosure 16). The sum charged to the 1938 accounts included arrears of the 1937 contribution amounting to $654,932.85, leaving a balance in favour of the Military Authorities of $51,926.07, which latter amount has since been paid and charged to 1939 expenditure.
Losses of Public Money attributable to fraud.
year:
82. The following losses of Public money due to fraud occurred during the
(1) Cash amounting to $369 disappeared from a sealed bag whilst in transit between a Police launch and the Harbour Office Hong Kong. The authority of the Secretary of State was obtained to write off the loss. As a result of this case a Government circular was issued calling attention to the necessity for obtaining receipts on every occasion when Public money is handed over by one official to another.
(2) An imprest of cash and stamps issued to a Post Office Shroff was found deficient to the extent of $369.39. The employee concerned was dismissed from Government service after having been convicted in a Court of Law. The loss was partly covered by the forfeiture of his security of $200.00. The sanction of the Secretary of State was obtained to write off the full extent of the loss.
(3) A shortage of $449.53 was discovered in an Imprest of another Postal Shroff, and in consequence the security of $200 furnished by him was forfeited. After conviction by a Court he was dismissed the Service. The Secretary of State approved of the "write off" of the sum involved.
,
(4) A detailed audit investigation made of the accounts and records kept in connection with the issue of Passports and Visas, covering a period of approximately eight months, revealed serious irregularities and shewed that, according to documents filed etc., fees collected amounting to $1,449.78 had not been brought to account. Further, a large number of visa forms were missing, and there are grounds for believing that further sums may have been received in connection with the missing forms but not brought to account. As the detailed audit examination covered part of the year only the deficiency reported above does not necessarily indicate the full extent of the loss to Government. The officer presumably responsible for these irregu- larities left the Colony on short leave and failed to return; in conse- quence thereof he was regarded as having forfeited his appointment.
The Secretary of State has been requested to approve of the writing off of these losses.
(5) A further loss of $104.17 due to the overpayment of salary to the officer referred to above has been included in 1938 expenditure. The covering sanction of the Secretary of State has been sought to charge this amount to Public funds.
A (2) 15
Losses due to irrecoverable advances.
83. The undermentioned cases of outstanding advances, which formerly appeared as an Asset in the accounts, and which were considered irrecoverable, were charged to 1938 expenditure.
(a) $112.94 representing the amount of passage money paid, for the purpose of repatriating an individual to Singapore, was charged to Head 29, Charitable Services-Sub-head 15-"Passages and Relief of Destitutes."
(b) £40.10.0. being balance of passage money owing by an official who resigned from Government service. This "write off" was also sanctioned by the Secretary of State.
(c) $20 being the amount of an Imprest issued to a Revenue officer which was not accounted for. Charged to Head 9, Imports & Exports Office, Sub-head 16-"Transport."
:
Trade Loan-"Write off."
84. The irrecoverable balance of a Trade Loan viz $36,649.93 plus accrued interest to December 1930-after which date no interest was charged-was written off with the sanction of the Governor under the general authority conveyed to him in Secretary of State despatch of 26th February, 1930. The above sum was charged to Trade Loan Reserve account. (Paragraph 100 of this report also refers).
H. LOAN ACCOUNTS,
Public Debt.
85. The Public Debt of the Colony, as at 31st December, 1938, amounted to $16,598,000.
Sinking Fund.
86. 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 accumu- lated Sinking Fund at the end of the year totalled £64,216,13s.2d.
The sinking fund accounts maintained locally have been checked with Statements rendered by the Crown Agents.
87. 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 $12,320,000 to $11,760,000; Bonds to the value of $560,000 having been redeemed in accordance with Section 5 of the Ordinance.
88. 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.
A (2) 16
1. STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES.
89. The excess of Assets over Liabilities at the 31st Decem-
ber, 1938 was
While that at the end of the previous year was
$13,562,234.97 14,002,278.11
Showing a reduction of
ASSETS.
Cash-Accountant-General $422,048.64.
90. The above sum was composed of the following items:-
Bank balances
Cash balances :-
Accountant-General's Office
Kowloon-Canton Railway
Official Receiver
Medical Department
$
440,043.14
$380,404.48
$ 39,140.22
$ 2,013.85
$9 113.84
$ 376.25
Verification of Cash Balances etc.
91
(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 31st Decem- ber, 1938, was verified by Boards of Survey whose certificates were seen. As regards the exceptions mentioned, cash certificates, signed by the Heads of Departments concerned, were submitted for inspection.
(b) The existence of the Cash Balances, Sinking Fund and other Invest- ments held by the Crown Agents, has been verified with the certified. statement rendered by the Comptroller and Auditor-General.
(e) Fixed Deposits-The receipts obtained from Banks for sums appearing
under this head have been seen by Audit.
Advances Miscellaneous ($53,443.81).
The
92. The balance at the end of the previous year was $220,148.51. reduction is due mainly to the refund by the Imperial Government of the sums advanced to the Shanghai Refugee Committee, to which reference was made in paragraph 62 of the 1937 Audit Report.
93. It has been verified that, with the exceptions noted below, no advances. have been outstanding for an unduly long period. They are mainly of a routine nature and need not be specially commented on. A detailed statement of advances is attached as Enclosure 9.
$
→
A (2) 17
94. The statement includes an item of $4,085.10, on account of "Bar fees and expenses" advanced to a Government official 8 years ago. This has now been charged to 1939 expenditure under "Miscellaneous Services" Head 18, Sub-head 30-Other Miscellaneous Services.
95. The statement also shows an outstanding amount of $1,986.96 being the unrefunded portion of an advance made to another Government official for the same purpose.
In this case the officer concerned has been transferred to another Dependency, but arrangements have been made for the whole of the outstanding sum to be repaid by instalments.
Advances.
(a) Pending Re-imbursement from 34% Dollar Loan ($10,926,056.46).
(b) Pending Re-imbursement from proposed New Loan ($1,077,333.06).
96. The advances are covered by the authority of the Legislature and the sanction of the Secretary of State. For further details see paragraphs 43 to 50 and Enclosures 12 and 13.
Suspense Account ($26,438.25).
97. Included in the above is a debit balance of $28.43 under the heading "Insurance Claims on Crown Agents" (vide Enclosure 11). It was formerly the custom to debit Head 33, P.W.D., Item 7-Miscellaneous. Sub-head 6 "Stores Depreciation" in respect of claims for Unallocated Stores purchased through the Crown Agents, which were short delivered, broken in transit etc., and to credit the vote when recovery had been effected. As audit considered the utilisation of an expenditure sub-head for this purpose was incorrect, all such claims are now being reflected in a Suspense Account. The remaining items in Suspense are of a routine nature and call for no comment.
Building Loans
.nil ($312,641.93)
Unallocated Stores-P. W. D.
.nil ($743,020.01)
Unallocated Stores-K. C. R.
nil ($147,952.06)
98. In accordance with the new accounting procedure laid down by the Secretary of State, vide Circular Despatch of 25th November, 1937, the above items formerly shown as assets, no longer appear in the Colony's Balance Sheet, the balance having been charged to Expenditure, under the Head "Miscellaneous Services.'
99. From Enclosure 5 to this Report it will be seen that the total amount of Building Loans outstanding as at 31st December, 1938, was $300,779.88. The difference between this amount and that referred to above viz. $11,862.05 represents the amount of Sinking Fund held on deposit on account of the Diocesan Boy's School.
Trade Loan Outstanding-Nil.
A (2) 18
100. The balance of the outstanding Trade Loans viz. $218,711.42 was debited to the Trade Loan Reserve (or working) account, which account was mainly made up of Interest received on loans. This account was cleared by transferring the balance of $92,265.36 to Revenue Head 9 "Miscellaneous Receipts. Any further recoveries of loans will in future be credited direct to revenue. The usual statement of outstanding loans and interest is attached as Enclosure 15.
Subsidiary Coin
Note Issue Account
Nickel Coinage Account
($ 90,625.00) ($5,480,119.62) ($1,493,069.06)
101. The existence of the above assets has been verified by Audit. Of the balance of the Nickel Coinage Account the sum of $1,286,208.61 was invested, the securities being held by the Crown Agents for the Colonies.
102. The investments were revalued in accordance with Colonial Regulation 275, resulting in a loss of £2,491. 7s. 10d. ($40,197.24) which was met from the Nickel Coinage Security Fund.
LIABILITIES.
Deposits.
Contractors' and Officers Deposits Insurance Companies
$ 519,585.00
1,678,641.62
Miscellaneous
1,486,256.87
$3,684,483.49
PANGAN,
103. A statement (Enclosure 10), prepared by the Accountant-General, which supplies details of the items of which the above totals are composed, is submitted.
Deposits-Reconciliation of departmental and Accountant-General's balances.
104. The following deposit items, included in the statement referred to above, have been subjected to analysis in order to effect complete reconciliation between departmental records and the balances shown in the Accountant-General's books, and also for the purpose of verifying that all deposits remaining unclaimed more than five years were written off to revenue in compliance with Colonial Regulation No. 330.
Medical Department-Patients' Deposits
Official Receiver :-
Bankruptcy Account
Companies Liquidation Account
Registrar, Supreme Court :-
Official Administrator
Official Trustee Suitors' Fund
$
1,418,38
690.78
4,343.88
18,543.17
24,770.86
28,778.64
A (2) 19
$
Official Receiver :-
Bankruptcy A/c. (bearing interest)
56,347.50
Companies Liquidation A/c. (bearing interest)
70,183.94
Bankruptcy
34,516.29
Registrar of Companies:-
Insurance Companies
1,678,641.62
Suitors' Fund :----
District Officer, North
286.50
District Officer, South
457.71
Scholarship Education Department
14,600.92
Deposits bearing interest :-
Contractors
327,255.00
Government Servants
Miscellaneous
Approach Road to Tsun Wan Cemetery
Box Holders Deposits-Post Office
Clerks, Shroffs & Postman's Securities
192,330.00
119,030.43
14.93
2,491.40
Customs duties on parcels
Deceased Estates
Drainage extensions & Connections
88.00
1,633.60
2,537.17
35.69
Drainage and Street & Lane Surfacing
3,465.02
Estate of deceased Policemen
8,733.19
Fire Brigade-Motor Drivers' Securities.
534.00
Footpath and drain connections
7,963.98
General Works Miscellaneous
5,723.85
Land Sales Deposits
2,400.00
Miscellaneous Deposits
166,821.85
Police Dental Treatment
62.00
Police Officers' Securities
4,625.50
Security A/c.-Non-Railway Staff
11,693.04
-Railway Staff
123.50
Stanley Water Supply
4,718.96
Tender Deposits
2,655.00
Water Deposits :-
Hong Kong
106,486.39
Kowloon & New Territory.
91,168.42
Duty deposited on Gasoline
192,286.85
Transfer of Deposits to Revenue 1938.
105. (a) The sum of $19,443.38,
which had hitherto formed part of the balances of various Deposit accounts operated by the Public Works Department, was transferred to Colonial Revenue Head 9 "Mis- cellaneous Receipts.
(b) A deposit of $20 outstanding since 1930, which was part of the balance of a deposit account entitled "Security Account non-railway Staff," was transferred to 1938 revenue in compliance with Colonial Regulation No. 330.
(c) Various unclaimed balances, formerly held on deposit, were transferred to revenue, in accordance with Sections 4 and 8 of the Unclaimed Balances Ordinance. (Ordinance No. 5 of 1929).
**
A (2) 20
Transfer of Deposits to Revenue-1939.
106. The following transfers to 1939 revenue were made from the balances of certain items included in the above list which ought properly to have been credited to 1938 revenue.
Footpath and Drain Connections.
General Works Miscellaneous
Drainage extensions and connections
Approach Road to Tsun Wan Cemetery
Police Dental Treatment
Estates of Deceased Policemen.
Fire Brigade Motor Drivers' Securities
Box Holders Deposits
$ 68.30
386.64
35.69
14.93
40.00
357.23
110.00
49.80
Total......$1,062.59
107. The annual reconciliation of Departmental records with the balances of deposit accounts as shown in the books of the Accountant-General, revealed the necessity for these transfers; but it has previously been pointed out by Audit (vide paragraph 75 of the Audit Report on the 1937 accounts) that Departments should be required to scrutinize all deposits in order that any balance considered as being no longer a liability to the Colony should be transferred to revenue within the year.
Praya East Reclamation ($74,089.30).
108. This liability represents the cost of work still to be completed.
Exchange Adjustment ($26,092.39).
109. This has been verified by Audit. It represents the difference between the cost price of sterling sums placed in the Joint Colonial Fund and of an Imprest of £150 held in Australia, and the December Exchange Rate.
King George V Memorial Fund ($158,368.56).
110. This represents the total of moneys collected on account of a Fund inaugurated in memory of His late Majesty King George V, which will in due course be disbursed in a manner to be decided by the Committee appointed to administer the Fund.
Investments Education Department Scholarship Accounts.
111. The existence of the Investments held on Scholarship account, which at the end of the year comprised the following:-
£550 31% War Loan 1952 Stock.
$34,000 4% H.K. Public Works Loan Stock.
$34,000 3% H.K. Dollar Loan Stock.
was not reflected in the Colony's Balance Sheet. This matter was taken up by audit with the Accountant-General and he has agreed to record them in his accounts in future.
- A (2) 21.
J. STORES ACCOUNTS.
Losses and depreciation of Stores.
112. (a) The Secretary of State approved of the "writing off" of 36,248 lbs. of chloride of lime of a book value of $1,449.95 which formed part of unallocated stocks, and which had deteriorated owing to climatic conditions. The loss was charged to Head 27, sub-head D, Air Raid Precautions.
(b) Unallocated Stores belonging to the Central Stores Department, were written down in value to the extent of $2,153.45 which sum was debited to Expenditure Head 33, Sub-head 7, Item 6 "Stores Deprecia- tion."
The authority of Government was not obtained for this "write off" and is the subject of an outstanding Audit Query. Fur- ther comments regarding this "write off" appear in paragraph 130 to 134.
(c) In June/July 1938 whilst in transit on the Chinese section of the Kowloon-Canton Railway, one engine and three wagons were damaged by bombing. As a result it became necessary to write off charge, under the authority of Government, one wagon of a book value of $3,424.59, and to incur expenditure amounting to $3,674.02 on repairs to the locomotive and the two other wagons.
(d) One engine and 5 wagons were also damaged by bombing whilst in transit over the Chinese section in 1937. The estimated cost of the repairs was stated to be $6,400 of which $1,017.06 was incurred in 1938, and it is expected to complete the remainder of the work in 1939 at a cost of $5,286.00.
(e) Equipment belonging to the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps, valued at $88.89, which had not been returned to store by persons leaving the Colony, was written off charge under the authority of the Financial Secretary.
(f) One set of Police Equipment issued to a Police Constable, who was serving as a member of an Anti-Piracy Guard, and who was believed to have been washed overboard from the ship in which he was serving, was written off under Government authority.
(g) Wireless and Electrical stores of a value of $44.94, and forming part of the unallocated stocks of the Central Government Store, were broken in transit and written off with the approval of the Financial Secretary.
Losses of Stores due to theft.
113. (a) Unallocated Stores costing $490.80 were stolen by an ex-Government
employee who was convicted of the theft. The loss was written off · on the authority of the Financial Secretary and charged to Expen- diture Head 33, Sub-head 7, Item 6 "Stores Depreciation."
(b) One Bicycle issued to the Electrical Department was stolen, and written off charge by order of the Financial Secretary. In view of the prevalence of this type of theft instructions have been issued requiring all main bicycle parts to be branded with the Government
mark.
3
A (2) 22
(c) An Electric ceiling fan, valued at $65 was stolen from Government premises, presumably by a person representing himself to be a work- man. As several cases had occurred in the past in which electrical fittings installed in Government property had been stolen in a similar manner, Government found it necessary to issue a circular requiring officers to take certain precautions to prevent further losses of this
nature.
(d) Two water meters costing $119.37 were stolen from Public latrines.
They were written off under the authority of the Financial Secretary.
(e) Five hundred and forty yards of wire fencing situated near a Railway station, of a replacement cost of $45.00, was stolen. Government approved of the "write off" of this amount.
Manner in which the accounts have been kept.
114. It may be said that generally the stores accounts of the Colony have been accurately kept, but in many instances it was discovered that the systems employed were unnecessarily cumbersome, and gave rise to much waste of labour and stationery. For instance it was customary for some departments to maintain a number of bulky and expensive ledgers which were closed at the end of the year, and to transfer the balances of each account to a new set of books, despite the fact that the old ledgers were by no means exhausted. In addition ledger entries, termed locally "In and Out" entries, were often made in respect of receipts and issues of small quantites of consumable stores which were required for immediate use. The most trivial issues of stationery were in one department meticulously recorded and accounted for, whereas sufficient control could usually, in the opinion of audit, have been exercised by keeping the stocks under lock and key. appears that in some instances General Order No. 428 (3), Colonial Regulation 343, and Allocated Stores Regulations No. 171 and 173, had been too literally inter- preted. The requirements of Government in this connection have been more clearly defined by the recent issue of an amendment to the General Order referred to.
It
115. Little uniformity was also observed both as regards the stores records maintained by the various Government Departments, and the manner in which stores were accounted for. A number of proposals were therefore submitted by Audit to eliminate unnecessary stores accounting, and to standardise the systems employed. In addition a standard form of Allocated Stores ledger was recommended. these suggestions were well received and have been acted upon.
All
Shing Mun Stores-disposal of.
116. With reference to paragraphs 51 to 55 of the previous Audit Report a considerable quantity of the Shing Mun plant has now been disposed of by transfer to Government Departments, for which financial adjustments were made. The residue of the smaller and less valueable items of the stock was sold in bulk to the highest bidder after Tenders had been called for.
117. The remainder, composed mainly of large and valuable items, were taken over by the Public Works Department, and it is understood that an endeavour will be made to dispose of them whenever opportunity occurs.
Petrol Sales.
A (2) 23
118. The subsidiary records maintained by the Public Works, Police and Fire Brigade Department etc. in connection with the sale of motor fuel to Govern- ment officers were subjected to examination by the Audit Department. Suggestions were made with a view to centralising these issues and thereby reducing the amount of accounting work involved and also for the purpose of facilitating check.
Government Motor Vehicles.
119. The matter of the use of and control exercised in respect of Government Motor Vehicles maintained by the Public Works and certain other Government In the case of the Departments was made the subject of audit investigation.
Police and Fire Brigade Departments it was ascertained that the records kept were of a complete and satisfactory nature and that proper departmental control and supervision was being exercised. With regard to Motor Cars maintained by the Public Works Department and the Railway Department the position was however not satisfactory, since the forms used for requisitioning cars and for recording essential details were often incomplete, and further Log Books were not being maintained in respect of each vehicle. The matter is under correspondence.
Use of Government vehicles by officers in receipt of Conveyance Allowances.
120. The use of Government vehicles within the City area by certain officers in receipt of Conveyance or Motor Allowances was recently taken up by Audit in a minute addressed to Government. Queries were also raised where considered necessary.
Boards of Survey on Stores (C.R. 344).
121. In accordance with Colonial Regulation No. 344 the usual annual Boards of Survey, appointed by Government, were held after the close of the year to inspect and report on Government Stores. The surveys were usually reported by the Board as being satisfactory. An Audit enquiry however revealed that the stocks of certain of the smaller Departments and sections of the Medical Department had apparently never been subject to an annual survey. This was brought to the notice of Government and it is assumed action will be taken at the appropriate time.
Survey of Tools and Plant and office Furniture.
122. In compliance with Allocated Stores Regulations Nos. 145 and 161, departmental surveys were made, by most Government departments, of the office Failure by furniture, Equipment and Tools and Plant held on Inventory Charge. certain Heads of Departments to take this action was brought to the notice of Government. Reports indicating that the surveys have since been made have now been submitted to the Auditor.
Medical Stores.
123. With reference to paragraph 82 of the previous Audit Report, the stores regulations referred to received the approval of Government, and were brought into force. As far as has been ascertained they are proving satisfactory in practice, although the posting of ledgers fell into arrears due, it was alleged, to shortage of staff. This disability has now been remedied.
A (2) 24
Central Stores-(Unallocated) Maximum balance of stocks.
124. The balance of this account as at the end of 1938 was $743,020.01 which was $43,020.01 in excess of the limit approved by the Secretary of State in his despatch of 25th January, 1938. This was reported to the Colonial office accompanied by a request for the limit to be raised to $750,000 which received the approval of the Secretary of State in his despatch of 27th April 1939.
Reconciliation Statement.
125. A Statement showing how reconciliation has been affected between the balance of this account in the books of the Accountant-General, and that shown in the Central Stores Department records, is submitted as Enclosure 14.
This statement, and also the Stock Sheets have been examined by Audit.
Board of Survey on.
126. In accordance with Unallocated Stores Regulation No. 95 (c) the stock on hand as at the end of the year was checked in test by the Annual Board of Survey, approximately 175 items only being verified. The Board reported that the balances of the items checked were compared with subsidiary records (cards) only, and that a comparison with ledger balances was not possible as the posting from cards to ledgers had not then been completed.
The findings of the Board cannot therefore be regarded as conclusive.
General.
127. In June 1938 the Unallocated Stores, which had formerly been under the control of the Public Works Department, were transferred to a new Department entitled "Stores Department," under the direction of a Controller of Stores.
128. The question as to the desirability of continuing the existing practice whereby departments submitted requisitions on the Stores Department for all their stores requirements, whether the items were stocked or not, in lieu of purchasing the latter direct from Government Contractors or other local firms, has been taken up by Audit.
129. The general use of "Stock Cards," as a form of subsidiary record, in which are posted details of issues, has also been criticized. While it is appre- ciated that it may be advantageous to employ subsidiary records for the purpose of recording issues of items in common use, and periodically to post the main ledgers from these records, it is considered uneconomical to extend the practice to all items. The system from an audit standpoint has certainly grave disadvantages.
130. With regard to the "write off" of $2,153.45 referred to in the Central Stores (Unallocated) Statement (Enclosure 14) as "Losses and Depreciation of Stores" and of which mention also is made in paragraph 112 (b) of this Report, when surplus stores are returned and taken on Unallocated Store charge, and the vote to which such stores were originally debited has lapsed, it has been the practice to credit the value assigned to the stores to the sub-head of Expenditure, "P.W.R. 7 (6) Stores Depreciation" (vide Store Regulations Nos. 102 & 103).
A (2) 25
131. These and other credits have been utilized during the year for the purpose of writing down the value of stores, and in reply to Query No. 115/E (copy enclosed) the "write off" referred to above is stated to be due to the necessity to reduce the book value of certain stocks of steel which had deteriorated owing to climatic conditions. This "write off," together with similar transactions during the year, have not apparently received Government sanction.
י
132. It is observed that the total credits to the expenditure sub-head "Stores Depreciation" amounted to $5,634.19 which exactly equalled the total debits, while the detailed statement of expenditure records no expenditure on the sub-head, although $100 was the amount of the estimate. The reason for the "saving" is stated as "not required."
133. The re-submission of the Audit Query referred to above presses the question of this irregular accounting procedure which in the opinion of audit defeats Legislative Control and stultifies the Estimates. The query also requested information as to whether the whole of the credits for stores returned were in respect of lapsed votes, and further pointed out that depreciation of stores necessitating the writing down of book values must receive Government approval.
134. From the information at present available it would appear that the expenditure sub-head "Stores Depreciation" has been operated on throughout the year more in the nature of a suspense account. This supposition is somewhat confirmed in the reply to Audit Query No. 159/R (copy enclosed) and a reply to the submissions referred to in paragraph 133 is awaited to enable Audit to submit further representations to Government.
Kowloon-Canton Railway (Unallocated Stores).
135. The maximum standard stock fixed for the Railway Stores viz. $175,000 has not been exceeded. At the 31st December, 1938, the value of the stock amounted to $147,952.06. A statement showing
A statement showing how reconciliation has been effected between the balance recorded in the Accountant-General's books and the departmental records, is forwarded (Enclosure 20). This Statement, also the Stock Sheets, have been examined by Audit.
K. GENERAL.
Exchange Fund accounts.
136. The above accounts for the year 1938 have been examined by the Auditor with satisfactory results. The Balance Sheet showing the position as at the end of the year has it is understood been submitted to the Secretary of State.
137. The existence of the assets of the Exchange Fund has been verified with the certificate furnished by the Comptroller and Auditor-General.
A (2) 26
Currency Accounts.
138. 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 by the Audit Department. Surprise audit surveys have been also made of the stocks of notes and coin, the results being satisfactory. An Ordinance (No. 25 of 1938) amending the original Ordinance, was passed by the Legislature on 24th November, 1938, Notice of non- disallowance was published vide Government Notification No. 35 in Hong Kong Government Gazette of 13th January, 1939.
Currency Rules.
139. With reference to paragraph 89 of the 1937 Audit Report, the Secretary of State has now finally approved of the new Currency Rules referred to.
China Companies Fees.
140. A Local audit inspection of the accounts kept by the Registrar of Companies at Shanghai, covering the period April 1938 to February 1939, has recently been carried out. The net revenue (viz $166,571) accruing from this source during the year, exclusive of the revenue derived from Stamp Fees, showed a slight increase over that of the previous year which was $165,703.
141. As a result of this inspection the question as to whether the form of relief described in Section 352 (5) of the Companies Ordinance (No. 39 of 1932) and also refund of Capital Tax referred to in Colonial Office letter of 31st Decem- ber, 1923, may be granted to the same Company was raised by Audit. The matter is under correspondence.
142. It was suggested by Audit that the Registrar of Companies at Shanghai should be requested to furnish yearly an arrears of revenue return (vide Colonial Regulation 239) and also that Government approval should be sought before writing off any irrecoverable fees. The Registrar of Companies Shanghai has been informed accordingly.
Accounting procedure re Customs and Excise drawbacks refunds of revenue, and
recoveries of overpayments.
143. In view of the exceptional conditions, peculiar to this Colony, in that drawbacks on re-export and certain refunds of duties are somewhat abnormal in relation to the actual revenue, and in view of the fact that difficulty would arise in effecting comparisons between the true revenue and expenditure figures of successive years, if the procedure laid down in the Secretary of State's Circular Despatch No. 78 of 15th January, 1937, was followed, the Secretary of State, agreed to Hong Kong being exempt from the provisions of the despatch in regard to certain clases of refunds of revenue.
Wireless Services.
A (2) 27
144. As from the 1st January, 1938, certain of the Colony's Wireless Services were handed over to the Cable and Wireless Ltd. As a result of this transfer the services of some personnel were dispensed with and they were awarded gratuities or pensions calculated on the basis of "abolition of office." addition à quantity of Government Wireless plant and equipment was also taken over by the Company on repayment.
In
Specimen Stamps.
145. Following the receipt of a Circular despatch from the Secretary of State, Specimen' stamps received from Berne which remained in the custody of the Postmaster General on 10th March, 1939 were destroyed by fire by a Board of Survey appointed for that purpose. Enquiries by Audit have failed to elicit any information as to how the early issues of stamps apparently received from Berne were disposed of. As the supply of Specimen stamps was considered to serve no useful purpose, steps have been taken with a view to its being discontinued.
Programme of Work.
146. With the exception of the audit of the final Division Sheets of the Kowloon-Canton Railway for November and December 1937 and those for the whole of the year 1938, also certain Parcel and Air Mail accounts with other Postal Administrations for 1938 which have not reached finality, the approved Programme of Work has been completed. In consequence of the Sino-Japanese hostilities in South China doubt exists as to the eventual rendition of the Railway Final Division Sheets.
147. There has been no material departure from the approved Programme, but examination has in some instances been extended to embrace subsidiary records which have formerly not been subjected to audit.
Local Audit Inspections and Surprise Surveys.
148. Surprise audit inspections and surveys continue to prove their value. One hundred and sixty five surprise surveys of cash etc. were carried out during the year by the Audit Department, usually with satisfactory results. In addition to the results of local inspections mentioned elsewhere in this Report the following may be noted:-
(a) A surprise survey of one Government office revealed a cash surplus of $585.87 over the balance shown in the Cash Book, and other unsatisfactory features were observed, which did not however indicate dishonesty on the part of the officials concerned. From explanations subsequently tendered it appeared that the cash found in the safe was composed of private, Imprest and Revenue Cash, and in addition included sums of money which had been charged out in the accounts as final expenditure some months previously, but which had not actually been handed over to the persons entitled thereto. Appropriate action was taken to prevent a repetition of this state of affairs.
(b) A surprise Audit survey of postal stocks revealed the existence in a Government safe of a quantity of jewellery, watch chains etc. which had apparently lain there for many years.
As exhaustive enquiries could not reveal their origin or ownership, they were sold by Public auction and the proceeds were credited to
revenue.
A (2) 28
149. A continuous audit has been maintained on the accounts of the Railway, Imports and Exports Department, and the Stores Department, in addition of course to those of the Accountant-General.
Audit Report 1937.
150. The Audit Report on the accounts of the year 1937 was placed before the Legislature on the 10th November, 1938, together with a copy of the Governor's covering despatch to the Secretary of State.
L. KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.
151. A copy of the General Manager's report for 1938 on the working of the British Section of the Kowloon-Canton Railway, which was received by the Auditor on the 15th May, 1939, is forwarded (Enclosure 21).
The accounts have been regularly rendered and satisfactorily kept.
In
152. Surprise Audit surveys of the Cash Balances etc. were made during the year at Railway Headquarters, and all stations, and call for no comment. addition stocks of stores were subjected to test verifications with satisfactory results.
153. The net profit on the Operating account of the Railway for the year was $932,418.48 which is $495,483.18 in excess of that of the previous year.
154. Prior to the invasion of South China the volume of traffic on the Railway increased enormously, which in its turn involved a considerable addition to the work of Audit, and had these conditions persisted it would have become necessary to apply for an increase of Audit staff to meet the situation. The lull caused by the cessation of through traffic since October last has however enabled the Audit Examiners to recover lost ground.
Tools and Plant Records.
155. It has come to the notice of Audit that the Inventories of Tools and Plant maintained by the Railway Department were inadequate and listed only certain of the more important items of machinery and equipment. The question of the introduction of a Tools and Plant ledger, the preparation of more complete Inven- tories, and the establishment of a system of 'shadow boards' in the various sections of the Railway workshops, for the better control over small tools in use, has recently been taken up in correspondence and discussed with the Manager of the Railways.
M. OUTSTANDING QUESTIONS.
1937 Accounts-Estate Duty.
156. With reference to paragraph 98 of the 1937 Audit Report the two properties referred to have been disposed of by Public Auction, and the net sum realized viz. $21,481 was credited to 1938 Revenue Head 3 (b) Estate Duty. The assessed duty on the Estate was $20,384 plus accrued interest.
1938 Accounts.
A (2) 29
157. Other than those which are specially brought to notice in this Report there are no outstanding questions, whether raised by query or otherwise, which affect or are likely to affect the accuracy of the Annual Abstract Account, or of the Statement of Assets and Liabilities; or which are of importance but which do not affect, or are not likely to affect, the accuracy of the accounts.
N. STAFF.
158. Mr. A. Pollard was appointed Auditor of Hong Kong on 25th March, 1938. He arrived in the Colony and assumed his duties on 27th April, 1938.
Mr. T. Dallin, Assistant Auditor, proceeded retirement on 30th April, 1938.
vacation leave pending
Mr. B. E. Maughan proceeded on vacation leave on 1st April, 1938, and was absent from the Colony for the remainder of the year.
159. In concluding this report it is necessary to express my appreciation of the services rendered during the year by the Audit Staff. It is due to their efforts that additional work has been accomplished, and that the Audit of the Colony's accounts has, despite casualties, not only been prevented from falling into arrears, but has actually been brought more up-to-date.
A. POLLARD,
Auditor.
31st May, 1939.
Appendix A.
LIST OF ERRORS OF CLASSIFICATION REVEALED TOO LATE FOR ADJUSTMENT IN 1938.
Actual Allocation.
Query
No.
1938.
Amount.
Revenue or Expenditure.
Head
Title.
No.
Correct Allocation.
Revenue or Head Expenditure.
Title.
No.
$ ¢
113 R
3.00
Revenue
4 A
1.70
7
Earth & Stone Permits N.T. Pineapple Land Leases.
Revenue
7
Lands not leased.
7
"J
>>
وو
""
10.00
3 C
Forfeitures.
3 С
Fines.
""
1.00
4 A
""
""
15.00
7
Earth & Stone Permits N.T.
Leased Lands N.T.
7
4 A
Lands not leased.
Miscellaneous.
""
''
""
25.00
3 A
Money Changers.
3 A
35
Liquor.
""
All the above have been admitted by the Accountant-General.
A (2) 30
A. POLLARD,
Auditor.
31st May, 1939.
A (2) 31
Appendix B.
STATEMENT OF OUTSTANDING QUERIES.
Query No.
Date first issued.
Subject.
Department concerned.
158 R
17. 5. 39.
Annual Statement.
Kowloon-Canton Railway.
97 E
17. 4. 39.
Motor Car Dockets.
Public Works Department.
98 E
17. 4. 39.
"}
""
99 E
""
""
100 E
2
33
101 E
وو
99
12
102 E
""
""
103 E
>"
""
104 E
"}
""
105 E
>>
22
113 E
24. 4. 39.
114 E
115 E
2. 5. 39.
119 E
120 E
12. 5. 39.
15. 5. 39.
121 E
......
Stores Accounts.
Stores Accounts Survey.
Incorrect accounting Stores Depreciation.
Store Accounts.
Petrol Account.
Medical Department.
Controller of Stores.
Medical Department.
""
33
39
122 E
>>
A. POLLARD,
Auditor.
31st May, 1939.
Appendix C.
COLONY OF HONG KONG.
DETAILED STATEMENT OF OUTSTANDING REVENUE FOR THE YEAR, 1938.
Heads and Sub-heads.
Amount
Written
Arrears on
Collected up
31. 12. 38. to 31, 3. 39.
Off as
Irre-
coverable
Amount
Cancelled
Balance
Out-
standing
Remarks.
eo
1. DUTIES.
Import Duty on Liquor
508.85
508.85
Import Motor Spirit
398.70
397.50
2. PORT & HARBOUR DUES.
Light Dues
Buoy Dues
12,401.52 12,401.52 1,104.00
1,104.00
=
3. LICENCES & INTERNAL REVENUE NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.
es
$
1.20
Debtor on long leave.
A (2) 32
(A) LICENCES.
Air Service Pilot
Chinese Passenger Ship
Forestry, N. T.
10.00
10.00
30.00
30.00
140.00
135.00
5.00
Paid 26/4/39.
Game
50.00
50.00
Hawker
104.00
70.00
34.00
Liquor
20.00
20.00
Miscellaneous
Vehicles other
2.00
184.00
2.00
184.00
Carried forward...
14,953.07
14,912.87
34.00
6.20
Heads and Sub-heads.
Arrears on
Appendix C,-Contd.
31. 12. 38. | to 31. 3. 39.
Amount
Collected up
Written
Off as
Irre-
coverable
Amount
Cancelled
Balance
Out-
standing
Remarks.
$
$
$
SA
$
Brought forward...... 14,953.07
14,912.87
34.00
6.20
(B) INTERNAL REVENUE,
Assessed Taxes (Rates)
3,194.67
3,178.67
16.00
Paid April, 1939.
Water Excess Supply & Meter Rents
4,453.67
4,453.17
.50
(C) FINES & FORFEITURES.
Fines
Building Covenant Fines
653.90
115.13
36.00
6.00
115.13
611.90
In all cases debtors have absconded- Warrants issued.
4.
FEES OF COURT OR OFFICE PAYMENT
FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES, AND
REIMBURSEMENTS IN AID :-
(A) FEES.
Air Service Fees
Analysis
77.60
77.60
312.50
312.50
376.00
320.00
56.00
Carried forward........
24,136.54
23,405.94
40.00
56.50
634.10
Boundary Stones & Survey Fees
A (2) 33
Appendix C,-Contd.
Amount
Written
Balance
Heads and Sub-heads.
Arrears on
31. 12. 38.
Collected up
Off as
to 31. 3. 39.
Amount
Cancelled
Irre-
coverable
Out-
standing
Remarks.
A (2) 34
Brought forward..
$
24,136.54
$
$
23,405.94
40.00
56.50
634.10
(A) FEES-Contd.
Cemetery
61.00
61.00
Engagement and Discharge of Seamen
1,127.35
1,127.35
Gunpowder Storage
392.25
392.25
Medical Examination of Emigrants
1,030.60
1,030.60
Motor Ambulance
572.50
547.50
25.00
Official Certificates
312.00
312.00
Official Signatures
20.00
15.00
5.00
Cancelled after 31.3.39.
Public School
75.00
75.00
Registry
11.00
11.00
Sunday Cargo-working Permits
662.50
662.50
Survey of Steam-launches
135.00
135.00
Survey of Steam Ships
2,405.00
2,405.00
Watchmen's Ordinance
196.00
196.00
(B) RECEIPTS.
Bacteriological Examination
308.00
308.00
Fumigating and Disinfecting Fees
231.35
231.35
Carried forward.....
31,676.09
30,915.49
65.00
56.50
639.10
Appendix C,-Contd.
Amount
Arrears on
Heads and Sub-heads.
31. 12. 38.
Collected up to 31. 3. 39.
Written
Balance
Off as
Amount
Cancelled
Irre-
coverable
Out-
standing
Remarks.
$
$
$
$$
Brought forward..
31,676.09
30,915.49
65.00
· 56.50
639.10
(B) RECEIPTS-Contd.
Medical Treatment
7,679.76
6,754.51
154.50
410.75
360.00
Police Service
3.00
3.00
$72 referred to Crown Solr.
$156 written off. $132 paid after
31.3.39.
(C) REIMBURSEMENT IN AID.
Bonded Ware House Supervision
322.69
322.69
Consultants Fees
1,060.00
834.90
25.10
200.00
Paid after 31.3.39.
.(D) SALES.
Prison Industries
43.70
43.70
Publication
1.00
1.00
Timber
12.89
12.89
6. KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.
Traffic Receipts, Various Sub-heads
75,524.99
75,359.96
165.03
Carried forward..
116,324.12
114,248.14
219.50
492.35
1,364.13
A (2) 35
Owing to the Sino- Japanese Hostilities it is impossible to communicate debtor company.
with
Appendix C,-Contd.
Amount
Arrears on
Heads and Sub-heads.
31. 12. 38.
Collected up to 31. 3. 39.
Written
Balance
Off as
Amount
Cancelled
Irre-
coverable
Out-
standing
Remarks.
$
$
$
$
ᎾᎯ
$
Brought forward........
116,324.12
114,248.14
219.50
492.35
1,364.13
A (2) 36
7. RENT OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY LAND AND HOUSES:-
Building
397.16
288.96
108.20
Lands Not Leased (Permits for Encroachments &c.)
Owing to the Sino- Japanese Hostilities it is impossible to
communicate debtor company.
with
4,459.91
3,445.34
56.65
954.92
3.00
Referred to Hon. D.P.W.
Leased Lands (Crown Rent Exclusive of N. T.)
57,851.23
55,879.71
793.14
1,178.38
Leased Lands (Crown Rent N. T.)
19,756.81
18,983.97
1.00
771.84
Piers
2,165.00
2,165.00
Pineapple Land Leases
Stone Quarries
8. INTEREST :
37.76
20.14
17.62
226.65
79.73
146.92
Referred to Crown Solr.
$23.95 Recommended for Re-entry. C.S.O. 1/85/38.
$531.39 collected in April, 1939; $216.50 to be written off when re-entry on the lots has been effected.
་་་་
608.78
608.78
Carried forward...
201,827.42
195,719.77
294.77
2,387.33
3,425.55
Appendix C.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS
FOR THE YEAR 1938.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE.
(TABLES I TO III).
The Government revenue derived from all sources during the year was $17,043.10 and the Government expenditure was $141,520.94.
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 committees 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 girls reported missing to the Po Leung Kuk during the year was nil.
4. Twenty-seven girls were put under bond this year and eight were released from their bonds; the total number of girls under bond at the end of December was fifty-three.
5. On the recommendation of the Muitsai Commission. a European lady assistant was appointed to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs and she commenced her duties in March 1938. Three additional Chinese lady inspectors were also appointed.
An Ordinance, No. 5 of 1938, to amend the law relating to the Protection of Women and Children Ordinance, No. 4 of 1897, came into force on May 12th, 1938, and June, 24th, 1938, was appointed as the date within three months of which persons having in their custody or control any girl, the legal guardianship of whom is vested in the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, shall register the girl in the manner prescribed by regulations.
With the appointment of a lady assistant, one of the Chinese lady inspectors is employed on interpretation and clerical work and another in connection with the work of registration.
Two Chinese lady typists were appointed temporarily in connection with the work of typing and the filing of statements relating to the history of all girls and their custodians applying for registration.
The number of girls registered since June 24th, 1938, was 2,558.
6. The lady inspectors paid a total of 2,100 visits to registered muitsai and 400 visits to adopted daughters and wards. In addition, they have visited other girls under bond and to ex-muitsai who have obtained employment as domestic. servants. They have also been engaged on the work connected with the registration of adopted daughters and wards, and the compilation of new registers; attendance at police courts, and in the company of the male muitsai inspector following up reports as to the existence of unregistered muitsai. All continue to give every
satisfaction.
C 2
During the period under review, the Police paid a total of sixty-six visits to an equal number of registered muitsai living in the New Territories.
7. At the beginning of the year the number of registered muitsai was 1,396, but by the end of December they had been reduced to 1,102. cancellations are accounted for as follows:—
Died
Absconded
Left Colony permanently
Married
Restored to parents or relatives.....
Earning their own living
Removed from the register
Remaining with the employer as a member of the family Taken into the care of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs
24
3
35,
23
110
31
84
2
The 294
Of the fifty girls reported on December 31st, 1937, as attending school, forty- four are amongst those muitsai whose names were removed from the Muitsai Register and transferred to the Register of Adopted Daughters under the Women and Girls Ordinance, No. 5 of
The total number of muitsai on record as school pupils is therefore six.
1938.
Of the eighty-four girls remaining with their employers as members of the family, sixty-three have been transferred to the Register of Adopted Daughters under the Women and Girls Ordinance, No. 5 of 1938. In the remaining cases the girls have been allowed, on grounds of age, to remain, at their own request, with their employers as members of the family.
.
8. 165 persons were prosecuted under the Female Domestic Service Ordinance (1 of 1923) and the Offences Against the Person Ordinance (2 of 1865) in respect of 175 girls. In all 200 charges under this and other enactments were preferred as follows:-
(1) Ill-treatment of unregistered muitsail
(2) Ill-treatment of child under 16 years
(3) Common assault
(4) Keeping an unregistered muitsai
(5) Bringing an unregistered muitsai into the Colony
(6) Failing to report the intended removal from the Colony of a
registered muitsai
(7) Failing to report change of address of a registered muitsai
(8) Failing to report the intended marriage of a registered muitsai.....
7
3
6
105
67
2
6
4
200
Twelve cases were discharged, in twenty-nine cases defendants were cautioned, in fifty-two cases defendants were bound over, and seven cases were withdrawn.
Where the employers of unregistered muitsai had been prosecuted the girls concerned were disposed of as follows:-
Eighty-five girls entered domestic service, thirty-six girls were transferred to the Register of Adopted Daughters and Wards under the Women and Girls Ordin- ance, No. 5 of 1938, eighteen girls were restored to parents and relatives, fourteen girls were sent to the Po Leung Kuk, ten girls were allowed to remain with their employers, seven girls were married, three girls obtained employment, one girl left the Colony and one girl absconded.
CO3-
The 175 girls were discovered from reports made as follows:—
131 by the girls' employers who had entered the Colony as refugees and wished to register them, nineteen by the girls to the Police, five by Police, five by Lady Inspectors, five by the staff of the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs, four by the girls' parents, two by the girls themselves to the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs, one by the employer to the Police, one by Harbour Department, one by Sanitary Department, and one by the Anti-Muitsar Societylenihil mi vibration ne
9. In addition to the above mentioned reports, seven reports were received from the Anti-Muitsai Society, two reports from the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children, and a further fifty-eight reports received were anonymous. BTOOR TO ZUITARTANOWI
10. Twenty-three girls were sent to the Salvation Army Home, one girl to the Heep Yun School, and five girls to Rural Home and Orphanage at Taipo.
11. The system whereby payment of wages belonging to these girls should be paid monthly by the employers concerned to the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs, has been adopted on the recommendation of the Muitsai Commission. This money has been placed in a savings account with the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.
12. New legislation was introduced in connection with muitsai on the recom- mendation of the Muitsai Commission during the year by the amendment to Ordinance No. 1 of 1923 relating to the removal of registered muitsai from the register on reaching the age of eighteen, the employment of females under twelve years of age as domestic servants, and the removal of the six months' time limit in respect of an offence against Section 4A of the ordinance.
13. For a detailed account of the Po Leung Kuk work see Annexe A
EMIGRATION.
(ORDINANCE 30 OF 1915.)
(Tables IV and V)
14. The number of assisted emigrants was 1,466 as compared with 7,564 in 1937.
15. The number of women and children emigrants was 12,753 as compared with 83,539 in 1937.
CHINESE BOARDING HOUSE.
(ORDINANCE 23 OF 1917).
(Table VI).
16. At the end of the year there were 141 boarding houses of all classes as against 157 at the end of 1937. During the year no new licences were taken out and sixteen licences were cancelled.
17. No convictions were obtained under the ordinance as compared with one in 1937.
C 4
PERMITS.
(ORDINANCE 40 of 1932).
(ORDINANCE 22 OF 1919).
18. 3,772 permits to fire crackers were issued, of which 2,927 were for weddings and the remainder for birthdays, shop-openings, etc. Fifty-seven permits were issued for theatrical performances.
19. Other permits issued were twenty-four for religious ceremonies and seven for processions.
REGISTRATION OF BOOKS.
(ORDINANCE 2 OF 1888).
20. Eighty-one books were registered during the year as compared with fifty- two in 1937.
REGISTRATION OF NEWSPAPERS.
(ORDINANCES 25 OF 1927 AND 1 OF 1930).
21. The number of registered Chinese newspapers on December 31st was fifty- four of which fifteen were registered during the year.
DISTRICT WATCH FORCE.
(ORDINANCE 23 OF 1930).
(Tables VII & VIII).
22. The District Watch Committee met on eleven 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.
Hon. Mr. T. N. Chau, C.B.E.
Hon. Mr. Lo Man-kam.
Mr. Wong Ping-sun.
Mr. Tang Shiu-kin, M.B.E.
Mr. Sum Pak-ming.
Mr. Tam Woon-tong.
Hon. Dr. Li Shu-fan.
23. Mr. W. N. Thomas Tam retired on the expiration of his year of office as ex-Chairman of the Po Leung Kuk Committee and was succeeded by Mr. Au Shiu-cho. Mr. Chau Shiu-ng, Chairman of the Tung Wah Hospital, also served on the Committee.
i
C 5---
24. The Force was maintained at its full authorised 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 died and five were dismissed. Recruits were obtained for the six vacancies.
26. Inspector E. J. Ellis remained in charge until 29th October when he proceeded on leave prior to retirement. He was succeeded by Inspector E. G.
Post.
27. The Force has, as in previous years, specialised in matters affecting the Chinese community, and the work during the year has been satisfactory.
A total of 1,214 successful prosecutions was brought by the District Watch Force, which shows a decrease in the number of cases in comparison with the year 1937, but this is largely due to a considerable number of uniformed District Watchmen being engaged on special duties such as the following:-
Accompanying vaccinators on a door-to-door campaign during the small-pox
epidemic.
Protection of refugee camps.
Work in connection with civil inquiries, the volume of which showed increase.
28. Comparative figures of all cases for the last three years are attached (Table VIII).
29. Discipline was good. There were five dismissals as compared with six and three in 1937 and 1936 respectively and twenty-nine departmental reports as compared with fifty-two and forty-seven in the same years. One first class, two second class, and four third class medals for long service were awarded, and two men received special commendation.
TUNG WAH HOSPITAL AND MAN MO TEMPLE.
(Tables IX to XIV).
(ORDINANCES 31 of 1930 & 10 of 1908).
30. The following gentlemen served on the Committee for 1938 :-
31.
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.
A detailed report on the medical work of the hospital, by the Visiting Medical Officer, will be found in Annexe B.
C 6
BREWIN CHARITY FUND).
(Tables XV and XVI).
32. The formation of this Fund was suggested by Mr. A. W. Brewin, Registrar-General 1901-1912, for the assistance of widows and orphans, and of disabled workmen. A considerable sum was collected for the purpose in 1910 and in October 1911 a formal trust deed was signed laying down the conditions for the administration of the Fund. The Tung Wah Hospital was made trustee of the Fund.
33. The full objects of the Fund as set out in the Deed are to provide for the benefit of any Chinese widows and orphans resident in the Colony who may become destitute and of Chinese workmen employed in the Colony who may become incapacitated for work by reason of old age or sickness or who may have been permanently disabled by any accident.
CHINESE PUBLIC DISPENSARIES.
(See Annexe B and Tables XVII to XIX).
WANCHAI MATERNITY HOSPITAL.
(See Annexe B).
CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERY,
(Table XX).
CHINESE RECREATION GROUND.
(Table XXI).
34. The Chinese Recreation Ground in Hollywood Road is controlled by a Committee consisting of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs as Chairman and the Chinese Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils.
35. The ground consists of a large concrete-surfaced open space which contains several pavilions and is bordered by sixty substantially-built stalls or rather small shops which are let by tender to refreshment caterers, barbers, book-sellers, letter-writers, etc., and the income, when expenses have been deducted, is devoted to Chinese charities.
YAUMATI PUBLIC SQUARE.
(Table XXII).
36. The Yaumati Public Square is also administered by the Chinese Recreation Ground Committee on the same lines as the Chinese Recreation Ground. The chief difference is that there is no open space, the whole of the square being occupied by stalls, fifty-nine in all.
PASSAGE MONEY FUND.
(Table XXIII).
TRANSLATION.
37. The total number of translations made in the Department during 1938 was · 1,386 as compared with 969 in 1937. 824 of these were from Chinese into English and 562 from English into Chinese. In addition a large number of translations made in other Government departments were sent to this office for
revision.
C 7
LABOUR.
GENERAL.
38. Considerable industrial development was a feature of the year, due to the demand for war material and the migration to Hong Kong of industries from the areas affected by Sino-Japanese hostilities. A number of these industries were new to Hong Kong, whilst others, such as weaving, spinning and the manufacture of cotton goods were of a type which had begun to develop in Hong Kong in normal times. The transplanted industries, however, were in most cases accompanied by the workers employed in them, and owing to this and to the continued influx of other refugees, there was little, if any, alleviation of local unemployment.)
39. At the end of the year the approximate number of those engaged in registered factories and workshops was 55,000, this number, of course, being only a fraction of the total of employed workers in the Colony.
40. Generally, factories worked full time but some were handicapped by want of raw materials imported from China, and others failed through competition.
41. Working conditions in factories continue to improve and a considerable number of factory buildings of modern design were erected and are being erected.
There were no large building projects but employment was found for many casual labourers on military works and roads, and a fairly large number of workers of both sexes were engaged in quarrying.
42.
43. There was also some increase in the activities of the wolfram, iron ore and lead mining concerns in the New Territories.
DISPUTES AND STRIKES.
44. The only serious labour trouble during the year occurred in the Chung Hwa Book Company's works, culminating in a lock-out with pay followed by a "sit-down" and hunger strike in December. The trouble originated in a fine imposed on one of the employees by the Company. It was amicably settled before the end of the year.
45. Mr. H. R. Butters was appointed to the new post of Labour Officer on November 14th. This officer deals with major labour disputes and matters affecting labour unions.
46. There were a number of individual disputes brought to the Secretariat for arbitration but none were serious.
COST OF LIVING OF POORER CLASSES.
47. (There
There was a slight and fairly steady fall in the prices of commodities included in the cost of living index, but, except in the case of oil, prices remained at higher levels than those which obtained in the period immediately prior to the outbreak of Sino-Japanese hostilities in July 1937. In the early part of the year the prices of fish, meat and vegetables were between 10% and 30% above the corresponding figures for the previous year, whilst at the end of the year these prices were 10% or less below the corresponding figures for the previous year. The only violent fluctuation occurred in the case of vegetables, the prices of which rose in October to 80% above the prices for the previous month. This, however, was entirely due to the temporary dislocation of supplies caused by the Japanese invasion of South China, and by the end of the year the prices of vegetables had fallen to the lowest level for the year, which was about 8% lower than that obtaining at the end of 1937.) The price or rice fell steadily throughout the year, for the first seven months being not more than 9% above the corresponding figures for 1937, and for the last five months being consistently less than the corresponding figures for that year.
C 8
CHINESE TEMPLES.
(ORDINANCE 7 of 1928).
(Tables XXIV & XXV).
48. 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. Chan Kam-po-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).
49. The Committee met once at the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs.
50. The following contributions were made from the Temples Fund during the year 1938:-
$ 8,000.00 to the Chinese Public Dispensaries Fund.
$23,272.77 to the Tung Wah Hospital.
800.00 to the Home for the Aged.
500.00 to St. John Ambulance Brigade for the expenses of New Terri- tories medical work and Haw Par Hospital.
$
$
$
Ꭿ Ꭿ Ꭿ
$
500.00 to the Society for the Protection of Children.
200.00 to the Children's Playground Association.
$ 1,000.00 to Emergency Relief Council.
ABERDEEN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.
(Table XXVI).
51. The School has been built to accommodate 300 boys, fifty, of whom are nominated by Government, 150 by the Executive Committee and 100 by the Salesian Society, managers of the School. With the exception of Government nominees, candidates for admission must possess a parental residential qualification of five years residence in the Colony. Pupils are divided into two categories, students and artisans. The minimum age for admission of students is eight years and the minimum age for apprenticeship is fourteen years. Students follow: the Govern- - ment school programme for vernacular schools and no boy is permitted to be apprenticed to a trade until he has completed the fourth year primary course. Artisans who have been apprenticed continue their general studies concurrently with their vocational training. Pupils are accepted twice a year in February and September. The length of the artisan apprenticeship course is three to five years. School fees are $150 per annum and these include board, lodging, uniform and tuition.
C 9
52. The following gentlemen served on the Executive Committee during the year:
(a) Secretary for Chinese Affairs (Chairman).
(b) Hon. Sir Robert 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-
mittee.
(d) Mr. Chau Shiu-ng-Chairman of the Tung Wah Hospital Committee.
(e) Mr. Chan Kam-po-Chairman of the Po Leung Kuk Committee.
(f) Mr. Li Sing-kui-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-Appointed by the Governor.
(i) Reverend Father Braga and Reverend Father Bernardini-Members of
the Salesian Society.
STAFF.
SECRETARY FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS.
53. Mr. R. A. C. North acted as Colonial Secretray from 9th to 23rd February and went on leave from 14th November. During his absence on both occasions, Mr. W. J. Carrie acted as Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
13th May, 1939.
W. J. CARRIE,
Secretary for Chinese Affairs,
C 10
ANNEXE A.
REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE PO LEUNG KUK FOR THE YEAR 1938.
(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 staff consists of a Chinese matron, two lady teachers, one nurse, one drill instructress, ten amahs, one shroff and two clerks who are secretaries to the managing committee. A determined effort has been made to deal with the problem of skin-diseases, and beri-beri; the continual influx of new inmates drawn from the poorest classes makes this very difficult. A more varied dietary and greater attention to physical training and games out of doors has, however, consider- ably improved the health of the inmates. A new isolation room has been prepared and arrangements have been made for regular weekly visits by the Lady Visiting Medical Officer.
3. The Po Leung Kuk Committee meets every evening from Monday to Friday at 7 p.m., the principal meeting of the week being held at 12 noon on Sunday. It not only manages the Po Leung Kuk, but acts as an advisory committee to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs in all cases affecting women and children and Chinese family life generally. It corresponds, when necessary, with charitable institutions and private persons in various parts of China, traces parents of lost children and shelters for the night any Chinese woman or girl who chooses to go. When parents and relations cannot be traced, the Committee arranges for the girls in its care to be given in marriage (never as concubines) or in adoption, always under bond and always with the consent of this office; and in every case this office ascertains the girl's willingness before giving consent.
4. In addition to the annual Committee there is a Board of Permanent Direction, which serves to maintain continuity of policy and of which the Secretary for Chinese Affairs is the ex-officio chairman.
5. The following were elected in April to serve as the Managing Committee for the year:—
Mr. Chan Kam-po.
Mr. Chan Lan-fong. Mrs. Ho Leung. Mrs. Chau Sik-nin.
Miss Alice Kwok.
Mr. Fung Tsz-ying. Mr. Lam Pat-nam. Mr. Tang Man-tin. Dr. Chau Wai-cheung. Mr. Wong Sik-chung. Dr. Li Ping-sum.
Dr. Tseung Fat-yin.
6. The number of inmates of the Po Leung Kuk on January 1st, 1938, was ninety-six and during the year 650 persons were admitted as against 465 in 1937. The circumstances of admission and the action taken in regard to them are set out in Table A.
- C 11
7. 650 women, girls and children were admitted without warrant. Fifteen were lost children. Fourteen were accompanied by parents or guardians and 103 were maidservants or muitsai who had left their employers.
8. On leaving the Kuk 219 persons were
were restored to husbands or other relatives, eighty-four were sent to charitable institutions in China, nineteen were given in adoption, one was married, 139 were released after enquiries, twenty-seven were released under bond, and forty-two were sent to a School, Convent or Refuge in the Colony. The number of inmates remaining in the Kuk on December 31st was 196, which is more than double that of previous years.
9. 167 cases of sickness were sent to the Tung Wah Eastern Hospital, three to the Queen Mary Hospital, two to the Mental Hospital, one to the Tsan Yuk Hospital, and one to the Lai Chi Kok Hospital for treatment, and of these seventeen died.
10. 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.
11. Mrs. M. K. Lo and Mrs. S. W. Tso paid regular visits of inspection during the year.
C 12
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.
4. These institutions are controlled by Chinese Committees working in close co-operation with the Secretary for Chinese Affairs and the Director of Medical Services. Both hospitals and dispensaries are subject to inspection by Government Visiting Medical Officers, and the Medical Superintendents of the three hospitals are Chinese Medical Officers of the Medical Department.
5. In the three big hospitals the patients can
choose between Western medicine and Chinese herbal medicine, but in the maternity hospitals and dispensaries Western medicine only is practised.
THE CHINESE HOSPITALS.
6. The Tung Wah Hospital situated in the centre of the most thickly populated area in Victoria was first occupied in 1873. The Tung Wah Eastern Hospital situated at the east end of Victoria was opened in 1929. The Government gave the sites and with grants of money assisted in the erection of the buildings. The Kwong Wah Hospital situated in the Central District of Kowloon was built in 1911 to meet the needs of those resident in the Peninsula. The funds for its erection were raised by public subscription.
7. In control of the three hospitals is the Tung Wah Hospital Committee, a body of Chinese gentlemen elected each year by the subscribers, but the end of 1938 saw the inauguration of a Tung Wah Hospital Medical Committee consisting of representatives of the Tung Wah Advisory Board and of the Tung Wah Hospitals Directorate, the Visiting Medical Officer, and the Medical Superintendents of the three hospitals under the chairmanship of the Director of Medical Services. This Committee, appointed by His Excellency the Governor, is the executive authority in all matters relating to the medical administration of the Tung Wah Hospitals.
8. 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.
gale
C 13
9. (The Sino-Japanese hostilities with the consequent influx of refugees to the Colony have had very far reaching effects on Chinese Hospitals and when it is remembered that the total number of beds in the three hospitals is just under 1,100 the figures given in the attached Table are almost unbelievable.
In the early months of 1938 it became apparent that the accommodation in these hospitals was taxed to the uttermost, and some scheme for the immediate relief of the dangerous congestion had to be evolved. It was thought that if a proportion of the patients suffering from chronic curable maladies requiring prolonged hospitalisation could be transferred to another building, (equipped on the lines of a convalescent home rather than as a modern hospital), then space and opportunity would be made for the care and treatment of the crowds of sick and dying who daily thronged the admission wards of the Tung Wah Hospitals Government, therefore, decided to convert Lai Chi Kok Prison, which had been closed when the new prison at Stanley was built, into a Chinese Relief Hospital for the accommo- dation of patients from the Tung Wah group with chronic but curable illnesses, particularly beri-beri.) Lai Chi Kok Relief Hospital was opened in May 1938 and its 300 beds are always full. It cannot be said that the opening of this hospital has relieved to any marked extent the congestion in the wards of Chinese Hospitals, they are still as crowded as ever, but at least the average length of stay of patients has decreased, many more patients have been dealt with in a shorter time, and cures have been effected which could not have taken place in the congested wards of the Tung Wah Hospitals. The experiment has been valuable in another respect; it proves that the degree of usefulness of such an institution as Lai Chi Kok, meagrely equipped and unexpensively maintained, is only limited by its modest accommodation, and in this Colony where the demand for medical services by the sick poor is so great the possibility of expanding medical facilities along the lines adopted at Lai Chi Kok is worthy of further consideration.
10. In April a Chinese sister-tutor was appointed by Government to the three Chinese Hospitals Nurses Training Schools, and there has been a marked improvement in the general standard of nursing in the wards, which has, of course, been favourably reflected in the results of candidates from Chinese Hospitals at the Nurses Board Examinations. By training Chinese women in nursing and midwifery these hospitals play an important part in the dissemination of health. education among the poor and ignorant members of the community.
11. At the beginning of the year Government seconded for service in the Tung Wah Hospital a charge dresser, who is responsible for nursing in male wards and the training of male dressers, some of whom have enrolled as proba- tioners under the Nurses Registration Ordinance and will later sit the Nurses Board examinations.
12. In spite of the tremendous strain placed on the Tung Wah Hospitals Committee and on the medical and nursing staffs during 1938, the year must be recorded as of progress, characterised by improvements in buildings and equipment, better conditions of service for the nursing staff, acceleration of diagnosis and treatment of patients, and expansion of the maternity and child welfare clinics run in conjunction with the maternity departments.
THE WANCHAI OR EASTERN MATERNITY HOSPITAL.
13. 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 931. There were four maternal deaths during the year.
C 14
THE CHINESE PUBLIC DISPENSARIES.
14. The origin of the Chinese Public Dispensaries was a movement made in 1904 by certain leading Chinese citizens especially Messrs. Fung Wa-chun, Lau Chu-pak and Ho Kom-tong, with the help and encouragement of Mr. A. W. Brewin, then Registrar-General. This movement began in the hope of coping with the scandal of the abandonment of dead bodies in the streets.
15. In 1905 two depots were established, the Western and the Eastern. In immediate charge of each depot was a Chinese doctor qualified in Western medicine who was assisted by an English-speaking clerk.
16. In 1909 the Government gave the movement public support and encour- agement and the Committee became the Chinese Public Dispensaries Committee under the chairmanship of the Registrar-General, now the Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
17. It was declared at the time that the work of the depots or dispensaries was not hospital work and that the Chinese doctors employed were simply to diagnose disease and not to treat it. However, treatment centres were needed, and treatment, commenced in a small way, gradually developed until now the principal function of the dispensaries is medical relief. But in addition to the ordinary work of the clinic and dispensary these institutions serve as depots where the poor may apply for assistance in matters connected with —
(a) The removal of patient to hospital.
(b) Certification as to the cause of death.
(c) Removal of corpses to mortuaries.
(d) Supply of coffins and arrangements for burial.
(e) The registration of births.
(f) Vaccination.
18. There are now nine Chinese Public Dispensaries, five on the Island of Hong Kong and four in Kowloon. The Tsan Yuk Maternity Hospital, which was formerly administered by the Committee of the Chinese Western Dispensary, was handed over to Government as a gift on January 1st, 1934.
19. One of the dispensaries is housed in rooms attached to a temple. Another, at Aberdeen, consists of two rented shops temporarily adapted for the purpose. Gradually up-to-date buildings are taking the place of the temporary ones. The dispensaries at Shaukiwan and Wanchai are excellent buildings of their kind, as those on the Kowloon side at Yaumati, Kowloon City and Shamshuipo.
20. This latter is housed in a new building which was opened on 26th October, 1936. Designed on modern lines it affords ample accommodation for the large clientele which attends daily.
21. A gynaecological clinic is held by one of the Government Lady Medical Officers once or twice a week at each of the dispensaries.
22. Each dispensary has a room attached to it where dead bodies can be received for transport to the mortuaries preliminary to burial. Coffins are provided free.
23. On 11th March, 1936, a beginning was made with a public dispensary in Stanley Village replacing and continuing a privately operated dispensary under the auspices of St. Stephen's College. This is additional to the nine dispensaries referred to in paragraph 18. The premises are part of a temple building. No collections have so far been made in Stanley itself, and expenses are defrayed from the Aberdeen Dispensary funds.
Inpatients:-
Western treatment
Chinese herbal treatment
Maternity
Combined
Operations:---
Major
Minor
- C 15
Tung
T.W. Kwong
Total.
Wah.
E.H.
Wah.
11,060
5,272 13,617
29,949
5.695
2,055
4,745 12,495
1,946
865
4,102
6,913
18,701
8.192
22,464 49,357
106
43
90
239
1.117
656
146
1,919
1,223
699
236
2,158
Combined
Deaths:
Died within 24 hours
837
866
4.029
5,782
Other deaths in hospital
3,561
1,481
2,861
7,903
4,398
2.347
6.890
13.635
Brought in dead for burial
1,155
670
1,966
3,791
Death rate per 1,000 inpatients
229
259
300
263
Outpatients:--
Western treatinent:-
General
Baby clinic
Ante-natal
Gynaecology
Eye
22,255 22,889
32,622
77,766
1.387
503
1,890
559
559
1,678
1,678
15,239
960
3.148
19,347
38,881
23,849 38,510
101,240
Chinese herbal treatment
211,438
91,700 216.321 519,459
Combined
250,319
115,549
254,831 620,699
Anti-smallpox vaccination
31,796
13,939
7,185 52,920
Anti-cholera inoculation
11.504
8,355
:
4,693 24,552
C 16
INDEX.
Table.
Po Leung Kuk.
Number of Women, Girls and Children admitted
A.
Statement of Receipts & Expenditure (Jan.
Mar.)
B.
Statement of Receipts & Expenditure (Mar.
Dec.)
C.
Secretariat for Chinese Affairs.
Comparative Statement of Expenditure
Comparative Statement of Revenue, 1937 and 1938
Comparative Statement of Expenditure and Revenue for the last
ten years
Emigration.
Number of female passengers and boys examined and passed Number of Assisted Emigrants
Chinese Boarding House Licence Returns
Τ
II
]][
IV
V.
VI
District Watch Force.
Statement of Receipts and Expenditure
Tung Wah Hospital and Man Mo Temple.
Comparative statement of cases obtained
Income and Expenditure Account of the three Chinese Hospitals
VII
VIII
IX
Balance Sheet of the three Chinese Hospitals
X
Income and Expenditure Account of the Man Mo Temple
ΧΙ
Balance Sheet of the Man Mo Temple
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
Statement of Receipts and Expenditure
XIX
Chinese Permanent Cemetery: Statement of Account
XX
Chinese Recreation Ground: Statement of Account
Yaumati Public Square: Statement of Account
Passage Money Fund
XXI
XXII
XXIII
General Chinese Charities Fund
XXIV
Chinese Temples Fund
XXV
Aberdeen Industrial School: Statement of Accounts.
XXVI
Total
In the Po Leung Kuk onl
1st January, 1938 ...)
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.
Sent with their own consent by the Police.
64
1
7
19
4
1
Remaining in the Po
Leung Kuk on the
143
2
28
12
10
1
196
31st December, 1938
508
8
173
34
18
10
Lost Children.
Table A.
NUMBER OF WOMEN, GIRLS AND CHILDREN, ADMITTED TO THE PO LEUNG KUK DURING THE YEAR 1938 AND THE
ARRANGEMENTS MADE REGARDING THEM.
Accompanying parents or guardians.
Runaway girls.
Total.
Released after enquiries.
Released under bond.
Admitted during the year
444
7
166
15
14
4
650
127
20
2
205
74
26
15
1
14
166
650
1
36
96
12
7
—MAY
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
14
10
16
746
139
27
2
219
84
42
19
1
17
196
746
1
}
t
|
3
30
96
Adopted.
Married.
Died.
Case under consideration.
Total,
C 17
Table B.
PO LEUNG KUK.
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FROM 1ST JANUARY TO 10TH APRIL, 1938.
- Ċ 18
Receipts.
Balance from Previous year
Subscriptions:
¢
Expenditure.
Rent from House Property
$1,078.00
Subscriptions from Guilds'
1,836.00
13,549.56
Wages
Food
Clothes for inmates
Traffic expenses
Repairs
Passage Money
$
¢
$1,532.00 1,792.63
76.41
213.55
425.77
64.75
Sale of Hand Work
120.13
Deposit by Mok Wai Yung
279.50
Fuel
Light and Power
535.79
278.87
Contributions to Festivals
265.00
Drugs
101.05
Miscellaneous
45.99
Water
412.46
3,624.62
Telephone
64.50
Interest on Current Account
Crown Rent and Rates
327.09
233.42
Advertisement and Printing
14.70
Stationery
85.02
Deposit with Po Fung Bank Miscellaneous
279.50
435.40
6,639.49
Balance
10,768.11
Total....
$17,407.60
Total..
Certified by the Statutory Declaration of Luk Oi Wan and Chan Lan Fong, Members of the Board of Directors.
$17,407.60
Է
Table C.
PO LEUNG KUK.
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FROM 11TH APRIL TO 31ST DECEMBER, 1938.
Receipts.
$
¢
Expenditure.
$
Handed over by previous Committee
$10,768.11
Wages
$4,598.10
Food
7,222.06
Fuel
1,439.77
Subscriptions:----
Repairs
2,526.30
Grant by Hong Kong Government
$17,000.00
Traffic Expenses
532.10
T
Rent from house property
2,800.00
Water Account
336.58
Subscriptions from Guilds
272.00
Crown Rent and Rates
279.28
Yim Fong and A. Fong Photographers...
450.00
Clothes for Inmates
1,105.73
C 19
Yue Lan and other celebrations
746.00
Light and Power
507.59
Sale of hand work
82.68
Telephone
64.50
Miscellaneous
261.81
Petty Expenditure
950.48
21,612.49
Printing and Stationery
300.57
Passage Money
79.35
Medical Apparatus and Drugs
Material for Hand Work Miscellaneous
331.50
209.16
1,533.41
$22,016.48
Interest on current account
Total.....
29.58
Balance
$32,410.18
10,393.70*
Total....
$32,410.18
Certified by the Statutory Declaration of Luk Oi Wan and Chan Lan Fong, Members of the Board of Directors.
*Of which $7,405.97 represents the surplus of the Building Fund.
C 20
Table I.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE 1937 AND 1938.
Personal Emoluments
1937.
1938.
$125,913.86 $138,410.09
Other Charges.
Conveyance Allowances
Electric Fans and Light
Incidental Expenses
1,511.75
637.05
1,098.96
994.79
727.73
1,024.35
Library
109.32
148.31
+
Rent of Public Telephone
87.75
Transport
35.10
235.25
Special Expenditure.
Gestetner Duplicator
Typewriter
995.00
313.00
Total Personal Emoluments and Other Charges
$130,757.37 $141,520.94
Table II.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF REVENUE 1937 AND 1938.
1937.
1938.
Licences and Internal Revenue not otherwise specified.
Chinese Boarding House Licences
$17,648.00
$14,731.00
Emigration Passage Broker Licences
1,410.00
1,400.00
Fees of Court or Office.
Certificates to Chinese Proceeding to Foreign Countries...
200.00
750.00
Miscellaneous
129.00
23.00
Official Signatures
80.00
110.00
Miscellaneous Receipts.
Condemned Stores
33.00
29.10
Other Miscellaneous Receipts
30.00
Total
$19,530.00
$17,043.10
7-
"
C 21
Table III.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE FOR LAST TEN YEARS
Year.
*Personal Emoluments and
Other Charges.
Special Expenditure.
1929.
78,121.08
1930..
130,279.41
1931...
135,424.29
1932...
130,880.54
1933..
175,321.51
1934....
141,831.49
1935.....
127,624.04
1936......
139.948.00
1937.....
129,449.37
1938...
141,520.94
Total Expenditure.
Total Revenue.
78,121.08
16,828.36
130,279.41
20,176.06
135,424.29
18,771.59
130,880.54
17,344.03
175,321.51
16,347.60
141,831.49
17,618.75
127,624.04
13,329.67
139,948.00
26,865.75
1,308.00
130,757.37
19,530.00
141,520.94
17,043.10
*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 1938.
Women and Children 1938.
Total Women
and
Women Girls
Boys Total
Children
1937.
Macassar
333
110
184
627
613
Straits Settlements & F.M.S.
21,179
4,373
5,221
30,773
78,334
Dutch Indies
364
99
204
667
530
Belawan Deli
421
157
325
903
681
British North Borneo
791
284
384
1,459
2.815
Honolulu
49
33
47
129
187
United States of America
302
185
490
977
505
South America
4
4
165
Mauritius & Reunion
191
55
165
411
235
Australia
51
41
121
213
140
India
135
35
95
265
234
South Africa
129
30
110
269
125
Vancouver
202
23
354
579
290
Batavia
1,616
483
1.203
3,302
1,814
Sourabaya
631
186
468
1,285
535
Rangoon
384
175
302
861
1,081
Billiton Victoria Seattle
4
53
29
29
198
26,778 6,269 9,706 42,753
83,539
- C 22
Table V.
NUMBER OF ASSISTED EMIGRANTS.
Rejected.
Year.
Examined. Passed.
Un-
Rejected Rejected
at
willing. S.C.A.
by Doctor.
* Total
Rejected
Percentage
of Rejection.
1937......
1938......
7,750
7,564
2
52
186
2.4
1,474
1,466
3
8
.54
* This number includes those who failed to appear for the final examination.
Native districts of assisted emigrants passed.
West River
East River
North River
Canton
Delta
Kwong Sai
Southern Districts
45
196
85
37
54
810
239
1,466
Whither bound.
Dutch Indies:
DESTINATION OF ASSISTED EMIGRANTS.
Muntok
Billiton
Gavutu
Ocean Island
Nauru ....
Mombasa
Sydney
Melbourne
Rabaul
Sandakan
Singapore
Total......
Male Assisted Emigrants.
1937.
1938.
5,979
862
1,188
5
16
95
343
463
3
1
2
22
37
6
3
1
4
7,564
1,466
Classification of the assisted emigrants examined, according to the language spoken gives the following figures:-
Cantonese Hakka
832
634
Total
.1,466
Table VI.
Chinese boarding house licence returns under the Boarding House Ordinance. No. 23 of 1917.
Class.
Į
II
IV
VII Total
No. in existence at beginning of 1938 No. in existence at end of 1938 ...
1
73
1
63
N N
2
81
157
2
75
141
→ C 23
Table VII.
STATEMENT OF THE RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE
RELATIVE TO THE HONG KONG · DISTRICT WATCHMAN FUND FOR THE YEAR 1938.
Receipts.
c.
Expenditure.
$ c.
To Balance
127,166.39 Wages and Salaries:---
TJ
Contributions (Victoria:-
$43,615.91 + Kowloon: $14,730 33
58,346.24
Watchmen
Chief District Watchmen Assistant Chief District
Detectives
1st Class District Watch.nen... 17 389.94
$ c.
2,880.00
3 513 00
10 704.00
""
Grant by Hong Kong Government
100.00
2nd 3rd
33
"
"7
... 12 289.81 508.86
Payment to District Walchmen for special
services
47,285.61
2,398.00
Miscellaneous:-
Fines
84.00
Cooks
"
,, House rents
Rent for permission to erect an iron gate on s.s. 2 of Section A on I.L. 680, for 1938 (West Point D.W. Quarters)
756.00
Coolies Messenger
1 104.00 840.00 96.00
2,040.00
Office Staff:-
1.00
Manager Collectors
*80 00
1 176 00
1,356.00
19
Interest on Hong Kong Government 4%
Conversion Loan
1,520.00
27
Interest on Fixed Deposits
800.00
"
Interest on Current Account
652.35
Balance:-
Total...... 191,823.98
Other Charges:-
Rent allowance
Allowance to Detectives
Medal allowance
Conservancy allowance
Conveyance allowance &c. Electric charges
Telephone rentals
Stationery, printing and stamps
Uniforms and equipments
Ammunition
Crown Rents
Repairs and fittings
3 324.92 2 298.00 1406.00
42.00 870.25
1 034.94
597.00
403.14
2 766.87
261.00 11.37
Premium on Fire Policy
Gratuities and rewards
Sundries
Pensions:-
3 777.82
426.84
4 477.50 900.80
22,598.45
2,431.35
75,711.41
116,112.57
Total......
191,823.98
Ex. C. D. W. Chan Sham and others
Total Expenditure
Balance
Fong Kong Government 4% Conversion Loan
Cash
.$ 38,000.00
37,952.57
Fixed Deposits (H.K. & Sh. Bk.)
Fixed Deposits (Treasury)
Advance to C. D. Ws.
10,000.00
30,000 00
160.00
Total......$116,112.57
Examined & Found correct.
S. W. T'SO,
泉右李
Members of D. W. Cee.
Secretariat for Chinese Affairs.
Hong Kong, 31st December, 1938.
W. J. CARRIE,
S. C. A.
K. KEEN,
A. S. C. A.
TANG MAN TUEN,
Manager, D.W.F.
;
C 24
Table VIII.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF THE NUMBER OF CASES OBTAINED BY THE DISTRICT WATCH FORCE FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS.
Offence.
1936.
1937.
1938.
Murder
Robbery
1
3
Co
5
Burglary (or Arms)
Larceny
1
4
7
769
1,123
543
Larceny from person
225
364
372
Receiving stolen goods
26
53
34
Unlawful possession
129
165
92
Trafficking in children (or kidnapping)
21
17
Breach of Women and Girls Ordinance
13
S
Muitsai (Female Domestic Service Ordinance)
7
1
Obtaining by false pretences
18
26
10
Disorderly conduct
54
30
23
Loitering
7
21
8
Coinage offences
14
14
Deportation
Revenue offences
yehue
Gambling
Miscellaneous
104
77
33
124
114
40
29
38
13
26
14
20
Total
1,567 2,067
1,214
:
素
C 25
Table IX.
東華醫院
·TUNG WAH HOSPITAL.
廣華醫院
KWONG WAH HOSPITAL.
東華東院
TUNG WAH EASTERN HOSPITAL.
九三八年
年進支
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st Dec
進欸
INCOME.
東華| 廣華|東華東總數
Tung Wah Kwong Wah
Tung Wah Eastern
Total
政府津貼
各件酬金
Salaries & Wages
Government Grant:--
各件伙食
Staff Provision
經費
for General Expenses
$ 38,000.00 $ 33,500.00 $ 25,000.00 $ 96,500.00
各
號
Uniform for Staff
施棺
Telephone Rent
10,000.00
*7,000.00
for Free Coffins
17,000.00
西藥
for Western Medicine
2,500.00
2,500.00
2,500.00
7,500.00
戒煙
for Opium Ward
捐款
Subscriptions & Donations:--
善士殷戶等
1,512.00
1,512.00
電話租
差餉地稅
Rates & Taxes
燕梳 費
Insurance Premium
紙料印件
Stationery & Printing
水費
Water Accounts
燈 火
Lights:----
電
Electric
57,025.80
11.030.34
17 599.56
85 655.70
Individuals
煤
Gas
戲院及影相館
附頂息
960 CO
2,460.00
3 420.00
Interest on Deposits
Theatres & Photographers
修葺
公立醫局
Repairs:----
Chinese Public Dispensary
廟宇撥助
5,012 40
5 012.40
本院
Hospital Buildings
屋宇
8 000.00
8 000.00
from Temple Fund
各行捐款
House Property
十字車費用
Ambulance Expenses
other Subscriptions
2,645.81
13,110.36
30.00
15,786.17
病人伙食:
Inpatient Provision
利息
Interest
9.838.30
2,384.00
1,950.00
14,172,30
贈醫分所費用
Out-Patient Clinic
租項
購藥
Rents:---
屋宇租
House Property
106.041.98
1,871.24
1,641.47
109,554.69
義庄租
Coflin Home
29,241.00
别喜及永別亭租
29,241.00
Cost of Medicine:-----
中藥
Chinese
西藥
Western
煤炭
Coal:-
㷛藥用
for boiling Medicine
熱水爐用
C 25
Table IX.
東華醫院
·TUNG WAH HOSPITAL.
廣華醫院
KWONG WAH HOSPITAL.
東華東院
TUNG WAH EASTERN HOSPITAL.
九 三 三八年進支數
LE AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER, 1938.
欸
支出
ME.
EXPENDITURE.
華廣華 東華東總數
東華廣華 東華東 廣華
東華東總數
g Wah
Kwong Wah
Tung Wah
Total
Tung Wah
Kwong Wah
Eastern
Tung Wah Eastern
Total
各件酬金
Salaries & Wages
$55.376.27
$ 35.713.17 | 32,847.94
$123,937.38
各件伙食
Staff Provision
13,155.27
8,883.80
8,796.09
30 835.16
备件號衣
3,000.00
$ 33,500.00 $ 25,000.00
$ 96,500.00
Uniform for Staff
1,273.41
886.04
1,108.85
3 268.30
電話租
Telephone Rent
1,501.46
515.10
892.43
2,908.99
,000.00
7,000,00
17,000.00
差餉地稅
Rates & Taxes
17,621.50
300.40
267.06
18,188.96
燕梳 費
2,500.00
2,500.00
2,500.00
7,500.00
Insurance Premium
576.89
576.89
紙料印件
Stationery & Printing
2,266.56
1,989.23
1,803.47
6.059.26
1,512.00
1,512.00
水費
Water Accounts.
燈火
Lights: --
7 378.10
172.42
2,431.43
9,981.95
電
煎
Electric
5,425.99
3,731.76
2,648.74 11,806.49
7,025.80
11.030.34
17 599.56
85 655.70
煤
Gas
6,097.13
2,350.05
2,791.95
11.239.13
附頂息
960 CO
2,460.00
3 420.00
Interest on Deposits
1,798.90
1.798 90
修葺
Repairs:----
5.012 40
5 012.40
本院
Hospital Buildings
6,525.31
4,084.60
5,177.76
15,787.67
屋宇
8 000.00
8 000.00
House Property
1,690.96
33.30
67.41
1,791.67
十字車費用
Ambulance Expenses
1,214.45
1,006.88
759.18
2,980.51
2,645.81
13,110.36
30.00
15,786.17
病人伙食
Inpatient Provision
42,897.37
24,468.00 13,992.28 81,357.65
贈醫分所費用
9.838.30
2,384.00
1,950.00
14,172.30
Out-Patient Clinic
1,935.32
1,935.32
購藥
Cost of Medicine:----
中藥
Chinese
西藥
Western
38,539.07 45,592.07 32,582.25 116.713.39
6.041.98
1,871.24
1,641.47
109,554.69
12,792.68 12,739.86
9,395.27 34,927.81
煤炭
Coal:-----
9,241.00
29,241.00
㷛藥用
for boiling Medicine
3,293.41
1,839.12
1,944.79
7,077.32
篇号
++-4
57,025.80
11.030.34
17 599.56
85 655.70
Individuals
煤
Gas
戲院及影相館
附頂息
960 00
Theatres & Photographers
2,460.00
3 420.00
Interest on Deposits
修葺
公立醫局
Repairs:------
5.012 40
5 012.40
Chinese Public Dispensary
本院
Hospital Buildings
廟宇撥助
屋宇
from Temple Fund
8 000.00
8 000.00
House Property
十字車費用
Ambulance Expenses
各行捐款
other Subscriptions
2,645.81
13,110.36
30.00
15,786.17
病人伙食
Inpatient Provision
利息
Interest
租項
9.838.30
2,384.00
1,950.00
14,172,30
Cost of Medicine:----
Rents:-
屋宇租
House Property
義租
Coffin Home
29,241.00
106,041.98
1,871.24
1,641.47 109,554.69
Coal:-
29,241.00
一別亭及永別亭租
Yat Pit Ting & Wing Pit Ting
2.660.00
2,660.00
鐵爐租
贈醫分所費用
Out-Patient Clinic
購藥
中藥
Chinese
西藥
Western
煤炭
保藥用
for boiling Medicine
熱水爐用
for hot water
棉衣棉胎及被單
Winter Clothings, Quilts & Sheets
葬費
Iron Burners
自理房費
2 043 00
1,275.00
3,318.00
Burial Charges:——
棺木
Receipts from Private and Maternity Ward
Cost of Coffins
Patients
12,005.93 17,274.78
20,429.44
49.710.15
費用
沽中藥
Sale of Chinese Medicine
Burial Expenses
石碑
十字車
Ambulance
賣花籌款
Proceeds of Flower day
7,658.95
4,536.04
421.58
4,957.62
Tombstones
雜用
Sundry Expenses:——
1,308.50
3,438.50
1,337.50
6,084.50
病房
Ward
院内
7,658.95
各項收入
Miscellaneous Receipts
21,219.99
1,890.72
931.70
24,042.41
Bad debts written off ·
進支比對不敷
Hospital
痘局
Small Pox Hospital
撇枯數
進支比對盈餘
Excess of Expenditure over Income
77,873.65
55,867.05 133,740.70
Surplus of Income over Expenditure
$307,685,30 $181,042.57 $136,798.72 $625,526.59
9
不敷
Deficit:-
廣華醫院
Kwong Wah Hospital
東華東院
Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
盈餘
Surpins:----
東華醫院
Tung Wah Hospital
三院進支比對不敷
..$ 77,873.65
55,867.05
$133,740.70
27,558.92
Difference being Excess of Expendituire over Income for the three Hospitals ...$106,181.78
030.34
17 599.56
85 655.70
煤
11,000.*
Gas
6,097.13
2,350.05
2,791.95
11.239.13
附頂息
160.00
3 420.00
Interest on Deposits
1,798.90
1.798 90
修葺
Repairs:---
)12 40
5 012.40
本 院
Hospital Buildings
6,525.31
4,084.60
5,177.76
屋宇
15,787.67
8 000.00
8 000.00
House Property
1,690.96
33.30
67.41
十字車費用
1,791.67
Ambulance Expenses
1,214.45
1,006.88
759.18
110.36
30.00
15,786.17
病人伙食!
2,980.51
Inpatient Provision
42,897.37
贈醫分所費用
24,468.00 13,992.28 81,357.65
384.00
1,950.00 14,172.30
Out-Patient Clinic
1,935.32
購藥
1,935.32
Cost of Medicine:-----
中 藥
Chinese
西 藥
371.24
1,641.47
109,554.69
Western
煤炭
38,539.07
45,592.07 32,582.25 116.713.39
12,792.68 12,739.86
9,395.27 34,927.81
Coal:
29,241.00
藥用
for boiling Medicine
3,293.41
1,839.12
1,944.79
7,077.32
熱水爐用
2,660.00
for hot water
2,945.63
1,717.32
.*2,875.33
棉衣棉胎及被單
7.538.28
Winter Clothings, Quilts & Sheets
4,194.11
2.313.78
1.305.16
7.813 05
275.00
3,318.00
葬費
Burial Charges:--
棺木
Cost of Coffins
17.626.41
17,988 75
3 525 39
39,140.55
274.78
20,429.44
49.710.15
費用
Burial Expenses
5,051.98
3.348.10
1 125.25
9,525.33
石碑
121.58
4,957.62
Tombstones
1,166.00
595.00
236.40
1,997.40
雜用
Sundry Expenses:----
138.50
1,337.50
6,084.50
病房
Ward
10,137.39
7,403.33
4.110.17
21,650.89
院内
7,658.95
Hospital
10,129.36
3,370.49
4,178.80 17,678.65
痘局
390.72
931.70 24,042.41
873.65 55,867.05 133,740.70
042.57 $136,798.72 $625,526.59
Small Pox Hospital
撇枯數
Bad debts written off
進支比對盈餘
Surplus of Income over Expenditure
$307.685.30 $181.042.57 $136,798.72 $625,526.59
8,283.77
8,283.77
1,167.00
1,167.00
27,558.92
27,558.92
.$ 77,873.65
55,867.05
$133,740.70
27,558.92
the three Hospitals ...$106,181.78
欠欸
LIABILITIES.
1. Sundry Creditors:-
附項
(a) Deposits
街賬
(b) Trade Accounts
上海銀行
(c) Hong Kong & Shanghai
C 26
Table X.
東華醫院
TUNG WAH HOSPITAL
廣華醫院
KWONG WAH HOSPITAL
東華東院
TUNG WAH EASTERN HOSPITAL
九三八年年結
BALANCE SHEET AS AT DECEMBER, 1938.
$74,386.32
51,681:52
$
3
ASSETS.
$
現銀
1. Cash in Hand
11,238.68
各項欠款
2. Sundry Debtors
7,344.26
Banking Corporation... 20,070.68
存貨
146,138.52
3. Stock in Hand:-
2. Special Funds: -
施中藥
廣福
(a) Kwong Fook Chi Free
Girl School ....... .$ 10,350.51
(6) Chinese Medicine
Fund.
炎欸
女義學
中藥
(a) Chinese medicine
..$19,758.69
西藥
21,924.14
(6) Western medicine 2,165.45
67,411.80
4. Investments:-
(c) Relief Funds
120,891.56
·急需項
屋宇
(d) Emergency Fund
78,717.93
(a) House Property...$1,550,000.00
急需項息
(e) Emergency Fund
按揭
Interest accrued
20,063.35
(b) Mortgages
70,000.00
297,435.15
恩俸
3. Staff Pension Fund
92.19
修葺項
按揭己封租
(c) Mortgages (Posses-
sion entered)
4. Special Repair Fund
沽痘局欸項
10,724.89
傢私器具等
5. Small Pox Hospital Realization Fund...
50,000.00
5. Hospital Appliances
積項
6. General Reserve
.$1,404,386.25
是年不敷
Less loss for the year
...
106,181.78
1,298,204.47
1,802,595.22
6. Accounts Receivable:-
租項
(a) Property rent accrued
100,000.00
1,720,000.00
31,605.14
10,483.00
1,802,595.22
(a) Deposits
街賬
(b) Trade Accounts
$74,380.52
51,681:52
上海銀行
(c) Hong Kong & Shanghai
Banking Corporation... 20,070.68
2. Special Funds:-
廣福祠女義學
(a) Kwong Fook Chi Free
Girl School ......
施中藥
(6) Chinese Medicine
Fund
災欸
(c) Relief Funds
.$ 10,350.51
⊥。 Vasu AMA
各項欠款
2. Sundry Debtors
存貨
146,138.52
3. Stock in Hand:-
中藥
(a) Chinese medicine .$19,758.69
7,344.26
西藥
(b) Western medicine
2,165.45
67,411.80
21,924.14
4. Investments:-
120,891.56
屋宇
急需項
(d) Emergency Fund..... 78,717.93
急需項息
(e) Emergency Fund
Interest accrued
恩俸項
3. Staff Pension Fund
修葺項
4. Special Repair Fund
......
沽痘局欸項
10,724.89
5. Small Pox Hospital Realization Fund... 50,000.00
(a) House Property...$1,550,000.00
按揭
20,063.35
(b) Mortgages
70,000.00
297,435.15
92.19
按揭已封租
(c) Mortgages (Posses-
sion entered)
傢私器具等
100,000.00
1,720,000.00
31,605.14
5. Hospital Appliances
積項
6. General Reserve
$1,404,386.25
6. Accounts Receivable:--
是年不敷
租項
Less loss for the year
106,181.78
(a) Property rent accrued
1,298,204.47
1,802,595.22
10,483.00
1,802,595.22
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, 1938, according to the best of my information and the explanations given to me and as shown by the Books of the Hospitals. I have
and
obtained all the information
此情內入院
表安
特在年
explanations I have required.
之見釋人亦
八年一年
院一九三
以表明該
屬妥協足
之年結係
人明白解
釋以余所
見此三院
經問目
者凡名
對清楚
部又核各之余 該對 種數
數將
據及
Sd. CHAU YUT U.
Auditor.
以上三院
之年結經
Hong Kong, 27th April, 1939.
租項
Rent::
Table XI.
文武廟
MAN MO TEMPLE.
一九三八年十二月三十 號止進支數
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER, 1938.
支數
進
INCOME.
屋宇
House Properties
廟宇
Temple
政府津貼義學
Government subsidy to Free Schools
雜項
Miscellaneous Receipts
$
EXPENDITURE.
$
義學經費
Free School expenses
17,115.33
修葺嘗舖及義學
Repairs to House Properties and Free Schools
834.40
$15,688.00
差餉地稅及燕梳
Rates, Crown Rent and Insurance
2,726.33
水費
4,212.00
19,900.00
Water account
1,357.58
雜項
4,815.00
Miscellaneous expenses
1,245.40
進支比對盈餘
301.14 Surplus of Income over Expenditure
1,737.10
$25,016.14
25,016.14
27
Table XII.
文武廟
MAN MO TEMPLE (Contd.)
九三八年
八年 年 結
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER, 1938.
欠數
LIABILITIES.
存款
ASSETS.
東華醫院
嘗舖
Tung Wah Hospital
2,453.21
House Properties
積項
General Reserve
$139,109.69
進支比對盈餘
Add surplus of Income over
Expenditure
1,737.10
140,846.79
$143,300.00
明
143,300,00
$143,300.00
C 28
Tung Wah Hospital, Kwong Wah Hospital and Tung Wah Eastern Hospital,
CHAU SHIU NG,
Chairman.
LO MIN NUNG, Director.
e audited the foregoing Balance Sheet with the books and Vouchers and find it to be in accordance therewith.
以上 數 目及數部單業 均經查核無訛
h April, 1939.
CHAU YUT U,
Auditor.
Hood you'd 3201
Table XIII.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS THE COMPARATIVE EXPENDITURE
AND TUNG WAH EASTERN HOSPITAL DURING 1938.
Hospitals.
UNDER CERTAIN HEADINGS AT TUNG WAH HOSPITAL, KWONG WAH HOSPITAL (For full details of income and expenditure see Tables IX and X).
Chinese Medicine.
Tung Wah Hospital
Salaries and wages.
Food for staff and patients.
Western Medicine.
$
$
55,376.27
35,713.17
56,052.64
12.792.68
38,539.07
33,351.80
12,739.86
45,592.07
22,788.37
9,395.27
32,582.25
112,192.81
34,927.81
116,713.39
Kwong Wah Hospital
Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
32,847.94
Total.....
$
123,937.38
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 1938.
Western Medicine.
Chinese Medicine.
Maternity
Hospitals.
Vaccination.
Eye
Baby
Deaths.
cases.
Clinic.
Clinic.
In-patients. Out-patients. In-patients: Out-patients.
Tung Wah Hospital
11,060
'22,255
5,695
211,438
1,946
12,796
15,239
1.508
4,398
Kwong Wah Hospital
13,925
25,689
4,958
216,321
4,102
2,185
3,148
503
689
Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
6,131
22,889
2,069
91,066
792
2,147
960
2,347
Total
31,116
70,833
12,722
518,825
6,840
17,228
19,347
2,011
13,635
C 29
]
一九三七年
1937.
Table XY.
蒲公施仁欸
BREWIN FUND.
千九百三十八年進支數
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER, 1938.
進欸
INCOME.
一九三七年
支欸
1937.
EXPENDITURE.
卹欸
利息
$7,556.09
Interest
$8,279.55 $8,927.40
Gratuities
租項
酬金
210.00
Salaries
1,385.42
Rent
1,947.60
雜用
捐欸
28.04
Petty Expenses
1,006.94
Subscription
1,166.00
除支盈餘
$9,948.45
$11,393.15
783.01
$9,948.45
Surplus of Income over Expenditure
$8,032.00
160.00
37.05
3,164.10
$11,393.15
C 30
欠欵
蒲公施仁欸
BREWIN FUND (Contd.)
九三八年 年 結
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER, 1938.
存款
ASSETS.
LIABILITIES.
屋宇
House Properties
$47,341.00
付項
按業
Deposit
$1,698.67
Mortgages
98,000.00
按業(已封租)
Mortgages (Possession entered)
36,132.58
按業人來往數
應收數項
*
Current Accounts with the Mortgagors
30.27
Accounts Receivable
1,233.00
上海銀行
積項
Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank:——
1
General Reserve
$190,014.52
活期存款 Current Account
$8,554.30
是年盈餘
Add Profit for the year
3,164.10
現銀
193,178.62
$194,907.56
Cash in hand
定期存款
Fixed Deposit
C 31
1,698.67
10,252.97
1.948.01
$194,907.56
Tung Wah Hospital, Kwong Wah Hospital
and Tung Wah Eastern Hospital.
Sd. CHÁU 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. 11th April, 1939.
Auditor.
:
Table XVII.
$
SUMMARY OF WORK DONE IN THE CHINESE PUBLIC DISPENSARIES During 1938.
C 32
Patients
Certificates
Patients
of cause
Patients removed to
+
Corpses removed to
Dead
infants
Dispensaries
of death
sent to
New Cases
Old Cases
issued
hospital
hospital by ambulance
hospital or
Vaccinations
mortuary
brought to dispensary
Central
32,958
28,962
39
1
27
40
14,113
Eastern
22,176
30,466
4
3
5
50
305
13,454
Western
28,826
13,770
90
9
22
15
419
12,555
Shaukiwan
32,309
54,620
19
52
1
380
16,081
Aberdeen
11,327
10,407
85
1
5,302
Harbour and Yaumati
61,428
47,332
31
104
11
170
30,053
Shamshuipo
45,417
36,338
13
48
11
27
372
38,015
Hung Hom
17,917
6,975
61
145
1
15
245
12,567
Kowloon City
23,065
22,037
47
136
7
33
311
17,065
Total for 1938
275,423
250,907
265
624
49
178
2,242
159,205
Total for 1937
264,589
238,527
322
837
66
858
2,067
61,693
Table XVIII.
WORK DONE IN GYNAECOLOGICAL CLINICS OF CHINESE PUBLIC DISPENSARIES IN 1938.
Dispensaries.
No. of Clinics
Total Number
New Cases
Old Cases
Average Atten-
dance per day
New
Old
1937
1938
1937
1938
1937
1938
1937
1938
1937
1938
C 33
50
47
1,059
888
389
331
670
557
21
18.9
Central
Eastern
43
44
1,353
1,584
503
591
850
993
31
36.0
Shaukiwan
Aberdeen
Yaumati
Shamshuipo
98
96
2,252
2,628
861
929
1,391
1,699
23
27.3
51
45
653
688
303
355
350
333
13
15.3
100
96
3,156
3,263
1,233
1,425
1,923
1,838
32
34.0
91
94
2,538
2,525
962
959
1,576
1,566
28
27.0
Hung Hom
48
48
895
963
418
430
477
533
19
20.6
Kowloon City
49
50
1,720
1,651
587
616
1,133
1,055
35
33.0
Kwong Wah Hospital
47
47
1,191
1,368
450
497
741
871
25
29.1
Total
577
567
14,817 15,558
5,706
6,133
9,111
9,425
26
27.4
Table XIX.
CHINESE PUBLIC DISPENSARIES.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER, 1938.
C 34
To Balance
"
23
Receipts.
Grant by Hong Kong Government
Grant from General Chinese Charities Fund
Donations from:-
Prince's Theatre Pei Ho Theatre Taiping Theatre Po Hing Theatre
Expenditure.
€9
€
51,308.05 13,234.00 8,600.00
By Salaries to staff
Conveyance allowance to doctors and clerks Rent allowance to clerks and shroffs Pensions
47,834.24 1,821.52
900.00
780.00
1,200.00
1,000.00
Gratuities to coolies and messengers for
1,000.00
Chinese New Year
210.00
400.00
House rents for Aberdeen Dispensary
624.00
Ko Shing Theatre
120.00
22
Lee Theatre
120.00
3,840.00
Food for patients in Eastern Maternity
Hospital
1,869.65
Subscriptions:-
Land (Victoria City)
11,296.25
Harbour
9,172.70
Shaukiwan
1,608.75
"
Cost of drugs
Cost of bottles etc.
17,049.54
Motor services for delivery of drugs
534.60
194.84
Shamshuipo
1,777.48
Electric and gas charges
1,861.47
Hunghom
1,225.30
Telephone rentals
1,360.93
Kowloon City
1,470.40
Stationery, printing, advertisement and
Aberdeen
500.00
23
Donation from Conservancy Contractor,
Hunghom
Donations from firms, factories, docks, etc.
,, House rents from Man Wah School, Shaukiwan, and from 8 houses in Shek Kip Mei Street
Fees from Eastern Maternity Hospital,
Wanchai
Sales of bottles, etc.
27,050.88 2,625.00
stamps
1,889.75
Water account
603.83
Crown Rents
315.06
5"
2,750.00
Uniforms, shoes etc. for coolies and
messengers
519.95
""
2,420.00
Beddings for Eastern Maternity Hospital Furniture
20.88
44.00
""
Repairs
3,404.19
2,517.50 201.83
Refund of Loan (1937) to:-
""
General Chinese Charities Fund
25
Balance transferred from Local Committee
10,000.00
of Hunghom Dispensary
3,366.34
Yaumati Public Square Fund
10,000.00
20,000.00
*
Loan from General Chinese Charities Fund
Less amount refunded
24,000.00 17,000.00
"
Refund of expenses to Local Committee
7,000.00
of Shamshuipo Dispensary
1,392.32
Loan from Chinese Recreation Ground
Sundries
2,017.38
77
Fund
Loan from Yaumati Public Square Fund
Interest on:-
Hong Kong Goremment 4% Conversion
Loan
Fixed Deposit
1,000.00 11,000.00
Balances:
Hong Kong Government 4% Conver-
sion Loan
11,000.00
On Fixed Deposits
20,000.00
Current Account
Total.
泉右李
440.00
800.00
45.10
138,198.70
Cash
1,740.55
Advance to C.P.D. Clerks
210.00
32,950.55
1,285.10
Total..
138,198.70
Member of Committee.
W. J. CARRIE, Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
Table XX.
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS OF THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERY FOR 1938.
RECEIPT
AMOUNT
$
C.
PAYMENT
AMOUNT
C.
To Balance
Interest from Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank
40,263.68
By Rent of telephone
"1
Cost paid for removal of telephone
457.91
11
Wages for Yuen Cheung and gardeners Wages for Chau Wan Kok, etc.
189.00
13.50
1,515.00
480.00
Interest from fixed deposit on mortgage of houses
""
Wages from Dr. S. W. Ts'o for refilling vaults
1,944.00
Construction of the embankment, the Ti Chong Wong Temple, Coolies' Quarters, the Pavilion and the sewage, &c., by Yeung Tam Kee
13,098.47
496.00
''
Manure, flower pots, scythes and water buckets, etc. Cost of advertisement by the Wah Kiu Yat Po
80.05
176.00
Money collected and handed in by Dr. S. W. Ts'o on account of registration fee for probates and letters of administration
Printed matters and rubber stamps by the Wing Hang Shop Printed matters by Lai Shiu Tong
7.60
24.00
8.00
Printed matters, &c. by the Yau San Shop
4.50
Stationery supplied from the Yu Shing Shop
32.75
Sale of 292 lots
24,745.00
Minute books purchased from the Wing Fa Shop
1.55
,, Sale of the spare ground of the Cemetery
37
1,522.40
Fares paid to Hong Kong Hotel Garage for use of motor cars. Payment made to Mr. Fung Chun for cost c ́ a plan Stamps
8.15
85.00
77
Money for 67 lots, booked at the Tsun Wan Permanent
Cemetery
Crown Rent of the Cemetery
33.04 1.00
""
Crown Rent of wharf
1.00
""
100,500.00
Balance
154,186.28
37
Total
169,936.99
$
169,936.99
S. W. TS'O, Secretary.
T. N. CHAU, Treasurer.
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
Total
$125,811.47
8,000.00
20,000.00
374.81
$154,186.28
Examined and found correct,
(Sd.) IP LAN CHUN,
Auditor.
C 35
Receipt.
To Balance
Rents of stalls
Interest on money deposited in Treasury
,, Money deposited by lessee
Table XXI.
CHINESE RECREATION GROUND.
RECEIPT AND EXPENDITURE, 1938.
Expenditure.
€
By Wages of watchmen, etc.
991,00
3,300.21
Water account
257.77
""
Consumption of gas
272.25
15,979.40
27
Repairs
103.00
J?
Contributions to Aberdeen Industrial School:-
for maintenance
70.63
$7,000.00
for machinery
6,798.00
13,798.00
15.00
""
Contributions to Orphanage, Tai Po for maintenance of nine boys
540.00
Advance to Aberdeen Industrial School
J
1,100.00
23
Advance to Chinese Public Dispensaries Fund Miscellaneous
1,000.00
37.82
Balances:-
+--
Cash
Lessee's deposit
Total......
$19,365.24
$1,250.40
15.00
1,265.40
Total..
$19,365.24
W. J. CARRIE,
Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
C 36
Receipt.
Table XXII.
YAUMATI PUBLIC SQUARE, RECEIPT AND Expenditure, 1938.
Expenditure.
By Wages of watchmen, etc.
Water account
Electric lights
Crown Rent
Repairs
Contributions to Aberdeen Industrial School Advance to Chinese Public Dispensaries Fund Miscellaneous
To Balance
527.30
Rents of stalls
11,613.61
Refund of loan (1937) from Chinese Public Dispensaries
Fund
Interest on money deposited in Treasury
10,000.00
62.44
}}
11
Balance
Total...
$22,203.35
To Balance:-
"
Receipt.
On Fixed Deposits In Colonial Treasury
Miscellaneous receipts
Interest:-
On Fixed Deposits
On money deposited in Treasury
Table XXIII.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS OF PASSAGE MONEY FUND, 1938.
€9
963.00
492.80
78.18
1.00
283.50
8,000.00 11,000.00
29.46 1,355.91
Total......
$22,203.35
W. J. CARRIE, Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
Expenditure.
.$6,250.00 248.92
By Passage etc. to destitutes
Subscriptions:-
295.00
6,498.92 243.81
To Alice Memorial Hospital To Eyre Diocesan Refuge
$50.00 85.00
135.00
Balance:-
$ 125.00
On Fixed Deposits
In Colonial Treasury
.$6,250.00 195.57
6,445.57
132.84
Total.....
$6,875.57
Total..
$6,875.57
W. J. CARRIE,
Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
--C 37 ----
Table XXIV.
GENERAL CHINESE CHARITIES FUND.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FROM 1ST JANUARY TO 31ST DECEMBER, 1938.
C 38
RECEIPTS
$ C.
EXPENDITURE
C.
To Balance
37
Surplus money transferred from:
Che Kung Temple. Shatin
Chuk Neung Temple. Kowloon City Fook Tak Che, Shaukiwan
Hau Wong Temple, Tai O
Hung Shing Temple, Yaumati
Hau Wong Temple, Kowloon City
$ 500.00 50.00 1,000.00
20,976.30
By grants to:-
Tung Wah Hospital for expenses
23,272.77
Chinese Public Dispensaries Fund for expenses
8,000.00
72.00
Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children Children's Playground Association
500.00
200.00
1,029.80
7,500.00
Home for the Aged
800.00
Hung Shing Temple, Aplichau
250.00
Hung Shing Temple, Wantsai
1,422.50
Kwong Fook Che, Tai Ping Shan
3,075.44
St. John Ambulance Brigade for New Territories medical
work and Haw Par Hospital for 1938
500.00
Kwun Yum Temple, Yaumati
4,374.00
Emergency Relief Council
1,000.00
Kwun Yum Temple. Che Wan Shan
500.00
Tung Wali and Associated Hospitals
$121,000.00
Kwun Yum Temple, Aplichau
250.00
Mo Tai Temple, Shamshuipo
800.00
Chinese Public Dispensaries Fund for expenses
13,234.00
Pak Tai Temple. Cheung Chau Island
1,200.00
Po Leung Kuk for expenses
17,000.00 151,234.00
Pak Tai Temple, Shamshuipo
350.00
Sam Tai Tsz Temple, Shamshuipo
2,600.00
Shing Wong Temple, Bridges Street
1,000.00
Tin Hau Temple, Yaumati
5,371.03
Tam Kung Temple, Sung Wong Toi
500.00
Tam Kung Temple, Wong Nei Chung
500.00
Tam Kung Temple, Shaukiwan
200.00
Tin Hau Temple. To Kwa Wan
100.00
To Ti Temple, Shaukiwan
100.00
Tin Hau Temple, Wong Nei Chung
100.00
Tai O Kaifong for the expenses of the fire-engine for 1988 Cheung Chau Kaifong for the expenses of the Kaifong Fong Pin Sho for the 2nd, 3rd, & 4th quarters of 1937 and the 1st quarter of 1938
Amount loaned to Chinese Public Dispensaries Fund
Architect's fee for making a report on the Tin Hau Temple,
Fat Tong Mun
72.00
200.00
24,000.00
100.00
97
21
Grant from Hong Kong Government
Tin Hau Temple. Shamshuipo
To Ti Temple, Lan Kwai Fong
Yi Pak Kung Temple. Quarry Bay
Transfer of interest from Chinese Temples Fund
Amount refunded by Chinese Public Dispensaries Fund
800.00
50.00
Grant to Hung Hom Kaifong in aid of the fund for the extension
of the Free School
2,500.00
300.00 33,994.77
Amount contributed to Cheung Chau Kaifong towards the
expenses for the repairing of the Fong Pin Sho
414.84 151,234.00 27,000.00
1,000.00
""
Salary
180.00
Balance
>
11
Interest
11.
459,85
20,520.99
Total
.$234,079.76
Total
.$ 234,079.76
W. J. CARRIE,
Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
TANG SHIU KIN,
Member of Chinese Temple Committee.
Receipts
C 39
Table XXV.
CHINESE TEMPLES FUND,
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FROM 1ST JANUARY TO 31ST DECEMBER, 1938.
C.
Expenditure
$
C.
To Balance
$$
Bent from Temples Keepers of:-
Che Kung Temple, Shatin
Chuck Trung Tone, Kowloon fily
Fook Tak Che, Shankiwan
Has Wong Temple, Kowloon City
Bau Wong Temple, Tai ( Bung Shing Temple, Wantsai Hung Shing Temple, Yaumali Hung Shing Temple, Tai O Bung Shing Temple, Aplichau Kwan Yum Temple, Yaumati
Kwong Fook Che, Tai Ping Shan
Kwun Yum Temple, thing Blom Kwun Yun Temple, Che Wan Sban
kwon Youn Temple, Aplichau
Awan Tai Temple. Tai
Mo Tai Temple, Shamshuipo
Pak Tai Temple, Bung Hom
Pak Tai Temple, Wautsai
Pak Tai Temple, Cheung Chau Island
Pak Tai Temple, Sha ushaipo
Shaun Thi Temple, Ma Tu Chung Sam Tai Tsz Temple, Shamshuipa She Tan, Hung Ho a
Tin Han Temple, Yaumali
Tam Kung Temple, Sung Wong Toi
$ 2,982.00
125.00
436.00
10,175.00
1 422.50
1 029.80
37,50
1 102.50
540 00
430.00
9.17
**
630,00
195.00
2,585 00
2 000 00
335 00 286,00 3.200.00 25.00
5 371.03
2 800 00
Shing Wong Temple, Bridges Street
Tam Kung Temple, Wong Nei Chung
700 00
Tam Kung Temple, Shaukiwan
1 120 00
Tin Hau Temple, Hoi Chung Sum Island, To Kwa Wan
29,328 85 By maintenance of Chinese Public School in Kowloon Cily
5,195 90
**
Grants to
Chinese Public Dispensary, Hung Hom for the year 1938 Lok. Shin Tong, Kowloon City for 1938
$ 600,00
300.00
The Kaifong of Hung lion for the expenses of the Free School in
Kwan Yum Temple, Hung Homi
1,200.00
Ping Chao Free School
170.00
518 50
2,270.00
Expenses for holding threatrical performances at:--
Kowloon City
$ 500.00
Aplichian
500.00
Cheung Chau Island
1.000.00
4 374 00
Ma Tan Chung
50.00
3 07544
1 650.00
802 75
Steamshipo
Shatin
Tai ·O
Annual subscription In Confucius So lely for expenses of the Free School at
Yuk Thi Kung, Wautsai
1
Repairs (or
Han Wong Temple, Kowloon City
Hung Shing Temple, Aplichan
Kwun Yun Temple, Che Wan' Shan Pak Tai Temple, Cheung Chau Island
Sheung Tai Temple, Ma Tau Chung Tin Hau Temple, Aberdeen
Tin Hau Temple, Shaukiwan
300.00
300.00
200.00
2,850.00
520.00
$ 85.00
138:00
200.00
1,100.00
96.00
287.00
1 216.80
175.00
Tin Hau Temple, Shamshuipo
Tin Hau Temple, Ping Chau Island
Tin Hau Temple, Stanley
Yi Pak Kung Temple, Quarry Bay
To Ti Temple, Lan Kwai Fong
To Ti Temple, Shaukiwan
Tin Hau Temple, Abcrduen
Tin Hau Temple, Shaukiwan
Tin Hau Temple, To Kwa Wan
Tin Hau Temple, Wong Nei Chung
Tin Hau Temple, loi Chung Sum Island, To Kwa Wan ..........
Tin Hau Temple, Shamshuipo
Tin Hau Temple, Tsing I Island
1 610.00
35.00 152 00 442.50
100 00
40.00
*
Tin Hau Temple, Stanley
Transfer to General Chinese Charities Fund
230.00 3,300.00
6.827.80 34,409.61
260 00
183.70
"
Refund of deposits as security to the Temple Keepers of:-
961 25
170 00
50 00
642.00
52,703.64
House Rents:--
Property of Han Wong Temple, Kowloon City
Tin Hau Temple, Shankiwan
Che Kung Temple, Shatin
Hau Wong Temple, Kowloon City.
Hau Wong Temple, Tai O
Jung Shing Temple, Aplichna
Kwan Yum Temple, Aplichau
Pak Tai Temple, Wantsai
Tara Kung Temple, Sung Wong Toi
Tin Hau Temple, Ping Chan Island Tin Hau Temple, Shaukiwa Tin Hau Temple, Shamshtipo
€ 500.00
1,875.00
90,50
202.50
80.00
300.00
142.75
35.00
100.25
370.00
Yi Pak Kung Temple, Quarry Bay
62.50
8928.00
3,758.50
}
337.24
Rent in respect of Nos. 33 and 35 Bridges Street (Shing Wong Temple) from
3.12.37 2.12.1938, at $160.00 per month
1,920.00
1,265,24
+7
41
Price for Stanley Lot 3 (Sam Shing Kung Temple, Stanley) from St. Stephen's
College, Stanley
Gratuity to Lo Ping Nam, ex. teple keeper of Tin Hau Temple, Hoi Chung Sum
Island, To Kwa Wan
600.00
1,000.00
Advertisemcul
11
"
Grant from Educational Department for Chinese Public School, Kowloon City
Interest
191.50
1,440.00
IT
Architect's fee for services rendered in supervising of repairs to temples
158,50
502.68
Water Accommi
122.82
Crown Real
11
98.68
Rale
76.50
1
Bent in respect of No. 4 Lau Kwai Fong To Ti Temple) from January to
December, 1038
60 00
Meler Rental
"
19.00
Stationery and printing
Revenue stamps
5.00
2.10
Totul
Balance
.$
86,240.41
27,155.20
Total
$
86,240.41
W. J. CARRIE,
Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
TANG SHU KIN,
Chinese Temples Committee.
Table XXVI.
ABERDEEN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER, 1938.
C 40
Receipt.
Expenditure.
$
To Balance
295.48
By Maintenance allowance to the School Management
18,750.00
Contributions:-
Machinery
8,655.65
"
from Chinese Recreation Ground Fund .$7,000.00
from Yaumati Public Square Fund
Shower baths
1,798.00
8,000.00
15,000.00
Musical instruments
500.00
77
Special contribution from Chinese Recreation Ground Fund:
Travelling expenses for students
115.20
for Machinery
.$5,000.00
Crown Rents
48.00
for Shower baths
1,798.00
6,798.00
33
Advance from Chinese Recreation Ground Fund
1,100.00
Water meter rentals and fire service installation
Printing and receipt stamps
93.12
12.10
School fees
.$7,080.00
23
Porcelain photographs
114.60
less refund
160.00
6,920.00
Miscellaneous
11
9.00
Balance
17.81
Total...
$30,113.48
Total...
$30,113.48
W. J. CARRIE,
Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
Appendix D.
REPORT OF THE HARBOUR MASTER AND DIRECTOR
OF AIR SERVICES FOR THE YEAR 1938.
The year 1938 once more showed a further decrease in the amount of shipping using the Port of Hong Kong. Details of the comparison between the years 1937 and 1938 will be found in Table II.
2. Vessels employed in foreign trade entering and clearing showed a net decrease of 9,112 vessels and 6,661,340 tons, while local shipping showed a net increase of 2,862 vessels but a decrease of 206,664 tons.
3. British ocean-going shipping shows a decrease of 326 in numbers with a decrease of 312,456 tons.
4. Foreign ocean-going shipping shows a decrease of 2,070 vessels with a decrease of 5,133,209 tons. This large decrease is due to the complete cessation of Chinese shipping for the full year and the large decrease of Japanese shipping due to the Sino-Japanese conflict.)
5. The River-steamer trade shows a net decrease of 915 vessels and 212,044 tons. Foreign river-steamers have decreased by 1,191 in numbers and 614,251 tons, but British river steamers have increased by 276 vessels and 402,207 tons-there being two more vessels put on the Hong Kong to Macao service.
6. The Junk trade given in Tables IX to XI shows decreases in numbers and tonnage, in both Foreign and local trade. These decreases may be attributed to the continued Sino-Japanese conflict.)
7. In steamships not exceeding 60 tons there is a decrease in both numbers and tonnage. Details of launches entering and clearing are given in Tables XII and XIII.
8. On the 31st December, 1938, there were 229 launches and 200 motor boats
employed in the harbour; of these 352 were licensed for the conveyance of passengers, 24 steam launches and 24 motor boats belonged to the Colonial Government, two steam launches, one steel motor barge and one motor launch belonged to the Military Authorities and nine steam launches, eight steam pinnaces. and eight 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 352 vessels licensed for the conveyance of passengers, 167 were licensed for Class I, 69 for Class II, 57 for Class III and 59 for Class IV.
9. 507 engagements and 519 discharges of coxswains and engineers were recorded.
10. The passenger trade and 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 38,055 tons in bunker coal and 415 tons of fuel oil as compared with 1937.
12. The nationality of crews in British and Foreign ships is shown in Table VII.
·
- D 2
13. 49 ships were registered under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Acts and 17 Certificates of Registry were cancelled. Details are given in Tables XX and XXI. The fees collected amounted to $2,969.00 as compared with $1,119.00 in 1937.
14. 30,222 seamen were engaged and 29,227 discharged at the Mercantile Marine Office and on board ships as compared with 30,921 engaged and 31,725 discharged in 1937.
15. 223 seamen were received and admitted to the Sailors' Home and boarding houses, of these the following were repatriated as distressed British seamen :-52 to the United Kingdom, 56 to Shanghai, 7 to Calcutta, 6 to Vancouver, 13 to Singapore, 2 to Aden, 1 to Malta, 1 to Marseilles, 1 to Kobe, 1 to Rangoon, 13 were re-employed in ships being signed on Articles and 70 obtained employment in the Colony.
16.
$3,776.96 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
Fund Committee held one meeting during the year. Three cases were investigated, and five were granted temporary relief. One officer was repatriated to Singapore and the widow of an officer who died in 1937 was granted a passage home. The total sum disbursed during 1938 was $6,727.94, which includes $1,299.51 for passages.
18. A statement of the surveys and examinations carried out by the Government Marine Surveyor and his staff is set out in Table XXX. The vessels surveyed for passenger certificates totalled 97 of 407,428 tons gross as compared with 92 of 374,896 tons gross in 1937, showing an increase of 5 vessels and 22,532
tons.
19. 49 vessels were surveyed at Taikoo Dockyard, 39 at Kowloon Dockyard, one at W.S. Bailey's Dockyard, three at the Cosmopolitan Dockyard, four at Chinese shipyards and two at Japan.
20. The following is a comparison of tonnage and nationalities of the various vessels granted passenger certificates at Hong Kong during the year 1938.
British 83 vessels of 372,939 tons gross.
Norwegian 10 Danish
""
3
32
وو
French
1
".
25,145 7.763
1,581
""
"
وو
""
21. Passenger certificates were
Passenger & Safety.
issued for the following trades :—
International voyages 17
Short
39
J
وو
33
Coasting voyages
24
River Trade
2
Class III
River Trade
15
22. One vessel of 3,113 tons (gross) was surveyed and granted a bottom certificate during the year as compared with four vessels of 23,145 tons (gross) in 1937.
23. 79 passenger vessels and 70 cargo ships were surveyed for radio- telegraphy certificates during the year as compared with 72 passenger vessels and 54 cargo vessels in 1937.
•
24. 74 vessels, of which 43 were British and 31 Foreign, were surveyed for emigration certificates during the year as compared with 95 vessels in 1937.
25. 39 vessels were surveyed for load lines during the year as compared with 36 in 1937. Of these, 26 were British vessels registered in Hong Kong and 13 Foreign.
་ ་ ་ ་ ་ ་ ་ ་
......
D 3
26. 152 new lifeboats and 216 units of standard buoyant apparatus were surveyed during construction at the makers' works during the year as compared with 98 and 519 respectively in 1937.
27. 14,925 new lifejackets were examined and stamped at the makers' works during the year as compared with 16,330 in 1937.
28. 606 surveys were carried out on steam launches and motor boats during the year as compared with 610 in 1937.
29. There were no Marine Courts of Inquiry during the year.
30.
450 cases were heard in the Marine Magistrate's Court during the year. The principal offences being, Boarding ships without permission of the Master, lying inshore during prohibited hours without a permit, making fast to ships under- way without permission of the Master and failing to exhibit Regulation lights.
31. Examinations for certificates of competency as masters, mates and engineers were held under Board of Trade regulations.
29 candidates were examined for master, 13 passed. Nine were examined for first mate, four passed. There were no candidates for examination as second mate. Ten were examined for first class engineer's certificate (ordinary) and three passed. Five were examined for second class engineer (ordinary), three passed. Of the two who were examined for first class engineer's certificate (motor), one passed. Two candidates were examined for second class engineer's certificate (motor) and one passed. Six passed for first class motor endorsement.
32. Under Section 37 of Ordinance 10 of 1899, 79 candidates were examined for certificates as coxswains and 66 passed. 109 were examined as engineers and 105 passed.
held.
33.
24 Pilots' licences were renewed during the year. No examinations were
34. 2701 Sunday cargo working permits were issued during the year, of which 258 were used for working from midnight to 6 a.m., 973 from 6 a.m. to 6
p.m., and 327 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
3,359 days. 5,840 days.
C class
464 days.
In addition, these were used by Naval vessels and transports for 73 days.
The following moorings were in position on the 31st December.
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 48 private buoys and moorings and the fees received amounted to $2,645.00.
37. The revenue and expenditure of the department are shown in Tables XXXIII and XXXIV. Light dues for 1938 show a decrease of $96,417 which can only be attributed to less tonnage visiting the port.
38. Increases are shown under a number of sub-heads of revenue, the largest being under the headings Air Services, boat fees and surveys of steamships, while miscellaneous receipts also show a large increase over 1937, due to the sale of the tug "Kau Sing" which took place during the year.
— D 4 ·
39. Details of licences, etc. issued and revenue collected will be found in Tables XXXVII and XXXVIII.
40. The Government slipway and coaling depot at Yaumati was kept busy throughout the year in routine slipping, repairing and fuelling of Government craft.
7,500 tons of coal were received and 7,421 tons were issued:
6,400 gallons of kerosene were received and 7,711 gallons were delivered (including deliveries from stock at end of 1937).
12,600 gallons of petrol were received and 12,538 gallons were delivered.
2,193 tons of bunker fuel oil were received and delivered.
94 tons of power diesel oil were received and 104 tons were delivered (including deliveries from stock at end of 1937).
.41. Government launches were slipped, aggregating seventy five times at regular intervals during the year and the slip was occupied 318 days.
42. A short summary of the facilities offered by the port of Hong Kong is attached.
9th February, 1939.
G. F. HOLE,
Harbour Master.
D 5
AIR SERVICES, 1938.
1. The continued growth of civil aviation caused a large increase in the amount of traffic handled at Kai Tak Airport; for example, the number of passengers arriving and departing has risen from 3,685 in 1937 to 9,969 in the year under review. Hong Kong was included in the Empire "all-up" air mail scheme in September and from that date Imperial Airways, Ltd. operated their service to Bangkok twice instead of once weekly and services were often duplicated. In August Air France extended its Paris-Hanoi service to Hong Kong and the following air lines now maintain regular schedules from the airport:-
Imperial Airways, Ltd. twice weekly to Bangkok connecting with the England- Australia trunk route.
Air France, once weekly to Paris, via Hanoi.
Pan American Airways once weekly to San Francisco via Manila.
China National Aviation Corporation and Eurasia Aviation Corporation to Kweilin and Chungking.
EFFECT OF SINO-JAPANESE CONFLICT.
2. On the morning of the 24th August a Douglas D.C.2 air liner of C.N.A.C., outward bound, was forced down by Japanese aircraft 30 minutes after leaving Hong Kong. The American pilot, Chinese radio operator and one passenger escaped but the remaining 14 passengers were either killed by machine gun bullets or drowned when the aircraft sank in the river on which it had been forced to descend.
A Junkers J.U. 52 aircraft of Eurasia was fired at by Japanese machines when flying from Hong Kong to Luchow on 5th September. The aircraft was hit by 10 bullets but there were no casualties and the journey was safely completed.
These incidents led to the temporary suspension of the services until night flying operations were inaugurated. C.N.A.C. and Eurasia now operate in and out of Hong Kong entirely between sunset and sunrise.
The fall of Hankow and Canton to the Japanese entailed the abandonment of air services to these towns, but very heavy loads of passengers and mails are carried to those places in China still accessible by air.
}
THE FAR EAST FLYING TRAINING SCHOOL, LTD.
3. This school maintained a fleet of five aeroplanes during the year which flew a total of 1,900 hours, including the training of the Air Arm of the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps, six Reserve of Air Force Officers and 28 pupils for flying licences, and 160 hours for Army Co-operation purposes. Twenty-six Government certificates were awarded to pupils of the engineering section of the company.
AERODROME EQUIPMENT.
4. A new 1,200,000 c.p. floodlight has been installed on the north boundary of the landing area to replace the one destroyed in the typhoon of September, 1937.
A semi-permanent terminal building has been erected near the sea wall for traffic arriving by flying boat services.
ACCIDENTS.
5. No accident to aircraft causing injury to personnel occurred within the Colony.
STATISTICS.
6. Revenue, expenditure and figures for the year's working are shown in the accompanying Tables.
G. F. HOLE,
9th February, 1939.
Director of Air Services.
- D 6
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 600 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 respectively.
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 warehouse 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.
Both groups of wharves at Kowloon Point have Rail connection with the Kowloon-Canton Railway, giving direct Rail communication with Canton. There are daily sailings by coasting Companies' ships carrying cargo and passengers to all river and coast ports of Southern China, and to ports in the Far Eastern trade, as well as almost daily departures by ocean steamers 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 construction 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.
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 Dues.
- D 7
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 maintains 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 8
1937
1938.
FOREIGN
Vessels
Tons
Crews
Vessels
Tons
Crews
British Ships Entered
British Ships Cleared
Foreign Ships Entered
Foreign Ships Cleared
Steamships under 60 tons Entered
Steamships under 60 tons Cleared
Junks Entered
5,147
8,935,444
453,758 5,111
8,953,525
428,956
5,137
8,882,905
450,807
5,123
8,954,575
424,615
3,484
8,342,148
275,591
1,836
5,431,258
157,472
3,451
8,312,020
273,857
1,838
5,475,450
158,845
2,034
52,886
25,722
788
24,365
10,011
2,048
53,397
25,981
797
24,559
10,216
6,189
801,465
59,665
4,609
329,899
36,671
Junks Cleared
6,292
811,459
61,477
4,568
336,753
36,153
Total of all vessels Entered
16,854
18,131,943 814,736 12,344
14,739,047
633,110
Total of all vessels Cleared
16,928
18,059,781
812,122 12,326
14,791,337
629,829
Total of all vessels Entered and Cleared in Foreign Trade
33,782
36,191,724 1,626,858 24,670
29,530,384
1,262,939
LOCAL TRADE
Steamlaunches Entered
9,645
324,510
113,465 9,533
325,965
115,855
Steamlaunches Cleared
9,734
330,209
113,897
9,539
327,660
115,917
Total Launches Entered and Cleared
19,379
654,719
227,362 19,072
.653,625
231,772
Junks Entered
9,936
331,259
85,611 11,381
413,004
93,973
Junks Cleared
10,160
653,058
93,456
11,884
365,743
98,461
Total Junks Entered and Cleared
20,096
984,317
179,067 23,265
778,747
192,434
Total Local Trade (Launches & Junks) Entered & Cleared
39,475
1,639,036
406,429
42,337 1,432,372
424,206
Grand Total (Foreign and Local Trade)
73,257
37,830,760 2,033,287 67,007 30,962,756 1,687,145
TABLE IJ.
Comparison Between the Years 1937 and 1938 of All Shipping Entering and Clearing at Ports in the Colony.
Increase.
D 9
1937.
1938.
Decrease.
Class of Vessels.
No.
Tonnage
No.
Tonnage No. Tonnage
No.
Tonnage
British Ocean Going
4,322
11,709,589
3,996
11,397,133 326
312,456
Foreign Ocean Going
5,202
15,920,808
3,132
10,787,599
2,070 5,133,209
British River Steamers
5,962
6,108,760
6,238
6,510,967
276
402,207
Foreign River Steamers
1,733
733,360
542
119,109 1,191
614,251
Steamships under 60 tons
4,082
106,283
1,585
48,924 2,497
57,359
Junks, Foreign Trade
12,481
1,612,924
9,177
Total, Foreign Trade
33,782
36,191,724 24,670
29,530,384
Steamlaunches, Local Trade
19,379
654,719 19,072
666,652 3,304
9,388
653,625 307
946,272
7,063,547
276
402,207
1,094
Junks, Local Trade
20,096
984,317
23,265
778,747
205,570
3,169
Grand Total
73,257
37,830,760
67,007
30,962,756 9,695
7,270,211 3,445
402,207
Net
6,250
6,868,004
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 1938.
BRITISH.
FOREIGN.
GRAND TOTAL.
COUNTRIES WHENCE ARRIVED.
Vessels.
Tons.
Crews..
Vessels.
Tons..
Crews.
Vessels.
Tons.
Crews.
Australia & Pacific Islands including New Zealand
41
132,914
4,557
16
57,976
1,623
57
190,890
6,180
British North Borneo
23
50,696
2,119
12
17,642
789
35
68,338
2,908
Canada
31
319,039
13,599
31
319,039
13,599
India, including Mauritius
96
331,460
12,566
44
82,512
3,250
140
413,972
15,816
South Africa
16
50,585
742
15
78,569
2,540
31
129,154
3,282
Straits Settlements & F. M. S.
30
63,055
3,613
37
75,660
3,171
67
138,715
6,784
United Kingdom
135 728,827
16,160
12
72,666
1,968
147
796,493
18,128
China
909
1,646,496 85,911
386.
958,914
35,832
1,295
2,605,410
121,743
(River Steamers)
1,473
1,378,999 105,186
1,473
1,378,999
105,186
(Steamships under 60 tons)
542
16,773
7,386
542
16,773
7,386
(Junks)
4,304
285,746
33,695
4,304
285,746
33,695
Denmark ......
15
77,790
602
15
77,790
602
Europe, Not specially mentioned
14
75,327
1,061
12
43,754
436
26
119,081
1,497
.France
40
268,855
7,211
40
268,855
7,211
Formosa
13,975
335
26
38,582
1,361
31
52,557
1,696
Germany
13,312
172
99
518,785
9,364
101
532,097
9,536
Holland
39
169,216
2,606
24
183,989
2,401
63
303,205
5,007
Italy
41
327,749
10,417
41
327,749
10,417
French Indo China
248
388,311
20,539
137
159,794
9,080
385
548,105
29,619
Japan
184
819,475
23,399
212
1,035,191
23,353
396
1,854,666
46,752
Macao
10
7,715
487
13
8,395
692
23
16,110
1,179
(River Steamers)
1,647
1,877,473
112,310
273
59,870
10,036
1,920
1,937,343
122,346
(Steamships under 60 tons)
246
7,592
2,625
246
7,592
2,625
(Junks)
305
44,153
2,976
305
44,153
2,976
Netherland East Indies
33
108,281
1,703
128
433,501
11,987
161
541,782
13,690
Philippine Islands
33
291,897
11,555
39
195,640
3,219
72
487,537
14,774
Russia in Asia
3,658
145
2
6,680
201
4
10,338
346
Siam
South America
48
75,722
4,052
122
149,791
8,578
170
225,513
12,630
8
45,539
803
8
45,539
803
United States of America
92
412,092
6,139
107
528,101
7,985
199
940,193
14,124
Sweden
16
55,313
573
16
55,313
573
Total
5,111
8,953,525
428,956
7,233
5,785,522
204,154
12,344
14,739,047
633,110
D 10
—
TABLE IV.
Number, Tonnage, and Crews of Foreign-Going Vessels Cleared in the Colony of Hong Kong to each Country in the Year 1938.
BRITISH.
FOREIGN.
GRAND TOTAL.
COUNTRIES TO WHICH DEPARTED.
Vessels.
Tons.
Crews. Fuel Oil.
Bunker
. Coal.
Vessels.
Tons.
Crews.
Fuel Oil.
Bunker
Coal.
Vessels.
Tons.
Crews.
Bunker
Fuel Oil.
Coal.
Australia & Pacific Islands including New
D 11 -
Zealand
British North Borneo
43 130,936
4,475
10,657
5,795
16
21
45,617
2,021
6,250
67
56.618
1,603
3,850
59
187,554
6,078
10,657
9,645
13,494
579
1 340
28
59,111
2,600
7,590
Canada
India including Mauritius
25 286.037
13,002
25
286,037
13,002
111
396.555
14,562
380
7,080
69
South Africa
3 .9,492
235
Straits Settlements & F. M. S.
29 79,243
2,789
1,278
4.670
United Kingdom
110 634.638
15,532
18,599
3,700
8288
217,548
5,032
3,795
180
614,103
19,594
380
10,875
12
79,807
2,282
200
15
89,299
2,517
200
39 75,166 3,092
105
3,250
68
154,409
5,881
1,383
7,920
30 186,773
4,771
2,400
140
821,411
20,303
20,999
3,700
China
965 1,785,822
83,774
3,026
104,244
455 1,207.567 42,216
3,677
34,070
1,420
2,993 389
125,990
6,703
138,314
(River Steamers)
1,466 1,376 212
105,186
225
45,503
1,466
1,376,212
105,186
225
45,503
(Steamships under 60 tons)
538
(Junks)
4,254
16,620
288,173
7,401
538
16,620
7,401
32,584
4,254
288,173
32,584
Denmark
11 56,577
444
11
56,577
444
Europe, not specially mentioned
2,220
31
13
57,426
750
1,050
14
59,646
781
1,050
France
Formosa
Germany
34
231,767
6,482
898
428
34
231,767
6,482
898
428
15,483
267
240
38
56,432
1,953
500
1,818
44
71,915
2,220
500
2,058
31,310
479
120
48
290,099
5,623
1,625
56
321.409
6,102
1,745
Italy
Holland
French Indo China
Japan
10 52.992
604
10
52,992
604
mxxx.com
21
229,379
8,109
1,282
765
21
229.379
8,109
1,282
765
293
491,363
21,853
724
47,700
159
251,921
10,108
65
15,490
452
743,284
31,961
789
63,190
193
961,231
24,580
20,570
23,284
183
925,242
20,368
2,701
6,126
376
1,886,473
44,948
23,271
29,410
Macao
9
8,935
550
141
15
9,066
816
280
24
18,001
1,366
421
(River Steamers)
1,652 1,878,283
112,310
21,822
269
59,239
10,036
323
662
1,921
1,937,522
122,346
323
22,484
(Steamships under 60 tons)
259
7,939
2,815
259
7,939
2,815
(Junks)
314 48,580
3,569
314
48,580
3,569
Netherland East Indies
35 112,888
1,698
1,270
3,639
101
330,387 10,335
450
3,100
136
443,275
12,033
1,720
6,739
Philippine Islands
41. 356,591
12,243
3,520
74
302,470
4,750
54
1,499
115
659,061
16,993
54
5,019
Russia in Asia
5 11,236
377
1,110
2
5,913
202
400
7
17,149
579
1,510
Siam
South America
Enited States of America
Sweden
46
76,894
4,020
13,783
105 122,233
7,555
31
165,691
3,278
61 263,589
4,631
1,372
985
86 455.963
7,501
635
10 35,680
356
1138
32,535
151
199,127
11,575
46,318
31
165,691
3,278
147
719,552
12,132
2,007
987
30
10
35,680
356
30
Total
5,123 8,954,575
424,615 58,101 293,586
7,203 5,836,762
205,214 13,120 112,285
12,326 14,791,337
629,829
71,221
405,871
D 12
TABLE V.
Number, Tonnage and Crews of Foreign Going Vessels of each Nation entered at
Ports in the Colony of Hong Kong in the year 1938.
Nationality.
Entered.
Vessels.
Tons.
Crews.
British
1,991
5,697,053
211,460
River Steamers
وو
3,120
3,256,472
217,496
American
87
452,827
8,497
Chinese, Junks
4,609
329,899
36,671
Danish
112
313,685
6,679
Dutch
203
858,668
25,134
French
208
662,570
23,265
Italian
65
525,995
17,482
Japanese
206
850,007
20,012
Norwegian
392
755,605
23,673
Portuguese
75
42,223
5,899
River Steamers
273
59,870
10,036
German
144
722,569
14,021
Panamanian
24
54,887
1,083
Swedish
33
106,547
1,100
Greek
3
8,429
116
Hungarian
10
15,090
402
Russian
1
2,286
73
Steamships under 60 tons trading to ports
outside the Colony
788
24,365
10,011
Total......
12,344
14,739,047
633,110
D 13
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 1938.
Nationality.
Cleared.
Vessels.
Tons.
Crews.
British
2,005
5,700,080
207,119
River Steamers
""
3,118
3,254,495
217,496
American
87
457,052
8,737
Chinese, Junks
4,568
336,753
36,153
Danish
111
311,946
6,526
Dutch
201
847,699
25,719
French
208
681,247
22,965
Italian
66
537,522
17,727
Japanese
210
868,708
20,364
Norwegian
393
757,513
24,052
Portuguese
78
48,839
5,950
River Steamers
وو
269
59,239
10,036
German
145
723,529
13,714
Panamanian
22
49,150
1,227
Swedish
33
106,547
1,160
Greek
4
9,083
177
Hungarian
10
15,090
418
Russian
1
2,286
73
Steamships under 60 tons trading to ports
outside the Colony
797
24,559
10,216
Total.....
12,326
14,791,337
629,829
TABLE VII.
Nationality of Crews.
Vessels.
British.
Other Europeans
Asiatics.
and Americans.
1937.
1938.
1937.
1938.
1937.
1938.
1937.
1938.
British
5,127
5,111
44,616
43,678
1,512
1,586
407,630
383,692
Foreign
3,484
1,836
682
356
66,292
58,068
208,617
99,048
Total......
8,611
6,947
45,298
44,034
67,804
59,654
616,247
482,740
D 14
British Ships.
Foreign Ships.
1937.
1938.
1937.
1938.
%
%
%
Percentage of British Crew
09.83
10.18
00.25
00.23
Percentage of Crew, Other Europeans and Americans
00.33
00.37
24.05
36.87
Percentage of Crew, Asiatics
89.84
89.45
75.70
62.90
Total.
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
¡
D:15
TABLE VIII.
The River Steamer Trade 1937 & 1938.
Year.
Import Tons.
Export Tons.
Passengers.
1937
296,887
324,771
2,853,830
1938
545,822
499,140
2,708,695
TABLE IX.
Junks.
IMPORTS.
1937.
1938.
Junks.
Tonnage.
Junks.
Tonnage.
Foreign Trade
6,189
801,465
4,609
329,899
Local Trade
9,936
331,259
11,381
413,004
Total....
16,125
1,132,724
15,990
742,903
EXPORTS.
1937.
1938.
Junks.
Tonnage.
Junks.
Tonnage.
Foreign Trade
6,292
811,459
4,568
336,753
Local Trade
10,160
653,058
11,884
365,743
Total....
16,452
1,464,517
16,452
702,496
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 1938.
CARGO.
BALLAST.
TOTAL.
Vessels. Tons.
Crew:
Passen- Cargo,
gers. Tons.
Vessels.
Crew.
Tons.
Passen-
gers.
Tons.
Vessels.
Crew.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo,
Tons.
Canton
200 35,877 1,457
124,304
334
93,400 2,573
534 129,277 4,030
124,304
West River
1,741
98,397 14,293
39,158
129
15,232 2,074
1,870 | 113,629
16,367
39,158
Macao
255
30,930
2,212
22,645
50
13,223
764
305
44,153
2,976
22,645
East Coast
1,651
33,574
8,526
8,140
245
9,038
4,714
1,896
42,612
13,240
8,140
West Coast
3
171
37
59
1
57
21
4
228
58
59
Total
3,850
198,949
26,525 j
194,306
759 130,950
10,146
4,609 | 329,899
36,671
194,306
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 1938.
D 16
CARGO.
BALLAST.
TOTAL.
Vessels.
Crew.
Tons.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo,
Tons.
Vessels.
Crew.
Tons.
Passen-
gers.
Vessels. Tons. Crew.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo,
Tons.
Canton
371 124,197 3,781
22,138
89 7,375
554
West River
1,785
63,241 3,699
92,602
398 53,095
12,772
460 131,572 4,335 2,183 | 116,336 16,471
22,138
92,602
Macao
282
42,004
2,887
34,410
32
6,576
682
314
48,580
3,569
34,410
East Coast
1,527
36,126
8,464
8,761
80
3,681
3,220
1,607
39,807
11,684
8,761
West Coast
3
346
62
169
1
112
32
4
458
94
169
Total
3,968
265,911
18,893
158,080
600
70,839
17,260
4,568 336,753
36,153
158.080
TOWING.
Vessels. Tonnage. Crews.
Passen-
gers.
PLACES.
TABLE XII.
Statement of Licensed Steam launches ENTERED in the Colony of Hong Kong during the year 1938.
NOT TOWING.
TOTAL.
Cargo. Vessels. Tonnage. Crews.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo.
Vessels. Tonnage. Crews.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo.
Within the Waters of the Colony:— 1938
1937
726 11,857 6,575 1,035 16,499 9,072
381
398
628
1 8,807 314,108 109,280 245,716 8,610 308,011 104,393 220,813
3,081
2,493
9,533 325,965 | 115,855 | 246,097 9,645 324,510 113,465 | 221,211
3,082
3,121
Outside the Waters
of the Colony:—
Canton
317 9,518 4,575
17
376
152
25
334
9,894
4,727
25
West River
174
5,732
2,271
322
86
183
6,054
2,357
Macao
107
2,521
1,188
139
5,071
1,437
562
246
7,592
2,625
562
East Coast
5
99
66
2
49
23
7
148
89
Other places
18
677
213
2
18
677
213
2
Total
603 17,870 8,100
185
6,495 1,911
25
564
788 24,365
10,011
25
564
TABLE XIII,
Statement of Licensed Steam launches CLEARED in the Colony of Hong Kong during the year 1938.
· D 17
TOWING.
NOT. TOWING.
TOTAL.
PLACES.
Vessels. Tonnage. Crews.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo.
Coal.
Vessels. Tonnage. Crews.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo. Coal. Vessels. Tonnage. Crews.
Passen-
gers.
Cargo.
B. C.
Wthin the Waters
of the Colony:—
1938
1937
Outside the Waters
of the Colony :- Canton
992 15,488 9,250 281 1,322 20,480 11,984 178
3
54
710 8,547 312,172 106,667 280,865 6,314 4,235 933 8,412 309,729 101,913 215,324 11,549 4,285
9,539 327,660 115,917 281,146 6,317 9,734 330,209 113,897 215,502 11,603
4,945
5,218
330 9,870 4,781
5,927 4,185 20
383
184
25
226
West River
156
5,253 2,010
580 | 2,148
9
391
91
Macao
109
2,506
1,217
42
701
150
5,433,
1,598
66
1,597 294
165 5,644
350 10,253 4,965 2,101
25 5,927
4,411
646
2,148
259
7,939
2,815
1,639
995
East Coast
6
110
72
84
1
26
16
17
7
136
88
101
Other places
2
46
48
160
14
541
199
92
16
587
247
92
160
Total
603❘ 17,785
8,128
6,549 | 7,278
194
6,774 2,088
25 1,755 537
797 24,559
10.216
25 8,304
7,815
D 18
TABLE XIV.
Total Number and Tonnage of Vessels excluding Steam Launches Entered at each Port in the Colony of Hong Kong during the year, 1938.
British.
Foreign.
Total.
Station.
Vessels. Tonnage.
Vessels. Tonnage. Vessels. Tonnage.
Aberdeen
597
21,814
597
21,814
Cheung Chau
266
11,480
266
11,480
Sai Kung
191
4,263
191
4,263
Tai O
78
4,393
78
4,393
Tsuen Wan
436
22,420
436
22,420
Victoria
5,111
8,953,525 16,258 6,109,791
21,369 15,063,316
Total...... 5,111
8,953,525 17,826 6,174,161 22,937 15,127,686
TABLE XV.
Total Number and Tonnage of Vessels excluding Steam Launches Cleared at each Port in the Colony of Hong Kong during the year, 1938.
British.
Foreign.
Total.
Station.
Vessels. Tonnage.
Vessels. Tonnage. Vessels.
Tonnage.
Aberdeen
593
15,309 593
15,309
Cheung Chau
273
10,465
273
10,465
Sai Kung
Tai O
Tsuen Wan
Victoria
191
4,219
191
4,219
76
4,334
76
4,334
445
23,903 445
23,903
5,123 8,954,575 16,712 6,119,716 21,835 15,074,291
Total...... 5,123 8,954,575 18,290 6,177,946 23,413 15,132,521
D 19
TABLE XVI.
Table showing total Shipping of all classes at the Port of Hong Kong during the
years 1919 to 1938.
TOTAL TONNAGE
YEAR.
ALL CLASSES.
TOTAL TONNAGE OCEAN GOING.
TOTAL TONNAGE OCEAN GOING
BRITISH.
1919
35,615,169
14,467,847
6,842,024
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
53,402,239
25,894,058
11,222,141
1924
56,731,077
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
37,830,760
27,630,397
11,709,589
1938
30,962,756
22,184,732
11,397,133
TONS.
57,000,000
D 20
TABLE XVII.
Diagram Shewing Total Shipping all Classes 1919-1938.
1919
1920
1921
1922
1923
1924
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
56,000,000
55,000,000
54,000,000
53,000,000
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
A
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
30,962,756
29,000,000
D 21
TABLE XVIII.
Diagram Shewing Ocean Going Shipping British and Foreign Entered
and Cleared 1919-1938.
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
22,500,000
21,500,000
GT6T
1920
1921
1922
1923
1924
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
22,000,000
22,184,732
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
•
D 22
TABLE XIX.
Diagram Shewing Ocean Going Shipping British Only, Entered
and Cleared 1919-1938.
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
1919
1920
1921
1922
1923
1924
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
11,500,000
11,000,000 10,500,000 10,000,000
9,500,000 9,000,000
11,397,133
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
TABLE XX.
Return of Ships Registered at the Port of Hong Kong During the Year 1938.
Official
Regis-
Name of Ship.
tered
Horse Power
Rig
Build
No.
Where and When built.
Tonnage.
1. Tsing Shaan
159,471
30
N.H.P. 7.4
2. Asian
110,358
1,488
N.H.P. 219
Nil
Not
Carvel Hong Kong
Clinker Sunderland
1924
1st. Registry.
1900
3. Olan
159,472
8
B.H.P. 4
Cutter
Carvel Hong Kong
4. Kwong Fook
Cheung
152,106
538
N.H.P. 40
Not
Clinker
do.
Remarks.
Reregistered (formerly under the Chinese Flag as 'Hwah Chong" ex "Winifred Moller").
1938 1st. Registry (new vessel).
1923 Reregistered (formerly unregistered vessel owned by Chinese subject as "Kwong Fook Cheung').
1937 1st. Registry (new vessel).
5. Kwong Hing
159,473
12
I.H.P. 120
Not
Carvel
do.
6. Capstan II
159,474
5
B.H.P. 40
Nil
do.
do.
1937
do.
do.
7. Power Chief
159,475
288
I.H.P. 260
Sloop
Clinker Leith
1937
do.
do.
8. Jolly Bird
159,476
148
Nil
Carvel
1st. Registry (formerly unregistered vessel).
9. Olina
159,477
9
B.H.P. 4
Cutter
do.
Hong Kong
1938 1st. Registry (new vessel).
10. Sai Chiu Shan
159,478
2
B.H.P. 12
Nil
do.
do.
1938
do.
do.
11. Li Wo
159,479
342
N.H.P. 175
Nil
Clinker
do.
1938
do.
do.
23-
TABLE XX.-Contd.
Official Regis-
Name of Ship.
tered
Horse Power
Rig.
Build.
Where and When
built.
No.
Tonnage.
12. Shunley
153,556
30
N.H.P. 21.6
Not
Carvel Hong Kong
13. Ma On Shan
159,480
21
B.H.P. 12
Ketch
do.
do.
14. Kwong Ning
159,481
29
N.H.P. 18
Nil
do.
do.
15. Hingley
152,096
208
Nil
Clinker
do.
16. Yardley
152,097 207
Nil
do.
do.
Remarks.
D 24
1924 Reregistered (formerly owned by Chinese subject as "Shunley" ex "Shun Lee").
1938 1st. Registry (new vessel).
1929 1st. Registry (formerly unregistered vessel as "Kwong Ning").
"Hak
1922 Reregistered (formerly owned by Chinese subjects as "Manley' ex Lung Kong" ex "Heng Shan' "Libonotus").
ex
1922 Reregistered (formerly owned by Chinese subjects as "Yardley" ex "Yeung Tse Kong" ex "Taishan' ex "Sciron").
1905 Registry transferred from Melbourne. 1937 1st. Registry (new vessel).
do.
do.
Previous Registry not known.
1938 1st. Registry (new vessel).
Reregistered (formerly unregistered vessel as "Wai Hing" ex "Chi On").
17. Ashridge
120,500 1,849
N.H.P. 304
Schooner
18. Chuen Hing
159,482 493
N.H.P. 36
Nil
do.
Carvel Hong Kong
Port Glasgow
19. Lakatoi
159,483 179
B.H.P. 400
Nil
Clinker
do.
1938
20. Tinley
159,484
284
No
Carvel
do.
21. Mamutu
159,485
160
B.H.P. 340
Nil
do.
do.
22. Wai Hing
152,427
23
N.H.P. 12.7
Nil
do.
TABLE XX.-Contd.
D 25
Official
Regis-
Name of Ship.
tered
Horse Power
Rig.
Build.
No.
Where and When
built.
Remarks.
Tonnage.
23. Punlee
159,486
68
B.H.P. 80
Not
Carvel Hong Kong
24. Gemlock
135,316 2,022
N.H.P. 291
Not
Clinker Sunderland
25. Menander
159,487
B.H.P. 7
8
26. Wing Sang
159,488 1,953
N.H.P. 316
Ketch
Yawl
Not
Carvel Hong Kong
Clinker
1920 Formerly under the American Flag as "Denver".
1914 Reregistered (formerly under the Chinese Flag as "Hai Yu ex "Kelsomoor").
1938 1st. Registry (new vessel).
do.
1938
do.
do.
27. Yanthey
159,489
9
B.H.P. 8
Bermuda Carvel
do.
1938
do.
28. Ewo X
159,490
9
B.H.P. 35
Nil
do.
do.
Formerly unregistered vessel known as Green Motor Boat owned by Chinese subjects.
1934 Reregistered (formerly under the Chinese Flag as "Hai Heng').
29. E-Sang
164,036
2,055
N.H.P. 256:
Not
Clinker Glasgow
30. Indira
31. Yu Sang
144,911 276
161,573 2,039
N.H.P. 94
N.H.P. 256
Not
do.
Nil
do.
South Bank-on-Tees 1918
Newcastle, England.
Registry transferred from Bombay.
!
1934
32. Red Rover
33. Caltex I
159,491
159,492
8
B.H.P. 25.1 Bermuda Carvel Hong Kong
!
381
Clinker Bombay
1938
do.
34. Sun Fat
159,493
21
N.H.P. 14.98
Not
Carvel Hong Kong
Reregistered (formerly under the Chinese Flag as "Hai Yuan').
1938 1st. Registry (new vessel).
1910 Formerly unregistered vessel known as
"Thistle'
do.
TABLE XX.-(Contd.)
D 26
Regis-
Official
Name of Ship.
tered
Horse Power
Rig.
Build.
Where and When
built.
No.
Tonnage.
35. Kung Hing
159,494
12
N.H.P. 4
Not
Carvel Hong Kong
1897 Formerly
Remarks.
under the Chinese Flag as "Wiken".
36. Tại Sang
159,495
1,949
N.H.P. 316
Nil
Clinker
37. Cambay Prince
139,631
· 249
N.H.P. 52
do.
do.
Sudbrook Mon
1938
1st. Registry (new vessel).
1913
Registry transferred from Bombay.
38. Tinley
159,484
173 N.H.P. 32
Nil
Carvel
Hong Kong
39. Yew Shing
159,496
14
N.H.P. 5.66
Nil
do.
do.
40. Tai Wan Shan
159,497
7
B.H.P. 4.0
Yawl
do.
do.
1938
41. Matafele
159,498
186
B.H.P. 400
Not
Clinker
do.
1938
do.
42. Wo Sang
164,037 2,058
N.H.P. 256
Not
do.
Glasgow
43. Charles F. Meyer... 166,606 6,077 B.H.P. 4400
Not
In & Out Hamburg
44. Chorkin
159,499
128
Not
Carvel
45. Budson
159,500
128
Not
do.
46. Queen Bee
133,249
B.H.P. 15.2
Yawl
do.
Hong Kong
47. Chiu San
159,501
13
N.H.P. 4.82-:
Not
do.
48. Pang-Jin
159,502
58
Junk
do.
Hong Kong
49. Dholera
159,503
34
N.H.P. 11
Ketch
do.
Converted into steam vessel and registered
anew.
1900 Formerly under the Chinese Flag as "Yew
1934
Shing"
1st. Registry (new vessel).
Formerly under the Chinese Flag as "Hai Chen".
1938 Registry transferred from London.
Formerly Chinese vessel as "Mo Boon".
do.
as "Fook On".
1912 Converted into Motor Yacht and registered
anew.
1st. Registry.
1938 1st. Registry (new vessel).
Formerly under the Chinese Flag as "Shiu Hing".
do.
TABLE XXI.
Return of Registers of Ships Cancelled at the Port of Hong Kong during the year 1938.
D 27
:
Official
Regis-
Name of Ship.
tered
No.
Tonnage.
Date of
Registry.
Rig
Build
Where and When
built.
Reason of Cancellation.
1. Kau Sap
128,684
55
10. 3.1910
Nil
Clinker
Hong Kong
1907
2. Taikoo I ex Tai Koo.. 128,709
20
20. 9.1911
Nil
do.
do.
1911
Sold to Foreigners (Chinese subjects). Registry transferred to Shanghai.
3. Sin Tai Yat
133,235 149
4.11.1912
Nil
Carvel
do.
1912 Sold to Foreigner (Chinese subject).
4. Sin Tai Yee
133,236 149
do.
Nil
do.
do.
1912
do..
do.
5. Sin Tai Sam
133,239
150
19. 8.1913
do.
do...
1913
do.
do.
6. Sin Tai Sze
133,240
150
do.
do.
do.
1913
do.
do.
7. Queen Bee
133,249
5
15. 4.1914
Yawl
do.
do.
1912
8. Bailey I
139,574
11
3.10.1917
Nil
do.
do.
1902
Vessel converted into auxiliary yacht and registered anew.
Sold to Foreigners (Chinese subjects).
9. Bailey II
128,697 11
3.10.1917
Nil
do.
do.
1896
do.
do.
10. Yungling
152,100
2
15. 3.1923 Schooner Clinker
do.
1923
Registry transferred to Shanghai.
11. Mo Yee Shaan
154,002
6
21. 9.1926
None Carvel
do.
1926
Vessel broken up.
12. Saam Kong
159,419
2
20. 5.1935
Nil
do.
do.
1918
Sold to Foreigners (Chinese subjects).
13. Seung Kong
159,421
8
do.
Nil
do.
do.
1920
do.
do.
14. Ting Kong
159,431
4
4. 7.1935
Nil
do.
Canton
1921
do.
do.
15. Island Trader
159,458
959
16. Tung Hsing
159,460
6
17. Gemlock
135,316 2,022
26. 1.1937
23. 4.1937 Cutter
5. 8.1938 Not
Not
Clinker Vegesack
Carvel Hong Kong Clinker Sunderland
1920 Sold to Foreigner (German subject).
1937 Registry transferred to Southampton. 1914 Registry transferred to Shanghai.
TABLE XXII.
Passenger Trade for the Port for the Year 1938.
Ships
Passengers.
Emigrants.
Class of Vessels.
No.
Arrived
Departed
Returned
Departed
British Ocean Going
3,996
217,363
220,475
38,261
56,170
Foreign Ocean Going
3,132
161,893
165,709
45,359
54,717
British River Steamers
6,238
1,426,992
1,280,018
|
Foreign River Steamers
542
829
856
D 28
Total
13,908
1,807,077
1,667,058
83,620
110,887
Steam-launches, Foreign Trade
1,585
25
25
Junks, Foreign Trade
9,177
Total, Foreign Trade
24,670
1,807,102
1,667,083
83,620
110,887
Steam-launches, Local Trade
19,072
246,097
281,146
Junks, Local Trade
23,265
3,885
3,983
Total, Local Trade
42,337
249,982
285,129
Grand Total
67,007
2,057,084
1,952,212
83,620
110,887
TABLE XXIII.
Summary of Chinese Emigrants from Hong Kong to Ports other than in China, During the Year 1938.
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
596
16
9
Africa
56
201
තය
10
631
1
597
16
9
10
632
84
185
71
52
25
333
241
91
60
25
417
Portuguese East Africa
62
39
13
4
118
62
391
13'
4.
118
British Borneo
2,123
642
198
165
3,128
542
186
56
32
766
2,665
778
254
197
3,894
Dutch Borneo
13
2
15
21
3
15
3
18
Calcutta
1,256
180
86
62
Canada
4,080j
3411
314
22
1,584
1,256
180
86
62
1,584
4,797
4,080
341
314
62
4,797
Continent of Europe
106
2
108
106
2
108
Dutch Indies
4
2
1
7
12,417
5,525
3,893
1,450
-23;285-12,421|| 5,527
3,894
1,450
23,292
Fiji
74
5
1
81
74
1:
1
81
Honolulu
560
131
501
59
800
174
46
18
12
250
734
177
68
71
1,050
Madagascus Island Tamatave
65
61
74
152
49
11
213
217
55
13
21.
287
Mauritius
20
22
55
254
120
651
24
463
274
142
73
29
518
New Guinea (Rabaoul)
107
32
27
11
177
107
32
27
11
177
New Zealand (Dunedin)
173
18
241
11
226
173
18
24
11
226
Nauru Island
432
432
432
432
Ocean Island
77
77.
77
77
Rangoon
2,559
1,104 478
308
4,449
13
2,565
1,109
480
308
4,462
Rodriguez
Sumatra (Belawan Deli) Straits Settlements
Tahiti
United States of America
2
8
4
2
16
2
8
4
2
16
2
1.
5
2,097
848
298
174
3,417
2,099
849
299
175
3,422
13,052 18,541
4,638
3,034
39,265
7,689 10,137|
2,892
1,978
22,696
20,741
28,678]
7,530
5,012
61,961
40İ
1
48
116
11
127
2,384 386
257
116
3,143
40
2,500
7
386
1
48
268
116
3,270
Total for 1938
25,511 21,070 5,859
1937
""
""
60,648 50,304 10,117
3,730
7,712
""
56,170 25,967 17,371 7,561 3,818 128,781 58,866 30,459| 8,463 5,756 Total passengers by British Ships ,, Foreign
54,717 51,478 38,441 13,420) 7,548 110,887 103,544 119,514 80,763 18,580 13,468 232,325
56,170
""
54,717
Excess of passengers by British Ships
1,453
TABLE XXIV.
Statement of Average Number of Emigrants from Hong Kong to Ports other than in China, for Quinquennial Periods from 1900 to 1985 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 1929 to 1938.
D 30
WHITHER BOUND.
1929.
1930.
1931.
1932.
1933.
1934.
1935.
1936.
1937.
1938.
Straits Settlements, Males,
113,036 88,498
35,606 13,618 14,767
55,803
69,793 56,629
80,299
28,271
Straits Settlements, Females,
33,480 32,887
14,895
7,169
8,769
35,517
37,188
45,096 82,398
33,690
Total,
146,516
121,385
50,501
20,787
23,536
91,320
106,981
101,725 162,697
61,961
Other Ports, Males,
73,426 58,879 44,504
30,149
29,151
Other Ports, Females,
7,581
8,636
5,864
4,703
4,828
34,406
6,258
35,559 43,235 57,795 36,627
6,975
8,210 11,833 12,299
Total,
81,007
67,515
50,368
34,852
33,979 40,664 .42,534
51,445
69,628 48,926
Grand Total,
227,523
188,900
100,869 55,639
57,515 131,984 149,515
153,170
232,325 110,887
TABLE XXVI.
Summary of Chinese Emigrants Returned to Hong Kong from Ports other than in China During the Year 1938.
D 31
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
511
3:09
11
560
511
30
11
8
560
British East Africa
23
23
23
23
Bangkok
732
240
129
102 1,203
3,636
1,311
796
852
6,595
4,368
1,551
925
954
7,798
British Borneo
319
156
56
76
607
122
371
28
11
198
441
193
84
87
805
Dutch Borneo
2
2
21
2
27
231
4
2
29
Calcutta
8,772
3,222 1,247
942
14,183
250
102
391
22
413
9,022
3,324 1,286
964
14,596
Continent of Europe
429
18
447
1,563 394
157
92
2,206
1,992
412
157
92
2,653
Dutch Indies
1
1
12,496
1,657 1,026
648
15,827
12,497 1,657
1,026
648
15,828
Rangoon
5,501 1,672| 915
735
8,823
3,227 1,475
791
500
5,993
8,728 3,147
1,706
1,235
14,816
South Africa
174
271
231
14
238
174
27
23
14
238
Straits Settlements
7,758 2,525 1,073 1,012
12,368
2,351
890
419
301
3,961
10,109
3,415 1,492
1,313
16,329
Sumatra (Belawan Deli) United States of America
Total for 1938
1937
6,221
1,825
732
582
9,360
6,221
1,825 732
582
9,360
67
67
444
48
14
12
518
511
48
14
12
585
24,092
""
25,447 9,297
7,863 3,431 2,875 4,816 3,644
"}
"}
"}
"}
38,261 30,528 7,770 4,027 3,034 43,204 36,396 10,544 6,493 4,992 Total number of passengers by Foreign Ships British Excess of passengers by Foreign Ships
45,359
58,425
54,620 15,633 7,458 61,843 19,841 11,309
5,909
83,620
8,636
101,629
30,528 7,770 4,027
3,034
45,359
24,092 7,863 3,431 2,875
38,261
""
7,098
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 1929 to 1938.
WHITHER BOUND.
1929.
1930.
1931.
1932.
1933.
1934.
1935.
1936.
1937.
1938.
- D 32
Straits Settlements, Males,
97,960
120,964 134,147
98,606
51,303
40,881
42,148 46,389
34,969
11,601
Straits Settlements, Females,
23,117
28,960 35,572
30,011
18,107
13,677
14,649 18,806
14,879
4,728
Total,
121,077
149,924 169,719 128,617
69,410
54,558
56,797
65,195
49,848
16,329
Other Ports, Males,
55,412
62,803
94,331
85,690
58,218
47,847
44,477
41,966
38,183
50,477
Other Ports, Females,
8,901
10,409
19,840
18,089
13,505
11,289
11,146
13,480
13,598
16,814
Total,
64,313
73,212
114,171
103,779
71,723
59,136
55,623
55,446 51,781
67,291
Grand Total,
185,390
223,136
283,890
232,396
141,133 113,694
112,420 120,641
101,629
83,620
:
D 33
TABLE XXIX.
Bunker Coal and Oil Shipped during 1938.
EXPORTS.
1937.
1938.
Class.
No.
Steamers
River Steamers
Total ......
Coal, Oil, Tons. Tons.
4,749 379,113 69,899
3,839 64,813 1,737 3,387 67,987 548
8,588 443,926 71,636 6,961 405,871 71,221
Coal,
Oil,
No.
Tons.
Tons.
3,574
337,884 70,673
TABLE XXX.
Comparative Return of Work performed by the Government Marine Surveyor's Department for 3 years ending 31/12/38.
Year.
Item.
1936.
1937.
1938.
Surveys for Passenger and Safety Certificate including
Wireless Telegraphy Installations
61
74
81
Surveys for Passenger Certificate
47
18
16
Surveys for Safety Radio Telegraphy Certificates
38
54
70
Surveys for Loadline Certificate
41
36
39
Surveys for Bottom Certificate
7
4
1
Surveys for Emigration Licence
91
95
74
Measurement of Tonnage for British Registry
14
28
61
Measurement of Tonnage not for British Registry
7
2
16
Measurement of Tonnage for Suez Canal.
4
3
Measurement of Tonnage for Panama Canal
1
4
Inspection and Certification of Light and Sound Signals
16
24
27
Inspection and Certification of Life Saving Appliances
14
20
28
Machinery and Boiler Plans
94
85
95
Surveys of Boilers during Construction
3
2
Surveys of Government Land Boilers
49
53
35
Surveys of Launches for plying Licences
631
610
606
Surveys of Government Launches and Harbour Buoys, etc.
1,400
1,510
1,530
Ships Plans Examined
232
238
261
Inclining Experiments
11
9
4
New Lifeboats Surveyed during Construction
31
98
152
New Buoyant Apparatus Surveyed during Construction
598
519
216
Lifejackets Inspected and Stamped
11,195
16,330
14,925
Lifebuoys Inspected and Stamped
680
586
549
Engineers Examined B.O.T. Certificates
39
26
26
Engineers Examined Local Certificates
121
91
109
Estimated Total Number of Visits in connection with
surveys
5,528
5,117
5,510
Lifeboatmen Examined for Certificates
598
133
329
D 34
TABLE XXXI.
During the year 1938, there has been stored in the Gunpowder Depót,
Gunpowder, privately owned
Cartridges, privately owned
Government owned
Government owned
Explosives, privately owned
Government owned
Non-explosives, privately owned
Green Island.
No. of Cases.
Approximate Weight. lbs.
443
18,290
35
1.700
4,641
468,736
17,681
1,117,668
866
54,854
51
10,316
During the same period there has been delivered out of the Depót.
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.
30
1,050
883
52.980
3,025
190,575
311
13.670
2,674
333,527
7.452
576,696
41
7.672
510
On 31st December, 1938, there remains as follows:-
Gunpowder, privately owned
Government owned
Cartridges, privately owned.
Explosive Compounds :-
Privately owned
Government owned
Non-explosives, privately owned
TABLE XXXII.
100
30,350
No. of Cases.
Approximate Weight lbs.
102 32
3.570
1,600
1,084
72,229
7,204
356
350,097 24,504
10
2,544
Lighthouses and Signal Stations.
Lighthouse or
Signal Station.
Vessels
Periods Messages Messages Signalled. Sent. Received.
of Fog.
Period Fog Diaphone Signals Sounded. Fired.
Typhoon & Non. local
Signals Hoisted.
Gap Rock
913*
3,056
484
180 Hrs.
1,111
Waglan
2,735+
4,225
936
318 Hrs. 318 Hrs.
Green Island
1,353
321
172
6
Kowloon Signal
Station
2,021
72
*Including 205 reported by Flash Lamp.
+Including 845 reported by Flash Lamp.
D. 35
TABLE XXXIII.
Comparative Statement of Expenditure 1937 and 1938.
A. HARBOUR DEPARTMENT.
Sub-head of Expenditure.
Personal Emoluments
Other Charges:-
Chain Cable.
Coal & Oil Fuel for Launches
Coal for Offices
Conveyance Allowances
Drawing Materials, G.M.S. Office
Electric Fans & Light
Amount
Amount
1937.
1938.-
$
$
587,685.85
607,046.97
5,456.23
172,161.09
245,830.25
4,649.25
9,273.52
4,903.02
4,366.55
354.34 1,299.13
439.58 1,310.88
Examination Fees
600.00
560.00
Expenses of numbering boats
1,497.39
1,602.39
Fees to unofficial members of Marine Court
60.00
Incidental Expenses
3,029.41
3,114.82
Launch Moorings and Buoys, Navigational Moorings
and Buoys
7,966.00
7,863.53
Ocean Steamship Moorings and Buoys
19,746.00
25,128.00
Rent, Light and Water Allowances for Slipway Staff Rent of Public Telephones
3,189.00
3,186.00
542.85
377.04
Repairs, Minor improvements and Stores for Launches
and Boats
181,730.71
174,218.78
Slipway at Yaumati, Maintenance
2,059.02
Stores and Equipment for Lighthouses
11,676.38
2,854.92 12,202.59
Transport
Uniforms
533.59 5,481.32
543.28
6,652.33
Total Personal Emoluments and Other Charges
1,014,620.58
1,106,571.43
Special Expenditure.
New Engine to H.D. 8
8,900.00
Conversion of old Police Launch 1
1,172.00
Safe for Green Island
150.00
New Engine for Kau Sing Motor Boat
3,500.00
Hire of Tugs for Lighthouse Reliefs.
7,625.19
27,080.00
One Standard Pressure Gauge
380.90
Two Steel Filing Cabinets
220.00
Training Expenses (G.M.S. in England)
'Dalzo' Steel for Buoys
Pulling Boat for Aberdeen
Sewing Machine for Yaumati
Batteries for Waglan
New Flasher for Cape Collinson
New Launch (replacement S.D. 2)
Diaphone for Waglan
Salvaging and Reconditioning of Kau Sing
Electric Welding Course
"Salvage"
334.71
110.00
·250.00
724.03
7,098.50
828.22
15,200.00
43,230.92
Total Special Expenditure
Total A. Harbour Department
1,035,967.77 1,246,853.86
42,769.40
305.75 1,750.00
21,347.19 140,282.43
D 36
TABLE XXXIV.
Comparative Statement of Revenue 1937 & 1938.
Amount
Amount
Sub-head of Revenue,
1937.
1938.
$
$
1.
Motor Spirit Duties
116.10
202.00
2.
Port and Harbour Dues:
Light Dues (Ord: 10 of 1899)
498,776.20
402,358.63
Buoy Dues (Ord: 10 of 1899).
126,908.00
130,181.00
3.
Licences and Internal Revenue not otherwise
specified
Boat Licences (Ord: 10 of 1899).
121,963.50
133,321.60
Chinese Passenger Ship Licences
1,425.00
1,050.00
Fines
7,453.21
9,275.02
Forfeitures
2,215.00
881.25
Fishing Stake and Net Licences
23.00
29.90
Fishing Stake and Net Licences from the New
Territories (Ord: 10 of 1899)
881.80
635.50
Junk Licences etc. (Ord: 10 of 1899)
29,950.75
30,560.95
Junk Licences etc. from the New Territories (Ord:
10 of 1899)
12,203.25
8,604.50
Steam Launch Licences etc. (Ord 10 of 1899) 4. Fees of Court of Office, Payments for specific
purposes and Reimbursements-in-Aid :-
14,188.00
14,385.25
Court
61.80
10.50
Engagement and Discharge of Seamen (Ord: 10 of
1899)
50,490.05
47,683.14
Examination of Masters etc.
1.397.50
1,522.50
Gunpowder, storage of (Ord: 10 of 1899)
62,122.00
29,390.50
Medical Examination of Emigrants
237,054.10
137,127.30
Official Signatures (Ord: 1 of 1899)
10,975.00
9,795.00
Publications, sale of (Ord: 1 of 1899)
546.80
775.50
Registry Fees (Merchant Shipping Act) Ord: 10 of
1899
1,119.00
2,969.00
Steam Launches, Surveyor's Certificate Ord: 10
of 1899
16,466.25
16,590.00
Survey of Steamships (Ord: 10 of 1899)
116.118.51
128,108.40
Sunday Cargo Working Permits Ord: 1 of 1891 Miscellaneous
134,356.25
126,456.25
945.44
98.67
7. Rent of Government Property :-
Lands not Leased
9. Miscellaneous Receipts :—
341.30
431.59
Sale of condemned stores
2,441.50
51,124.50
Overpayments in Previous years
225.26
299.53
Other Miscellaneous Receipts :--
Pilot Licences. Ord: 3 of 1904
120.00
120.00
Engagement of Masters and Engineers of Steam
Launches
243.00
253.50
Other Miscellaneous Receipts
25.00
16.25
Total......1,451,152.57 1,284,257.73
- D 37
TABLE XXXV.
Comparative Statement of Expenditure & Revenue for last ten years.
Personal
Year.
Emoluments &
Special
Other Charges.
Expenditure.
Total Expenditure.
Total Revenue.
1929
744,194.35
68,259.67
812,454.02
1,010,061.97
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
811,331.20
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
TABLE XXXVI.
Light Dues were collected during the year 1938 as follows:-
Class of Vessels.
No. of Trips.
Tonnage.
Rate per ton.
Fees Collected.
$
¢.
Ocean Vessels
3,577
11,121,332 2.4/10 ₫
359,610.64
Commission on Bahama Dues
1,951.01
Steam-Launches
657
23,055 2.4/10 ¢
745.95
River Steamers
3,410
3,307,317
9/10 ¢
40,051.03
Total..
7,644
14,451,704
402,358.63
1937 Licences Issued.
TABLE XXXVII.
Licences issued and Revenue collected at Harbour Master's Out Stations.
Stations.
1937
1938
1938
Revenue Revenue Licences Increase. Decrease. Collected. Collected.
Issued.
$
$
Shaukiwan
6,470
19,186.00 *21,291.10
6,480
2,105.10
Aberdeen
6.272
16,036.35
17,574.00
6,488
1,537.65
Stanley
659
1,176.40
1,326.10
688
149.70
Yaumati
4,436
33,812.00
$46,047.50
5.103
12,235.50
Cheung Chau
5,081
15,001.25
13,426.70
4,991
Tai O.
2,501
5,480.85
4,246.65
1,893
1,574.55 1,234.20
Taipo
2,464
6,904.40
7,616.95
2,647
Saikung
682
1,326.75
1,812.30
813
712.55 485.55
Longket
1,777
Deep Bay
1,290
5,057.55 4,413.95 3,919.50 2,900.75
1,577
915
643.60 1,018.75
Lantau
524
Lok Ma Chau
690 -
Total
32,846
1,364.40 1,957.35
111,222.80 | 124,005.85
1,796,85
603
432.45
1,553.00
518
404.35
32,716
Net Increase
17.658.50
12,783.05
4,875.45
* Excluding Dispenary Fees
1
,,
.$1,344.50
.$3,816.80
TABLE XXXVIII.
Number of Boat Licences, Permits, etc., issued and fees collected during the year 1938. (Under Table U, Section 39 of Ordinance No. 10 of 1899.)
Description.
Licences.
Licence
Books.
Duplicate
Boat
Licences. Repainting.
Special
Permits.
Fees.
Licence Books
Boat Repainting
Special Permits
Passenger Boats, A. & B. Classes
2,119
Lighters, Cargo & Water Boats
2,006
Other Boats, Class IV.
16,324
Fish Drying Hulks
61
Duplicate Licences
5,072
14
D 38
4,132
1,066
$ 5,072.00
1,033.00
266.50
11,663.95
59,053.20
55,688.30
530.65
14.00
Total.
20,510
5,072
14
4,132
1,066
$133,321.60
Sub-heads:-
TABLE XXXIX.
B.-AIR SERVICES.
Comparative Statement of Expenditure 1937 and 1938.
AIR SERVICES
Approved Estimate
1937
Actual Expenditure 1937
€
Approved Estimate
1938
Actual Expenditure 1938
钥
1. Personal Emoluments
43,856
40,937.37
74,354
OTHER CHARGES.
2. Electric Fans and Lights
2,500
1,465.06
2,500
2,330.44
3. Equipment for Aeronautical Inspection Department
1,500
(1)
3.62
4. Flying Fees for Staff
2,475
2,475.00
3,300
(2)
2,857.26
5. Incidental Expenses
300
284.30
400
(3)
300.80
6.
Rent of Public Telephone (S. of A.)
117
117.00
117
146.25
7. Uniforms
500
(4)
482.19
8. Upkeep of Buoys
300
263.80
600
(5)
535.87
9. Upkeep of Motor Vehicles
400
1,076.85
1,000
(6)
985.79
10. Upkeep of Aerodromes
3,000
3,795.04
5,000
(7)
5,893.38
11. Upkeep of Motor Boats Upkeep of Motor Roller Upkeep of Fire Engine
6,000
(8)
300
38.16
(9)
600
195.89
(10)
Total Other Charges
9,992
55,627.41
9,711.10
20,917
13,535.60
·
D 39
:
- D 40
TABLE XXXIX.-(Contd.)
AIR SERVICES
SPECIAL EXPENDITURE
12. Three Short Rubber Buoys for
Flying Boats
13. Auxiliary Control Launch 25′ 6′′ Control Launch for Kai Tak Airport Construction of Marine Terminal Pontoon Landing Stage for Kai Tak Airport
Supplementary Votes
Weighbridge for Aircraft
Dines Anemograph for Kai Tak Airport
Approved Estimate
1937
Actual Expenditure 1937
Approved Estimate
1938
Actual Expenditure
1938
$
$
$
CA
$
ᎦᏊᎯ
5,000
20,000
3,266.00
3,500
2,258.82
9,000
8,019.96
4,500
4,486.87
13,000
11,840.33
(11)
2,250
2,103.39
Instruments and Books for
Examinations
500
82.41
Medical Equipment for Crash Room
500
423.51
Equipment for Control Tower
500
24.00
Weighbridge for Aircraft
13,000
1 New Typewriter
300
299.00
Equipment for Aeronautical
1,500
Inspection Department
Total Special Expenditure
Total Air Services
(1) Previously provided under Special Expenditure. (2) Fees for new Assistant Superintendent. (3) Considered necessary.
(4) Transferred from Head 10 (A) Sub-head 19. (5) More buoys and frequent overhauls. (6) Includes upkeep of Fire Engine.
(7) Greater landing area and previous provision insufficient. (8) Required for new. Motor Boats.
(9) Not required.
(10) Included under Sub-head 9. (11) Non-recurrent.
(12) Transferred to Other Charges.
452.77
(12)
16,300
1,281.69
57,250
31,975.37
70,148
51,930.16
152,521
101,138.38
کچھ
- D 41
TABLE XL.
B.-AIR SERVICES.
Comparative Statement of Revenue for the years 1935, 1936, 1937 and 1938.
Sub-head Revenue.
Amount Amount
1935.
1936.
1937.
Amount Amount
1938.
3. Licences & Internal Revenue not
otherwise specified:
$
¢ .
$
$ ¢.
$ ¢.
Air Services
310.00
400.00
580.00 945.00
4. Fees of Court or Office, Payments for specific purposes and Reim- sursements in aid:
Air Services
7,101.10 11,601.60 25,341.70 62,880.20
Total...... * $7,411.10 12,001,60 | 25,921.70 63,825.20
*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 1938 amounted to $27,572.72.
TABLE XLI.
B-AIR SERVICES.
Comparative Statement of Expenditure and Revenue for the Year 1930 to 1938.
Year.
Personal (1) Emoluments and
Other Charges
Special Expenditure.
Total Expenditure.
Total Revenue.
$ ¢.
SA
$
¢.
$
¢.
¢.
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
(3) 63,825.20
(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 1938 amounted to $27,572.72.
China
Manila (Philippines).. French Indo-China...
Total
Countries to which
Departed.
Aircraft
China
Manila (Philippines).. French Indo-China...
Total
Passengers.
Crew.
Goods and Ex-
cess Luggage Tons.
Mails Tons.
Aircraft.
Tonnage.
Aircraft.
Countries whence
Arrived.
Aircraft
Passengers.
Crew.
Goods and Ex-
cess Luggage
Tons.
Mais Tons.
Aircraft
Tonnage.
Aircraft.
TABLE XLII.
Number, tonnage, cargo, passengers and crews of aircraft ARRIVING at airports in the Colony of Hong Kong
BRITISH.
from each country in the year 1938.
FOREIGN.
TOTAL.
Passengers.
Crew.
Goods and Ex- cess Luggage Tons.
Mails Tons.
TABLE XLIII,
Number, tonnage, cargo, passengers and crews of aircraft DEPARTING from airports in the Colony of Hong Kong
BRITISH.
to each country in the year 1938.
FOREIGN.
TOTAL.
458 5,330
1,802
16.0
34.6
4,547
458
5,330
1,802
16.0
34.6
4,547
35
325
274
2.9
3.6
841
35
325
274
2.9
3.6
841
116
150 232
2.8 35.6
622
24
201
94
0.3
0.7
247
140
351
326
3.1
36.3
869
116 150 232
2.8
35.6 622
517 5,856 2,170 19.2 38.9
5,635
633 35 688
6,006 2,402 22.0
74.5 6,257
Passengers.
Crew.
Goods and Ex-
cess Luggage Tons.
Mails Tons.
475
3,261
1,850
95.1 94.0
4,652
475
3,261
1,850
95.1
94.0 4,652
35
316
273
1.1
1.9
841
35
316
273
1.1
1.9
841
115
200 230
2.4
29.1
617
24
186
94
0.1
247
139
386
324
2.5
29.1
864
115 200 230
2.4
29.1 617
534
3,763
2,217 96.3
95.9
5,740
649
3,963
2,447
98.7 125.0 6,357
Aircraft
Tonnage.
Aircraft
Passengers.
Crew.
Goods and Ex-
cess Luggage Tons.
Mails Tons.
Aircraft
Tonnage.
Aircraft.
Tonnage.
Aircraft.
Passengers.
D 42
Crew.
Goods and Ex-
cess Luggage
Tons.
Mails Tons.
Aircraft.
Tonnage.
TABLE XLIV.
Number, Tonnage, Cargo, Passengers, and Crews of Aircraft of each Nation Arriving at Airports in the Colony of Hong Kong in the Year 1938.
NATIONALITY OF
AIRCRAFT.
British
Chinese
American
French
Total
ARRIVING
Aircraft.
Passengers.
Crew.
Goods & Excess Luggage Tons.
Mails Tons.
Aircraft Tonnage.
116
150
232
2.8
35.6
622
458
5,330
1,802
16.0
34.6
4,547
35
325
274
2.9
3.6
841
24
201
94
0.3
0.7
247
633
6,006
2,402
22.0
74.5
6,257
TABLE
XLV.
Number, Tonnage, Cargo, Passengers, and Crews of Aircraft of each Nation Departing from Airports in the Colony of Hong Kong in the Year 1938.
<
D 43
DEPARTING
NATIONALITY OF
AIRCRAFT.
British
Chinese
Aircraft.
Passengers.
Crew.
Goods & Excess Luggage Tons.
Mails Tons.
Aircraft Tonnage.
115
200
230
2.4
29.1
617
475
3,261
1,850
95.1
94.0
4,652
American
35
316
273
1.1
1.9
841
French
24
186
94
0.1
247
Total
649
3,963
2,447
98.7
125.0
6,357
TABLE XLVI.
AIRCRAFT ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES.
Summary Showing Tonnage of Aircraft Arriving and Departing During the Year 1938.
BRITISH
FOREIGN
Arriving.
Departing.
Total.
Arriving.
Departing.
Total.
Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong
622
617
1,239
5,635
5,740
11,375
Total
622
617
1,239
5,635
5,740
11,375
TABLE XLVII.
Air Transport Services.
Type and
Characteristics
Terminal Stations of
each service
or route
Operating Company (and if subsidized)
Mileage of
route
of the aircraft employed
Frequency of service.
Class of
service
Remarks
Bangkok-Hong Kong
San Francisco-Hong Kong
China Domestic-Hong Kong
China Domestic-Hong Kong
Damascus-Hong Kong
(Indirectly, yes)
Air France
(Yes)
Imperial Airways (Yes)
1,260
DH 86
Bi-weekly
Mails, Goods & Passengers
Pan American
Airways
9,000
Martin 130
Weekly
(Indirectly, yes)
China National Aviation Corporation (Indirectly, yes) Eurasia Aviation
Routes frequently revised
DC 2
Daily
Sino American 51% 49%
JU 52
Daily
Sino German
>>
Corporation
66% 33%
6,500
Dewotine
D-338
Weekly
99.
D44
www.
TABLE XLVIII.
Air Transport Services.
Passengers.
(including printed
matter & parcels).
Aircraft
GOODS
(including news- papers & excess luggage).
Service or route.
Mileage.
Pas-
Number
senger
Tons.
carried.
Ton/
Miles.
Ton/
Tons.
Miles.
Miles.
Bangkok-Hong Kong
1,260
350
64.7
5.2
San Francisco-Hong Kong
9,000
641
5.5
4.0
Damascus Hong Kong
6,500
387
0.7
0.4
China-Hong Kong
Routes
8591
128.6
111.1
frequently
revised
Pas-
Goods
Receipts.
senger Receipts. Receipts.
*
*Routes, time-tables, rates and types of aircraft revised so frequently and available figures so meagre that any figures dealing with the above would be misleading.
D. 45
TABLE XLIX.
Number, tonnage, cargo, passengers, and crews of aircraft of each nation arriving at airports in the Colony of Hong Kong in the year 1936, 1937 and 1938.
NATIONALITY OF
AIRCRAFT.
ARRIVING.
Aircraft.
Passengers.
Crew.
Goods, Mails, and excess Luggage Tons.
Aircraft Tonnage.
1936.
1937.
1938.
1936.
1937.
1938.
1936.
1937.
1938.
1936.
1937.
1938.
1936.
1937.
1938.
British
52
65
116
37
49
150
113
130
232
6.5
17.0
38.4
217.0
335
622
Chinese
65
292
458
77
1,581
5,330
125
784
1,802
0.4
122
50.6
275:0
2,092
4,547
German
1
9:0
American
37
35
19
292
325
227
274
11
6.5
22.50
671
841
French
1
24
2
201
3
94
1:0
7.75
6
247
Czechoslovakia
1
10
6
Latvia
1
1
1
1
1.00
1
Java
1
Filipino
1
2
1.25
46
Total
123
398
633
135
1,929 6,006
256
1,150
2,402
6.9
150.0
96.5
533.50 3,112.0 6,257
TABLE L.
Number, tonnage, cargo, passengers, and crews of aircraft of each nation departing from airports in the Colony of Hong Kong in the year 1936, 1937 and 1938.
NATIONALITY OF
AIRCRAFT.
DEPARTING.
Aircraft.
Passengers.
Crew.
Goods, Mails, and excess Luggage Tons.
Aircraft Tonnage.
1936.
1937.
1938.
1936.
1937.
1938.
1936.
1937.
1938.
1936.
1937.
1938.
1936.
1937.
1938.
British
51
67
115
· 41
75
200
113
134
230
2.7
11
31.5
216.00
337
617
Chinese
65
289
475
94
1,448
3,261
125
716
1,850
0.2
375
189.1
275.00
2,090
4,652
6
9.00
German
1
American
1
36
35
15
231
316
4
277
273
3.0
22.50
670
841
French
1
24
2
186
3
94
0.1
7.75
247
Czechoslovakia
Latvia
Java
Filipino
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1.25
Total
121
395
649
154
1,756
3,963
255
1,133
2,447
2.9
394
223.7
531.50
3,105.0
6,357
TABLE LI.
LICENCES OR CERTIFICATES ISSUED.
Year ended 31st December,
Year ended
Year ended
Year ended
31st December,
31st December,
31st December,
1935.
1936.
1937.
1938.
Number of Licences or
Certificates
current on
1938.
31st December,
Licences for Pilots (Private)
39
13
18
52
41
Licences for Pilots (Commercial)
3
3
3
6
5
Number of Pilots holding Commercial Licences
who also hold Private Licences
Nil
Licences for Navigators
Nil
Licences for Ground Engineers
3
Certificates of Registration
Heavier-than-air craft
Lighter-than-air craft
Certificates of Air-worthiness Heavier-than-air craft
Lighter-than-air craft Licences for Aerodromes
2
Nil
Nil
Nil
EEZ
5
23- 33 - 32
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
4
833
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
10
9
Nil
2
6
6
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
6
Nil
Nil
6
Nil
6
Nil
Nil
1 (Government)
1 (Government) 1 (Government)
TABLE LII.
D 48
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.
$39,907,795.21
3,475.055 Kilos.
$12,974,962.61
Passengers
Freight
Bank Notes
Bullion
Comparative General Totals for 1937 and 1938.
Total for 1 Year ending 1937.
3,685
35,831.859 Kilos
39,872.482 Kilos
Weight in Kilos Value in H.K. Dollars.
Nil
383.996 Kilos.
$1,284,152.07.
આ
Appendix E.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF IMPORTS AND
EXPORTS FOR THE YEAR 1938.
I. LIQUOR.
1. There was an increase of $565,482.40 in the net revenue collected as compared with 1937. About 40% of this increase is accounted for by increased receipts from native type liquors. Of this $162,416.82 was paid by local distilleries and $58,556.61 by importers of Chinese and Japanese type spirits. northern spirit was imported this year than for many years, which explained by the influx of refugees from the northern provinces, who probably prefer their own particular type of liquors.)
More
can be
About 60% of the increase in duty was in respect of European type liquors. Whisky and beer are still the most popular beverages, and account for more than half of the total revenue from this source. An interesting feature was the duty paid by the local "brewery, which amounted to $146,636.35, nearly twice the amount paid last year.
•
2. There was a decrease in the smuggling of imported Chinese spirits, which no doubt is accounted for by transportation difficulties, especially since the invasion of South China.. In, many cases,, ships running to coastal ports of China, whose crews are often expert smugglers, have had to abandon their services completely, and roads and rivers formerly favoured by smugglers are now in alien hands and present an insurmountable obstacle.
3. What was gained in this respect, however, was offset by the continued activities of illicit distillers. As an instance of the extent of this trade, it may be mentioned that 170 gallons of illicit distilled liquor were found on one occasion at Ping Chau, when six stills and 2,000 gallons of fermenting materials were seized. On a raid made two days later, in the same village, two stills were again found to be in operation; and 22 gallons of spirit and 500 gallons of fermenting materials were seized.
at
Tai Pak and Yee Pak still continue to be sore places and hotbeds of illicit distillation, and many stills and much mash have been seized here. When these two villages, whose inhabitants constitute a mere handful of people, are raided, it is significant that all the men are absent, and, although this may be a mere coin- cidence, it has happened so often that the natural inference is that all the male inhabitants are employed only in this illicit activity. Perhaps, however, the most. persistent and blatant illicit distilling is carried on at Cha Kwo Lin, where the terrain favours the law breaker, and it is impossible to approach without being noticed by the line of watchmen on the hills. This particular village and its environs have been raided scores of times, and nearly always successfully, but the number of arrests has been very few.
Much ingenuity was displayed, by the illicit distillers in their latest efforts to avoid the attention of the revenue officers, for not only have they resorted to the old expedients, of burying mash inside Chinese graves, and in inaccessible places on the hillsides, but, it has also been discovered in receptacles hidden in the paddy fields underneath growing vegetables, and occasionally under the very paths on which the revenue officers,, walk to get from village to village. By systematic raiding and special patrols many of the haunts of illicit distillers have been broken up, but unfortunately Hong Kong is full of lonely valleys and beautiful fresh water streams which lend themselves to the persistency of the illicit distiller who readily moves on from one valley to another, thus providing himself with a certain amount of immunity, for a short time at least, from this department.
:
E 2
4. In urban areas fifty-one stills altogether were discovered during this year. This represents a decrease of twenty-one compared with last year's figures, and is probably due to the fact that rents have increased so much owing to the increased population, that it is no longer possible to rent a whole house or at least a floor, a proceeding which is absolutely essential for the operation of an enterprise of this
nature.
5. The working of local distilleries during the year proved satisfactory, and the reformed method of inspection and accounting instituted in the previous year appears to have been attended with success.
6. There was a certain amount of evasion of duty as regards the import of perfume spirit. Suitable action was taken after this fraud had been detected. It would be well if the public generally realised that all liquors containing · alcohol must be declared before landing.
II. TOBACCO.
.
7. The total consumption of tobacco of all kinds for all purposes during the year 1938 was 7,564,035 pounds which, by comparison with last year, is an increase of 1,685,008 pounds. The total net revenue was $5,190,701 which was a record for the Colony and represents an increase by comparison with last year of $758,498. The amount of drawback paid was $3,337,335 and is also a record for the Colony. The increase in revenue is due to the increased population consisting mostly of refugees from the interior.
8. The enormous increase in the local manufacture of cigarettes for export is due chiefly to the breakdown of economic conditions in China, which has resulted in orders being transferred to Hong Kong in order to ensure their successful completion.
9. There has been a decrease in the seems that importers are finding it cheaper rather than in Macau
amount of clean leaf imported, and it to strip their tobacco in Hong Kong
of the revenue
10. Cigarettes account for 94% of the revenue collected on tobacco. Although there was a slight decrease in the sales of local factories producing Chinese smoking tobacco, there is little doubt that cigarettes have become more popular than ever before with the local Chinese population.
11. Only 6,900 cigarettes were seized during the year. This great reduction upon the figures of the previous year was chiefly due to the low price of cigarettes in Hong Kong which made this type of smuggling unremunerative.
12. Smuggling of Chinese tobacco from Macau persisted throughout the year. Towards the end of the year it became necessary to request shipping companies to co-operate in suppressing this traffic. In some cases very satisfactory results were achieved, which seemed to indicate that the petty smuggling by members of the crews can be curbed by the action of responsible officials on board ships.
13. Several well organised attempts at smuggling tobacco by false declarations of the contents of packages were discovered. The most serious of these was one in which 900 pounds of tobacco were consigned to a fictitious firm under the guise of soy.
One of the real culprits, however, was brought to justice and convicted in respect of the 900 pounds imported and also in respect of an additional 285 pounds found on his licensed premises. A peculiar feature of this importation was that a portion of the consignment was partly manufactured tobacco, indicating that the final stage of manufacture would be carried out by a local factory and would thus defy identification as being other than of Hong Kong manufacture.
اوير
14. One other attempt by a local factory to defraud the revenue by mixing lily leaves (after treatment) with leaf tobacco in the process of manufacture was frustrated in its very early stages, and suitable action was taken by cancelling the manufacturer's license.
!
:
E 3
III. MOTOR SPIRIT.
15. The duty collected reached the high figure of $955,033.69. A very high percentage of this duty is paid by companies holding special Importers' Licenses, and their continued co-operation has greatly facilitated the working of the Motor Spirit Ordinance.
It is proposed during next year to introduce a new ordinance to be called the Hydro-Carbon Oils Ordinance, by which all movements of hydro-carbon oils will be regulated by permits, and duty will be collected on heavy oils when used locally as fuel for road vehicles and on all light oils as heretofore. The Motor Spirit Ordinance will then be repealed.
IV. OPIUM.
16. The total amount of prepared opium sold during the year amounted to 25,029.22 taels, and the total net revenue was $292,119.33. This is an increase by comparison with last year of $47,141.75. Sales of Kam Shan again decreased by 13%, but this decrease was more than offset by the increased sales of Singapore opium.
17. There is little doubt that the increased sales of Singapore opium are due to the shortage of illicit raw opium which, by the end of the year, was very acute indeed. In 1936, in this report, it was suggested that the objection to Government opium was the price rather than the taste. This seems to be borne out this year by the fact that immediately illicit prices approximated to the price of licit opium, the sales of the latter increased.
-
The continued decrease in the sales of Kam Shan opium is to be expected, for the brand is sold only to a limited and decreasing number of registered smokers. Although stocks of this brand are limited, there is still sufficient stock, at the present rate of consumption, for several years.
18. For the year under review the opium account shows a loss of $300,321.55. The Colony, owing to its geographical position on arterial steamship lines, and also owing to the fact that it is a terminal port of many steamship lines, is the centre of a highly organised international traffic in opium, and the cost of fighting this traffic is all too severe on domestic resources.
19. Chinese Raw Opium. In 1937, seizures of Chinese raw opium amounted to 17,128 taels, whilst in the year under review 25,075 taels were seized. The increase is probably due to the fact that supplies of Iranian raw opium seem to be very limited, and it is noteworthy that the seizures of Chinese raw opium comprise 92% of the raw opium seized. The main sources of supply appear to have been as in former years-Kwong Chow Wan and Macau. (It was not until the last two or three months of the year that the stream of smuggled opium dried up, and it is possible that the extension of Japanese hostilities to South China has quickened this process. There were few cases of outstanding interest among the year's seizures. One case, in which 8,240 taels of Chinese raw opium were discovered on the s/s "Wing Wo," is worthy of mention. The "Wing Wo" had just arrived in Hong Kong from Kwong Chow Wan when she was boarded revenue officers who found large scaled tins of opium which had been placed on the upper deck of the steamer with ropes and bamboo markers, presumably in readiness for dumping into the sea if the ship had been searched her way up to the Colony. The circumstances in which this opium was found pointed to the fact that the crew must have had some knowledge of these packages, and this, coupled with the fact that other seizures have been made on this ship from time to time, leads to the conclusion that much of the smuggled Chinese opium comes into Hong Kong via Kwong Chow Wan, for it is between these two places that the s/s "Wing Wo" plies.)
by
-
E 4-
21. Another case which involved a much smaller amount of opium is interest- ing, because, for once, it was not only small fry who were caught in the revenue net. On this occasion, a small junk was discovered cruising without lights in the vicinity of a steamer which was due to leave for Singapore. The revenue launch stopped and challenged the junk and proceeded to draw alongside. It was, fortunately enough, a moonlight morning, and the revenue officers observed hurried attempt by the several occupants of the other boat to dump heavy cases into the harbour by means of rollers and buoys. The attempt was frustrated and six males were arrested with 900 taels of opium. One of the males happened to be an individual, long suspected of great smuggling activity, who had forgotten to take the usual precautions of keeping himself in the background. The opium in this case was destined for export to Singapore.
22. Later in the year, two or three seizures were made in passengers' baggage on "Empress" boats, under circumstances which indicated that the opium was going to Shanghai in order to obtain the high prices ruling there on account of the general shortage of opium in the Far East.
23. Persian Raw Opium. There were very few seizures of Iranian raw opium during the year, and only 2,009 taels in all were discovered. This was a decrease in comparison with former years. It is probably due to the fact that a new and lower scale of rewards was instituted in 1937, and informers seem to be unwilling to divulge information at the lower rate. Practically all of the Iranian raw opium which comes into Hong Kong is for transhipment to Java, the Straits, etc., and it is possible that informers are now dealing direct with the authorities concerned from whom they probably obtain better rewards.
24.
Prepared Opium. There has been an extraordinary decrease in the amount of prepared opium discovered during the year, and only 12,758 taels were seized, in comparison with 31,979 taels in the previous year.
One explanation of the decrease-reduction of rewards paid to informers-has already been mentioned. The other explanation allows no remedy by this depart-
ment.
Although most of the opium is brought to the Colony by ships operating between Kwong Chow Wan, Macau and Hong Kong, the methods adopted by the smugglers are very difficult to combat. The opium is usually dumped outside Hong Kong waters at rendezvous which are changed on each occasion, and it is then parcelled out amongst junks, which, at dead of night and by circuitous routes, finally succeed in landing their cargoes.
25. One seizure of 2,068 taels of Red Lion opium is interesting. A small junk with wooden cases aboard was seen to be operating in a suspicious manner, and revenue officers proceeded to examine it, but before they could do so the cases were dumped. Eventually they were retrieved and four cases marked "Oyster Sauce" and two cases marked "Shrimp Paste" were seized.
The junk had come from Macau and all the circumstances indicate that the opium had been exported from Macau.
Of
26. Opium Divans. During the year 746 opium divans were raided. this number 486 were in Kowloon. There is reason to believe that opium divan keeping is more highly organised than ever before. Recently a system of syndicates renting several floors under fictitious names has developed. Each floor is then put under a keeper who, for a very small wage, takes full responsibility and is prepared to assert that he is the principal tenant. It is estimated that there are over 2,000 such divans in the Colony, and although during the year over 700 keepers have gone to prison, economic circumstances render it very easy to find another dupe to serve. It is impossible to arrest smokers because there would be insufficient gaol space in the Colony to house these people.
E 5
V.-HEROIN.
27. The traffic in heroin pills did not increase in Hong Kong during the year under review. Although there was an increase in the number of cases, this was entirely due to intensive operations against the manufacturers and smugglers of the drug. Altogether, 2,713,181 pills were seized in 671 cases, and the majority of these pills were found in heroin factories.
As reported in 1937, factories were again discovered which made pink pills containing all the usual ingredients of the heroin pill except heroin. It is not known whether the pills were being made owing to a shortage of heroin, or with the object of defrauding smokers. In some cases genuine and imitation pills were found mixed in the same container. In several cases factories were located in European style houses which manufacturers hoped would be above suspicion. Intensive detective work has forced many manufacturers to abandon operations in urban areas and remove out into the country in the hope that there they will be safe from the unwelcome attentions of the law.
28. There were three seizures of heroin during the year, but the amount involved was not large. In one case, a room had been engaged in a Chinese hotel and was used as a meeting place between the seller and buyer. The buyer was arrested and convicted; the seller unfortunately escaped.
In another case a Chinese male was arrested in a tenement house in a slum quarter. He was found in possession of heroin and other pill ingredients which he supplied on a small scale to pill factories. He was convicted by the court.
29. Heroin Pill Divans. It is estimated that there are over 1,000 pill divans in operation in the Colony, whose clients are usually young persons and females. Refugees have added largely to the numbers of smokers, and it is thought that there are at least 30,000 addicts whose daily consumption in pills must be more than 300,000. They, of course, do not include casual smokers.
During the latter half of the year an intensive campaign has been inaugurated against these divans, and as a result of new legislation which makes the possession of heroin pipes illegal and imposes heavy penalties on principal tenants and landlords who knowingly allow their premises to be used for the purposes of smoking heroin pills, the situation has become much easier. Recently this department has been inundated with complaints from landlords whose premises were being used as divans. and very satisfactory results have been obtained in raids as a consequence. Many divans have been forced to close up altogether, and others, which were formerly in the habit of remaining open all day and night, have restricted their hours to the evening, hoping that they will then be free from the attention of the raiding officers.
VI. OTHER DANGEROUS DRUGS.
30. There were no seizures of crude morphia or morphine pills for the year, neither was there any evidence of such imports into the Colony.
VII. THE NEW TERRITORIES.
31. The revenue station at Sheung Shui maintained its usefulness and the number of seizures and arrests have increased. (One interesting and unusual feature was the fact that, during November and December of this year, opium was seized in the New Territories in the process of being smuggled over the frontier into China, which reverses the usual procedure of smuggling Chinese opium into Hong Kong. This was due primarily to the acute shortage of opium in Kwang Tung as a result of the breakdown in communications owing to the Sino-Japanese hostilities.)
E 6
32. The opening of the new road to Canton at the end of the year 1937 entailed many extra duties on the Sheung Shui staff. More than 4,000 vehicles passed through the revenue barrier from 1st January, 1938, until the virtual closing of the road owing to the hostilities in the neighbouring province of Kwang Tung in October. Under normal conditions there is little doubt that the new road would be used extensively, and it is expected that the provision of premises adequately equipped for dealing with passengers and merchandise may be a necessity in the future.
VIII. LEGISLATION.
33. As foreshadowed in the reports of 1936 and 1937, a Dangerous Drugs Amendment Ordinance was passed which makes a heroin divan and possession of heroin pipes illegal and also introduces legislation in respect of landlords and tenants. As the law now stands, a tenant, lessor or landlord who knowingly lets premises for use as a heroin divan or as a place for storing heroin, or, having let them, consents to their use as such, is liable to prosecution.
•
IX.-CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN.
34. The year under review saw a great alteration in the procedure for issuing certificates of origin. Up to the end of May certificates were issued, as heretofore, to such factories only as were approved by the Superintendent after departmental investigation and registration. It had, however, long been felt that some more precise system of certification was desirable, especially for trade with other Colonies when Empire preference was sought. At a conference held at the Colonial Office in June, 1937, the broad lines to be followed had been decided and by June 1st, 1938, a new register had been drawn up including the names of firms which had been costed over a period of three months by chartered accountants whose qualifications were such as had been laid down by the Secretary of State for the Colonies. At the same time a new form of certificate came into use, giving the accountant's certification of the Empire content of the particular consignment, while beneath this a Government officer-in practice the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent-certified that the particular accountant firm was recognised for the purpose, and that the factory applying for the certificate and its consignments had been inspected by the department.
35. This form of certificate, known locally as the "new certificate," is applicable only to consignments to other Colonies. The old form of certificate alone may be used for consignments to the Dominions and United Kingdom, and its chief value is to procure exemption from dumping duties. Thus in practice the "old" and the "new" registers exist together, but while factories on the new register automatically qualify for "old" certificates, those on the old register only cannot obtain "new" ones..
36. The change to the new system was successfully accomplished with the minimum of friction, thanks in a large measure to the whole-hearted co-operation of the secretary and various sub-committees of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. It continues to work reasonably well, though the great need for accuracy in details should be impressed on all applicants for certificates. Emenda- tions are of course inevitable, but. there are far too many occasions when care in applications would have rendered them unnecessary, and the exporting firms would do well to remember that, while the onus of obtaining certificates does not lie upon them in the first place, it is to their interest to render all possible assistance to the factory managers.
37. During the year old certificates totalled 10,217, of which 5,814 were issued in the first five months. The coming of the new certificates seems, at first view, to have made only a small difference in the numbers issued. For the first five months the monthly average of old certificates was 1,163 while for the last seven the combined monthly average was 1.491. The system naturally took some time to come to its full development, and there is reason to expect higher figures in the future.
E 7
It
38. Besides these two certificates there are two others. A form "N" certificate is endorsed by the Superintendent in the case of 'spun, woven and finished goods,' to which reference was made in the 1937 report. Such endorsements were made in 1,065 cases during 1938. There is also the "late certificate" used in cases where goods have left the Colony uncertificated owing to errors. merely certifies that the factory concerned docs usually manufacture that particular type of goods and that there is no reason to suppose that a certificate would not have been issued had application been made early enough for the consignment to be examined by the department's inspector,-à very non-committal document, as to the ultimate effect of which the department has no information, though the continuance of requests suggests that there is some virtue in it. Cases covered by old certificates alone are affected by this. In all 149 such late certificates were issued.
39. In all 17,467 certificates were issued in 1938, as against 19,088 in 1937. It must be remembered, however, that these figures represent only the numbers of consignments and not their bulk, and there is reason to believe that the total returns of this certificated trade fell little below those of 1937, though there is no doubt that the West Indies trade experienced a certain set-back, partly owing to previous over-buying there.
40. At the beginning of 1938 there were 346 factories registered;-inadver- tently twelve factories too many were included in the 1937 report. This year 68 new factories were registered as against 72 in 1937, while 12 factories were removed from the register as compared with 16 in 1937. In two or three cases factories were summarily struck off the list by the Superintendent owing to the discovery of irregularities. The others closed down. Thus at the close of the year there were 402 factories on the register, of which 209 have been costed by chartered accountants and qualify for the new certificates.
41. Reference was made in the 1937 report to the difficulty in obtaining artificial silk yarn from empire sources. The difficulty is no longer apparent as the channels of supply have been widened and the demands made by factories are now met. One factory has shown commendable initiative in producing Chinese silk which qualifies under "spun, woven and finished" requirements. The silk is obtained from China in the cocoon and the silk thread is spun from it in Hong Kong, woven into fabric in Hong Kong and finished as a regulated textile in Hong Kong.
X.-TRADE STATISTICS.
42. In 1936 improved trade conditions in the Colony were predicted and this note of optimism has been justified by the trade returns for the years 1937 and 1938. A steady increase was noted from the commencement of 1937 and this continued until the final quarter of 1938, when a decline set in which was very largely due to the Japanese military occupation of certain areas in South China.
43. The total visible trade of the Colony during the year 1938 amounted to a value of $1,130.1 millions as compared with $1,084.4 millions in 1937 and $803.3 millions in 1936, representing increases of 4.2% in 1938 as compared with 1937 and 40.7% as compared with 1936. But in terms of quantities, according to an index number constructed at the Statistical Department of some 185 of the chief articles handled in the Colony,-the volume of trade decreased by 15.2% in 1938 as compared with 1937, and increased by only 20.5% as compared with 1936. This apparent paradox can be accounted for by the fact that during the year 1938 several commodities were handled at higher prices but in lesser quantities, although exchange remained steady.
44. There was a large decrease in the import trade from Japan which declined from $58.0 millions in 1937 to $18.8 millions in 1938, representing only 3.0% of the total imports as compared with 9.4%.
E 8
45. The city of Canton, which is the Colony's chief commercial neighbour, was occupied by Japanese military forces in the final quarter of 1938, and, as a direct result, all trade routes between the Colony and the areas served by Canton were entirely disrupted, and at the close of the year there were no signs of any early re-opening of the normal trade routes by sea, rail, road or air. In each of the first three quarterly periods of 1938 the trade of the Colony with South China averaged $70.9 millions per quarter; in the final quarter of the year it fell to $32.6 millions.
46. As a further result of the extension of Japanese hostilities to South China there was a marked falling off in the number of entrances and clearances of junks and river boats. In 1938 7,919 junks entered and cleared as compared with 12,062 in 1937, and 7,443 river vessels as compared with 8,852 in 1937.
47. Prior to the Japanese blockade of South China ports the China tea trade was transferred to the Colony with the result that the trade figures of the Colony were abnormally swollen. Total imports and exports of tea in 1938 amounted to $33.0 millions as compared with $7.5 millions in 1937,
48. In order to estimate with greater accuracy the increase or decrease in the actual volume of the trade of the Colony than is possible by a statement of value only, an index figure was constructed taking the year 1931 as a base. For the purposes of this index number some 185 articles were selected, including the com- monest which could be enumerated by quantity. The comparison is given below:-
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
لحمد
1931=100.
By Quantity. By Value.
92.3
84.6
89.1
67.9
74.8
56.4
78.1
57.0
84.2
61.3
119.7
83.6
101.5
83.8
6th May, 1939.
E. W. HAMILTON,
Superintendent, Imports & Exports.
E 9
Table I.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE FOR LAST THREE YEARS.
(1)
Personal Emoluments
1936.
1937.
1938.
$
$
$
321,591.63 363,839.82 376,783.79
Other Charges :—
Advertisements
. 19.58
Binding Permits
Torches & Batteries
120.00 38.40
120.00
120.00
225.46
160.88
Conveyance Allowances
4,819.44
4.843.34
4,871.90
Electric Light Fans & Heating
249.09
1,382.12
1,316.91
Gas for Laboratory
132.99
166.06
145.06
Incidental Expenses
344.76
442.82
354.43
Laboratory Stores
604 17
717.83
895.06
Liquor Labels, Printing
1,488.00
1,795.00
1,965.00
Office Cleaning Materials
189.28
174.47
222.59
Overtime Allce for Clerical Staff
222.50
297.75
281.25
Rent of Public Telephone
103.17
114.00
Rent of Staff Quarters in N.T.
1,680.00
1,680.00
1,680.00
Stationery &c.,
52.80
52.95
107.59
Transport
Uniforms & Equipment
Opium-Incidental Expenses
Preparation & Carriage
1,037.57
825.54
1,032.43
4,259.41
3,461.01
5,805.46
60.66
1,296.13
15.68 20,123.54
25.10
22,519.12
Rewards for illicit Opium
Seizures
35,202.00
31,750.00
12,471.00
Transport
24.00
22.00
17.20
Expenses of 13 Govt. Opium
Shops
23,536.31
17,880.80
17,938.89
Purchase of Govt. Prepared
Opium
23,786.38
Statistical Branch:
Book Binding
Cleaning Materials
132.00
120.00
120.00
84.83
77.90
62.68
Electric Light & Heating
390.90
308.61
362.07
Incidental Expenses
156.88
198.44
192.67
Miscellaneous Stationery
10.74
3.54
Printing of Reports
6,910.00
6,858.00
6,972.00
Transport
77.44
Uniforms for Coolies & Messengers
111.50
77.97 87.38
75.07
112.23
Total Other Charges......... 107,018.18
93,830.96
79,940.59
Special Expenditure :-
Purchase of 1 Gestetner Duplicator
1 Long Carriage Typewriter...
Total Special Expenditure.........
945.00
336.00
336.00
945.00
Total: $428,609.81 $458,006.78 $457,669.38
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:-
Forfeitures
Fees of Court or Office:-
Official Signatures Fees Official Certificates
Miscellaneous Receipts:-
Other Miscellaneous Receipts
Table II.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF REVENUE FOR LAST THREE YEARS.
Gross.
$
1936.
Net.
Gross.
$
1937.
Net.
Gross.
$
$
1938.
Net.
$
2,261,915.14 697,766.10
2,166,854.58
2,504,330.70
2,393,904.53
3,048,480.44
2,959,386.93
4,428,459.30
695,298.75 4,066,518.73
809,022.49
6,601,683.40
799,303.73 4,432,203.16
964,300.44 8,528,036.29
955,033.69 5,190,701.10
176,009.17
176,009.17
162,115.84
162,115.84
161,587.50
161,587.50
3,650.00
3,650.00
3,860.00
3,860.00
435,733.81
432,026.11
73,293.00
73,293.00
317,789.60
72,359.50
314,769.60
72,359.50
4,085.00
348,090.64
82,504.50
4,085.00
*345,090.64
82,504.50
23.15
23.15
77.92
77.92
14,432.00
14,432.00
3,700.00
21,229.00
3,700.00
21,229.00
9,265.00
17,928.00
9,265.00
17,924.00
4,831.40
4,831.40
4,572.77
4,572.77
17,795.16
17,795.16
8,096,113.07
7,632,936.89
10,500,741.22 8,208,096.05 13,182,072.97 9,743,373.52
*Less Opium Expenses shown in Table I=$52,971.31-Net $292,119.33.
|
- E 10
E 11
Table III.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE & REVENUE FOR LAST THREE YEARS.
Year.
Personal (1) Emoluments and Other Charges.
Special Expenditure.
Total Expenditure.
Total Revenue.
1936
1937
1938
$
€
$
428,609.81
428,609.81
7,632,936.89
457,670.78
336.00
458,006.78
8,208.096.05
456,724.38
945.00
457,669.38
9,743.373.52
(1) Includes Officers of Cadet Service, S.C. & A.
Junior Clerical Service attached to Department.
Table IV.
Staff and
RETURN OF LIQUOR DUTY COLLECTED DURING THE YEAR 1938.
EUROPEAN TYPE LIQUOR.
Class of Liquor.
Gallons.
Amount of Duty collected.
Ale, Beer, Cider and Stout,
423,885
339.111.49
Beer (Local)
209,480
146,636.35
Brandy
16,186
161,858.22
(Empire)
4,084
20,420.64
Whisky,
37,692
376,915.90
Gin and Cocktail,
20,427
204,271.89
Rum,
3.044
30,441.62
Champagne and Sparkling Wine,
3,082
40,061.61
Claret,
1,537
7,682.69
Port Wine,
7,097
42,581.91
Sherry, Madeira and Malaga,
4,713
28,275.79
Vermouth,
3,059
15,293.75
Liqueur,
2,575
33,475.37
Spirits of Wine,
23,533
132,738.53
Spirituous Liquor,
18,004
44,395.49
Miscellaneous,
9,436
47,181.57
Difference on over-proof, fractions and arrears of duty,
9,288.32
TOTAL,.....
787,834
1,680,631.14
NOTE:-Fractions of a gallon are not shown in this Table.
E 12
Table V.
RETURN OF LIQUOR DUTY COLLECTED DURING THE YEAR 1938.
CHINESE AND JAPANESE LIQUOR.
Liquor
distilled
locally.
Amount of duty collected.
Imported Amount of
Liquor. duty collected.
Total amount of duty
collected.
Gallons.
$
Gallons.
Native Spirits not more than 25% of alcohol by weight
725,963
1,088,944.50
44,543
77,949.49
1,166,893.99
Native Spirits over 25% of alcohol by weight Northern Spirits over 25% of alcohol by weight,
15,332
30,124.56
4,955
150,289.64
180,414.20
45,963
Northern Spirits not more than 25% of alcohol by weight
Japanese Sake,
9,890 2,155
17,307.93 3,233.18
17,307.93
3,233.18
Total...
$1,367,849.30
NOTE:-Fractions of a gallon are not shown in this Table.
Table VI.
SUMMARY OF REVENUE COLLECTED FROM LIQUOR DURING THE YEAR 1938.
$
&
Duties on European Type Liquor,
1,503,497.12
Duties on Spirituous Liquor,
177,134.02
Duties on Chinese and Japanese Liquor,
1,367,849.30
Brewery Licence Fees,
400.00
Liquor Dealer's Licence Fees,
32,000.00
Distillery Licence Fees,
Chinese Spirits Shop Licence Fees,
500.00
126,387.50
Chinese Liquor Importer's Licence Fees,
2,300.00
Total,.
$3,210,067.94
Refund of Liquor Duties,
89,093.51
Net Total,......
$3,120,974.43
E 13
Table VII.
RETURN OF DUTY PAID ON TOBACCO FOR THE YEAR 1938.
Class of Tobacco.
lbs.
Duty.
$
Cigars
12,233
31,805.80
Cigarettes
433,765
705,182.09
European Tobacco
23,059
39,200.30
Chinese Prepared Tobacco
12,958
18,141.20
Clean Tobacco Leaf
25,044
31,305.00
Raw Tobacco Leaf. (Empire)
301,376
271,238.40
Raw Tobacco Leaf. (Non-Empire)
Snuff
6,755.595
7,431,154.50
5
9.00
Total
(1) Duty Paid on Tobacco for the year
Less Drawbacks
(2) Licence fees.
Retailer's
Squatter's
Importer's
Manufacturer's
Licensed Warehouse
Miscellaneous
$8,528,036.29
$8,528,036.29
$3,337,335.19
Net Revenue........
$5,190,701.10
$
70,268.00
3,272.00
4,400.00
2,800.00
1,600.00
281.66
$
82,621.66
NOTE :-Fractions of a pound are not shown in this Table.
Motor Spirit Duties
E 14
Table VIII.
MOTOR SPIRIT DUTIES 1938.
Licensed Warehouse Licence Fees Importer's Licence (General) Fees
Importer's Licence (Special) Fees Retailer's Licence Fees
MOTOR SPIRIT.
LICENCES ISSUED DURING THE YEAR 1938.
Licensed Warehouse Licences
Importer's Licences (General)
Importer's Licences (Special) Retailer's Licences
Table IX.
$955,033.69
1,750.00
1,700.00
300.00
335.00
$959,118.69
7.
17.
3.
67.
TOTAL AMOUNT OF PREPARED OPIUM SOLD DURING THE YEAR 1938.
Kam Shan Bengal Opium
Singapore Opium
3,255.00 taels. 21,774.22
وو
Table X.
Total:-
25,029.22 taels.
STATEMENT OF OPIUM TRANSHIPPED DURING THE YEAR 1938.
From Bushire via Bombay
То Масао
From Hamburg
To Kumning via Haiphong
Total:
Turkish Iranian Chests. Chests. Chests.
Total
450
450
450
450
6
6
6
6
CO
· 450
456
||
E 15
Table XA.
STATEMENT OF OPIUM IN TRANSIT DURING THE YEAR 1938.
Turkish Iranian Total Chests. Chests. Chests.
There were no movements of this description during the year under review.
Table XI.
CONTRABAND SEIZED BY REVENUE OFFICERS IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, 1938.
(1) Opium.
Prepared Raw
Opium Dross
(2) Arms.
Revolver
Ammunition
(3) Tobacco.
Seizures.
10,941.3 taels.
893
20,851.5 taels.
184
28.5 taels.
6
4
4
25
3
Cigars
980
3
Cigarettes
6,900
7
Chinese Tobacco ...
6,929 lbs.
288
(4) Liquor.
Chinese Spirit
1,689 gallons. gallons.
167
1
European Spirit
(5) Dangerous Drugs.
Heroin
Heroin Pills
(6) Miscellaneous.
Illicit Stills
Forged Bank Notes
Lottery Tickets
Small Craft Confiscated
Unmanifested Cargo.
Silver Ingots Silver Dollars
Wolfram Ore
31 ozs.
2,297,177 pills.
155 stills.
9
581
124
150 ($5 Notes) 1
262
Tickets.
10
2
10
63 pieces.
1
3,241 pieces. 3,213 lbs.
1
57
E 16
Table XIA.
ANNUAL REPORT OF CONTBABAND SEIZED BY REVENUE OFFICERS IN
NEW TERRITORIES, 1938.
(1) Opium.
Prepared Opium
Raw Opium
Seizures.
10.37 taels.
15
300.60 taels.
16
(2) Tobacco.
Chinese Prepared Tobacco
3674 lbs.
46
Cigarettes
490 pcs.
1
(3) Liquor.
Chinese Spirit
414 gallons.
22
(4) Dangerous Drugs.
Heroin Pills
129,829 pills.
6
(5) Miscellaneous.
Stills
Chinese Tobacco
Tobacco
Cigarettes
Chinese Spirits
Japanese Spirits
Table XIB.
CONTRABAND SEIZED BY THE POLICE, 1938.
10 Nos.
9
2,252.01 lbs.
1.00 lb.
3,500
447.21 gals.
.75 gal.
Raw Opium (Chinese & Iranian)
5,931.90 taels.
Prepared Opium (2nd and 3rd grade)
.1,806.33 taels.
Opium Dross
12.00 taels.
(1) Opium.
E 17
Table XII.
PROSECUTIONS BY IMPORTS & EXPORTS DEPARTMENT IN HONG KONG & KOWLOON, 1938.
Possession
Boiling
Exporting
(2) Arms.
Possession (Revolver)
Possession (Ammunition)
Convic- Bail Es-
Arrests.
tions. treated.
1,041.
986
20
18
13
7
4
1
133
4
3
♡ 2
(3) Tobacco.
Possession Cigars
Possession Cigarettes
3
6
CO LO
3
5
Possession Chinese Tobacco
266
230
Importing
1
1
Unlicensed Selling
3
1
(4) Liquor.
Possession European Wine Possession Chinese Spirit
1
1
165
141
2
Possession Stills
96
77
Distilling
Unlicensed Selling
(5) Dangerous Drugs.
Possession Heroin
Possession Heroin Pills
(6) Miscellaneous.
Unmanifested Cargo
Forged Bank Notes
Lottery Tickets
57
46
2
1
10
4
588
564
1
78
64
CO
3
1
1
2
1
Total:
2,352
2,148
27
Table XIIA.
ANNUAL REPORT OF PROSECUTION BY IMPORTS & EXPORTS
DEPARTMENT IN NEW TERRITORIES, 1938.
Arrests.
Convic- Bail Es-
tions.
treated.
(1) Opium.
Possession
31
30
(2) Tobacco.
Possession Chinese Tobacco
46
38
Possession Cigarettes
1
1
(3) Liquor.
Chinese Spirit
24
18
N
Possession Still
Illegal Distilling
1
1
1
1
| |
(4) Dangerous Drugs.
Possession Heroin Pills
12
7
Total:-
116
96
2
E 18
Table XIII.
Fines and Forfeitures collected by the Courts under Opium, Liquor & Tobacco Ordinances.
Hong Kong Magistracy
$15,938.45
Kowloon
وو
District Office, North
District Office, South
6,479.88
715.06
318.80
$23,452.19
REWARDS PAID.
For Opium
$12,471.00
For Drugs, Liquor & Tobacco &c.
17,165.16
$29,636.16
Table XIV.
ANNUAL RETURN OF OPIUM & DANGEROUS DRUG SEIZURES
FOR THE YEAR, 1938.
Raw Opium:-
Chinese
Iranian
Prepared Opium:-
Red Lion
Canton
Kwong Chow Wan
Doubtful
Opium Dross
Opium Water
Dangerous Drugs:-
Diacetylmorphine Hydrochloride Diacetylmorphine Pills
No. of Cases.
Quantity in Taels.
204
25,075
72
2,009
Total:-
276
27,084
20
5,056
50
373
52
5,694
967
1,635
Total:
1,089
12,758
10
40 Taels.
17
43 Gals.
8
671
30 11/15 ozs. 2,713,181 pills.
E 19
Table XV.
ANNUAL RETURN OF MAJOR SEIZURES OF OPIUM FOR THE YEAR 1938.
Place of Seizure.
Kind of Opium.
Taels.
Destination indicated by Circumstances of Seizure
S.S. Kong Ning, Victoria
Harbour
Chinese, Raw
1000. Hong Kong.
Kowloon Godown
Chinese, Raw
650
Europe.
S.S. Wing Wo
Chinese, Raw
8420
Hong Kong.
S.S. Wing Wo
Kwong Chow Wan,
Prepared
2320
Hong Kong.
Fishing Junk No. 6016HC, Victoria Harbour
Red Lion, Prepared...
2065
Hong Kong.
S.S. Tai Po Sek
Kwong Chow Wan,
Prepared
660
Hong Kong.
459 Reclamation St. 1st
floor
Chinese, Raw
690
Hong Kong.
S.S. Kong So .....
Chinese, Raw
500
Hong Kong.
S.S. Towerfield at Taikoo.
Dock
Red Lion, Prepared... 1533
Japan.
Lockhart Road
Chinese, Raw
779
Hong Kong.
S.S. Aramis, No. 4 Wharf, Kowloon Godown
Chinese, Raw
680 French Indo China.
Junk No. 3555 HO, West
Lamma Channel
Chinese, Raw
3000
Hong Kong.
Junk No. 3555 HO, West
Lamma Channel
Kwong Chow Wan,
Prepared
1107
Hong Kong.
S.S. Marechal Joffre, along- side Kowloon Godown Wharf
Chinese, Raw
1440
Shanghai,
S.S. Empress of 'Russia, alongside Kowloon Go-
down Wharf
Chinese, Raw
780
Shanghai.
Sampan 948C, West Point... Chinese, Raw
900
Hong Kong.
S.S. Maerkerk, Victoria
Harbour
Red Lion, Prepared ...
800
Manila or Singapore.
- E 20
Table XVI.
IMPORTATION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS DURING THE YEAR 1938.
Kilos.
Codeine as Alkaloid
3.226
Codeine, in preparations containing
0.268
Ethylmorphine
0.045
Ethylmorphine, in preparations containing.
0.432
Medicinal Opium, in preparations containing
15.000
Medicinal Opium
2.000
Morphine as alkaloid, salts and preparations containing
2.002
Cocaine as alkaloid, salts and preparations containing
0.898
Dicodide, in preparations containing
nil
Eukodal, in preparations containing
0.032
Brewery Licence
Dealer's Licence
Table XVII.
LICENCES ISSUED DURING THE YEAR 1938.
LIQUOR.
Licenced 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 Hills. (c) New Territories, North
(d) New Territories, South
Importer's Licence
Retailer's Licence:--
(a) $30.00
(b) $20.00
(c) $10.00
(d) Nominal Fee $1.00
Squatter's Licence $8.00
Delivery Coolie Licence $8.00
Licenced Warehouse Licence
Manufacturer's Licence
42 3
1
32
1
203
23
31
4
13
TOBACCO.
44
.1424
.1163
425
22 3,034
383.
26
7
18
E 21
Table XVIII.
CERTICATES OF ORIGIN.
Table showing Registration of Factories for purpose of Issue of Certificates of Origin, and the number of such Certificates for the period 1. 1. 38 to 31. 12. 38.
No. of Certifi-
Number
State of
Register
Regis-
Enterprise.
tered
Number State of Removed Register
on
31. 12. 37
during
during
cates of
on
1938.
31. 12. 38
Origin
1938.
issued.
Aerated Water & prop. med.
1
1
4
Batteries for flashlamps
13
1
1
13
170
Beer
1
1
6
Bulbs for flashlamps
3
3
54
Buttons
1
1
Camphorwood & teakwood boxes
14
3
2
15
669
Canning & preserving
14
1
15
237
Cement
1
1
142
Chemicals
1
1
1
Cigarettes & Cigars
3
3
10
Clothing i.e. tailored suits
5
5
Confectionery and biscuits
Cosmetics and perfumery
4
6
10
1
11
323
Dyeing paper
1
1
Embroidery
1
4
5
*
Feather dusters
1.
1
7
Firecrackers
1
1
SO
Flashlights
16
2
1
17
832
Garments, made up
29
5
LO
2
32
2,462
Glass Bottles
3
3
11
Handkerchiefs
1
1
*
Hardware
Hats and caps
Hurricane lamps
*Included in Garments.
2
2
18
1
1
00
578
1
60
E 22
Table XVIII-Continued.
Number
State of
Enterprise.
Register Regis-
on
31. 12. 37
tered during 1938.
CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN-Continued (1).
Number State of Removed Register
on
No. of Certifi-
cates of
during
1938.
31. 12. 38
Origin issued.
Ink
1
1
Ivoryware
3
3
3
Knitted Ware
83
13
co
93
6,849
125
Leather & art. leather goods
16
3
19
25
Lard and dried meats
7
7
48
Mosquito destroyer
4
4
22
Mirrors
4
4
Noodles and Macaroni
1
1
Oil, groundnut
2
1
CO
82
3
Paint, varnish and lacquer
2
2
30
Pencils and crayons
1
1
Printing, paper and cartons etc. .....
3
CO
1
3
Printing Silk
14
3
1
4
205
Rattan and seagrass ware
17
17
Rope
1
1
5
Silverware
1
1
1
Shoes, leather & misc. footwear
21
21
367
Shoes, rubber
4
4
1,397
Soap
2
2
String
2
2
15
Sugar refining
1
1
273
Thread
1
1
1
Toothpicks
1
1
Towels & napkins
.now included in Weaving......
Umbrellas
11
12
4
153
1
Vermillion
4
Weaving
90
26
2
44
1,116
Motor boat hull
1
Totals:-
316
68
12
402
16,403
3
E 23
Table XIX.
COMPARATIVE TABLE OF NUMBERS OF DECLARATIONS RECEIVED AND ITEMS ENTERED
THEREFROM IN 1938 AND 1938.
Declarations.
Items.
1937
1938.
1937.
1938.
January
46,643
40,455
101,247
87,229
February
38,164
26,806
81,194
63,265
March
55,429
48,187
123,187
107,703
April
53,303
44,897
121,109
99,817
May
53,192
44,987
116,991
99,687
June
53,741.
39,294
116,271
84,481
July
52,534
38,670
113,338
82,800
August
48.432
44,280
106,092
95,574
September
38,032
42,956
84,913
95,595
October
28,472
35,437
68,830
84,512
November
42,441
28,373
93,785
70,289
December
44,007
32,371
99,962
78,407
Total:-
554,390
466,713 1,226,919
1,049,359
Average :-
46,199
38,893
102,243
87,447
Table XX.
NUMBER OF MANIFESTS RECEIVED DURING 1938.
Ocean.
River.
Junk.
Total.
January
February
March
723
512
1,299
2,534
586
394
790
1,770
770
584
1,347
2,701
April
850
635
947
2,432
May
819
701
701
2,221
June
764
669
511
1,944
July
696
676
497
1,869
August
734
788
381
1,903
September
665
684
308
1,657
October
626
575
317
1,518
November
534
583
307
1,424
December
587
642
514
1,743
Total:
8,354
7,443
7,919
23,716
Average per month :-
696
620
660
1,976
E 24
Table XXI.
COMPARATIVE TABLE OF NUMBER OF MANIFESTS Received in 1937 & 1938.
Inward.
Outward.
1937.
1938.
1937.
1938.
Ocean
5.302
4,064
5,567
4,200
River
4,442
3,699
4,410
3,744
Junk
6,149
4,101
5,913
3,818
Total:-
15,893
11,864
15,890
11,852
1937.
1938.
Grand Total :-
31,783
23,716
Average per month :-
2,648
1,976
Appendix F.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, HONG KONG, FOR THE YEAR 1938.
I. GROUNDS, BUILDINGS AND INSTRUMENTS.
The typhoons of 16-17 August, 1936 and 1-2 September, 1937 demonstrated that the Dines recorder installed in 1910 was incapable of registering the maximum gusts possible during the passage of these storms. Two instruments designed to register gusts up to 200 miles per hour were therefore obtained for the Observatory and Victoria Peak stations.
The instrument for the latter station was temporarily installed in the south eastern corner of the Royal Observatory on 24th September, the head being 35 feet above the roof; the Beckley anemograph was dismantled on 1st October and the Dines on 4th October in order that a larger recording room could be erected upon the roof. This room was completed on 21st November and both old and new Dines recorders installed therein, together with the original Baxendell apparatus for recording wind direction which had been discarded in 1912.
Either pressure recorder may now be utilised by means of suitable two-way cocks. The original Dines head is retained pending the arrival of one of modern type from England. At the end of the year the Victoria Peak instrument was still in its temporary position, and the adapted observatory instrument occupied the former position of the Beckley, the head being 40 feet above the roof.
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 with Beckley and Dines-Baxendell anemographs, 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 14 inch prismatic theodolite at 9 a.m, and 3 p.m. when conditions were favourable.
The principal features of the weather in 1938 were:-
3.
(a) a great deficiency of rainfall, the year being the driest since 1895. The total rainfall for the year amounted to only 55.35 inches against a normal of 85.16 inches, rainfall being below normal in every month of the year except February, March and October.
(b) the prevalence of very warm sunny weather in April and June. In April the duration of sunshine was the highest on record and the temperature was well above the average, while in June both the duration of sunshine and the mean temperature were the highest on record.
(c) the unusually early typhoon of May 3rd-4th. The typhoon passed within 100 miles to the south-east of Hong Kong at midnight. During its passage the barometer fell to 29.36 inches (reduced to m.s.l.), which is the lowest pressure ever recorded in May. Although the wind never reached gale force in the harbour, the maximum gust of 63 m.p.h. is also a record for the month.
(d) an exceptional immunity from typhoon gales. The only occasion on which the wind velocity exceeded 60 m.p.h. in a gust was during the May typhoon mentioned above. The local typhoon signals were displayed for only 63 hours during the year. The shortest periods
during which they were displayed in previous years were 68 hours in 1928 and 74 hours in 1929.
4. The tracks of 24 typhoons which occurred in the Far East in 1938 are given in plates which will be included with the Meteorological Results for 1938, now in the press.
The following tables give summaries of the meteorological data published monthly in the Government Gazette during the year :—
1938
Temperature.
Humidity.
Wind.
Cloud-
Sun-
Rain
Absolute Mean
Mean
Month.
Abs.
iness.
shine
Direc-
Velo-
Mean
Rel.
Abs.
Max.
Max..
Min.
Min.
tion.
city.
ins.
%
hrs.
ins.
p.m.h
January
76.8
65.7
60.2
56.7
48.2
77
0.41
72
133.0
0.355
E by N
11.9
February
77.6
63.3
58.8
55.7
47.2
80
0.40
69
104.2
4.685
E by N
13.2
March
82.7
68.0
63.0
59.5
46.5
85
0.50
87
83.4
5.745
E by N
13.6
April
85.9
77.7
72.0
68.1
61.3
80
0.63
54
204.7
1.855
E
11.1
May
88.5
83.5
78.5
75.1
67.1
84
0.82
77
162.3
8.705
E by S
10.2
June
93.6
89.0
83.8
80.2
77.0
80
0.92
60
260.8
2.990
S by E
1
7.7
July
94.0
87.4
82.3
79.0
76.4
83
0.91
71
204.6
12.235 SE by S
9.6
F 2
August
90.4
87.1
81.9
78.5
75.9
84
0.91
77
158.1
7.885
SSW
6.7
}
September
90.7
86.3
81.6
78.5
75.0
80
0.86
70
157.1
4.265
E by N
11.5
October
88.5
82.7
77.8
73.9
66.0
76
0.73
49
233.5
6.095
E by N
8.6*
November
80.5
74.2
69.4
65.7
56.9
67
0.49
60
157.0
0.530
NE by E
9.5*
December
78.2
69.5
64.7
60.9
51.1
76
0.47
72
123.7
0.010
ENE
8.8*
Mean, Total or
Extreme
94.0
77.9
72.8
69.3
46.5
79
0.67
68
1982.4 55.355
E
*Wind velocity was obtained from the records of the Beckley Anemograph until 30th September and from the Dines Anemograph subsequently. To compare Beckley values with Dines the former should be reduced 27%.
RAINFALL, 1938.
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
0.35
4.69
6.75
1.85
8.71
2.99 12.23
7.89
4.27
6.09
0.53
0.01
55.36
Botanical Gardens
0.17
4.42
6.11
2.00
10.42
1.93
11.36
9.87
5.48
5.13
0.56
0.03
57.48
Victoria Peak
0.49
4.49
6.85
2.16
9.47
1.97
13.57
11.43
5.39
4.94
0.48
0.21
61.45
Mount Kellett
(Matilda Hospital)
0.27
4.01
5.43
2.04
11.13
2.33
8.40
8.12
5.32
5.34
0.57
0.19
53.15
Pokfulam
(Water Works)
0.11
3.79
5.64
2.00
14.20
1.87
9.16
9.92
3.92
6.17
0.43
0.05
57.26
Aberdeen (W.W.
0.16
3.87
6.14
1.69
13.64
3.49
9.54
8.60
5.65
6.90
0.32
0.02
60.02
Wong Nei Chong
(Water Works)
0.49
3.39
6.09
2.26
11.75
5.20
13.88
9.69
5.27
7.14
0.30
0.06
65.52
Tytam (Water Works)
0.39
3.60
6.28
2.41
14.42
4.37
11.51
10.82
4.80
7.04
0.64
0.11
66.39
Tytam Tuk (W.W.)
0.38
3.17
6.24
2.10
13.25 3.43
11.14
11.00
5.31
5.90
0.51
0.11 62.54
Kowloon Reservoir.
(Water Works)
0.26
5.05
6.33
2.37
6.08
1.88
9.13
11.41
8.13
8.45
0.37
0.00
59.46
Shek Li Pui (W.W.)
0.16
4.64
6.17
2.32
4.61
1.10
7.59
10.67
7.07
7.66
0.25
0.00
52.24
Shing Mun No. 1
(Water Works)
0.04
4.96
6.42
2.68
6.83
2.68
12.71
15.29
7.85
10.95
0.24
0.00
70.65
Shing Mun No. 2
(Water Works)
0.04
5.37
7.69
2.78
6.64
2.59
11.89
13.95
7.27
10.46
0.19
0.00
68.87
Shing Mun No. 3
(Water Works)
0.04
4.57
6.39
2.60
5.44
1.96
10.39
12.91
6.45
9.69
0.17
0.00
60.61
Un Long (W.W.)
0.13
4.13
8.52
2.92
7.85
1.68
4.31
7.83
5.26
6.80
0.05
0.00
49.48
Tai Po (Police)
0.64
6.07
8.52
3.21
7.17
3.13
10.88
9.35
4.78
6.91
0.54
0.06
61.26
Sai Kung (Police)
0.36
5.70
6.31
2.55
9.37
2.80
8.43
12.62
5.82
6.19
0.30
0.07
60.52
Lok Ma Chau (Police)
0.17
3.59
5.49
3.36
5.58
1.36
4.70
9.98
7.12
5.91
0.31
0.21
47.78
Ping Shan (Police)...
0.16
4.44
8.38
3.75
9.16
1.47
4.90
7.60
7.29
4.62
0.09
0.00
51.86
Cheung Chau (Police)
0.00
3.72
5.56
1.80
8.50
1.10
9.78
8.36
6.48
4.81
0.12
0.01
50.24
Fanling (Royal H.K.
Golf Club)
0.37
3.86
7.96
3.77
8.97
1.29
7.45
14.90
8.20
6.88
0.43
0.09
64.17
F 4
III. PUBLICATIONS.
5. The following publications have been made during 1938 :--
Magnetic Results, 1937.
Meteorological Results, 1937.
The Law of Storms in the China Sea.
The following are in the press :-
Magnetic Results, 1938.
Meteorological Results, 1938.
The Typhoon of April 29th-May 4th. App. B. to above.
A monthly abstract of meteorological observations is pubished in the Government 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 There were 31 subscribers in 1938. A weather map for 2 p.m. is per annum. 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 Vladivostock, Japan, Shanghai, Formosa, Indo- China and the Philippines.. Meteorological broadcasts by radio and the direct radio services of Sicawei and Pratas Island are extremely valuable. Extra observations at half cable rate are also obtainable from a number of stations by courtesy of the Telegraph Companies.
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.
No. of ships
F 5
British (Including H.M.
Ships)
H.M. Ships in
Port.
Other Nationalities.
No. of messages
No. of ships
No. of messages
No. of ships
No. of messages
No. of ships
January
208
321
February
175
294
10
March
221
362
aga
94
73
114
290
529
90
78
122
263
506
9
79
87
136
317
577
April
204
324
10
82
77
120
291
526
May
218
367
10
91
103
161
331
619
June
247
363
8
75
76
120
331
558
July
280
422
9
94
83
137
372
653
August
276 442 10
82
100
158
386
682
September
340
595
8
65
70
108
418
768
October
339 646
November
304
500
December
259 427
774
66
98
195
444
907
39
122 204
430
743
52 106
180
369
659
1938 3,0715,063
Totals.....
98 909 1.073 1937 1,874 2,955 100 1,134
1,016 1936 1,896 3,049 115 1,575 1,001 1935 1,795 2,864 128 1,612 935
1,755
4,242
7,727
1,699
2,990 5,788
1,568 3,012 6,192
1,519 | 2,858 | 5,995
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.
Warning Signal.
Signals 2-9.
Signal No. 10 Bombs.
Year
Number of times.
Number of hours displayed.
Number of
Number of
Number of
times.
hours displayed.
times Fired
1934
5
177
1
30
1935
4
86
3
60
1936
1937 1938
10 10 00
5
93
5
77.
1
5
80
5
53
1
3
34
3
29
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 112 ships operating in the Far East. These logs, representing 7596 days observations have been used for amplifying the weather maps and verifying typhoon tracks. The corresponding figures for 1937 were 125 and 7689.
Total.
No. of messages
F 6
VI-MAGNETIC OBSERVATIONS.
12. The Magnetic Station at Au Tau has been kept in action throughout the year, and the results of the observations are now in the 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 deter- mination 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. to 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 Govern ment 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 0600 to 1600 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, 372 earthquakes were recorded, compared with 398 in 1937. The seismographs have been forwarded to the International Seismological Commit- tee. Oxford.
17. Upper Air Research.-Observations of 667 pilot balloons were made during the year.
Details of the flights will be included in Meteorological Results for
1938.
Observations of upper air temperature, taken during acroplane flights, have been supplied to the Observatory by the personnel of the Far East Flying Training School Ltd., and of the Civil Airport, to whom acknowledgements are due. These observations were commenced on September 8th, and from that date until the end of the year 55 meteorological flights were undertaken. Flights usually extended to a height of 10,000 feet.
The results were plotted in the form of entropy diagrams at the Observatory; they have proved of material assistance in forecasting cloud formation, and it is hoped that they will add considerably to our knowledge of the structure of the atmosphere.
18. Lithography.-Lithographie work for other departments was undertaken as follows:
Colonial Secretariat
Medical Department
Map of Hong Kong
1,000
Medical Department
Map
Chart
450
500-
!
F 7.-
19. Expenditure.-The annual expenditure on the Observatory for the past 10 years has been as follows:--
Personal Emoluments
Year.
and Other
Special Expenditure.
Total
Total
Expenditure.
Revenue.
Charges.
$
¢
$
1929.
48,282.63
48,282.63
530.50
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
20. In the following table the expenditure and revenue for 1937 is compared with that for 1938.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE, 1937 AND 1938.
1937
1938
$
&
&
76,661.85
79,930.62
Personal Emoluments
Other Charges
Electric Light and Power
787.86
909.66
Gas
87.03
97.65
Incidental Expenses
430.77
411.37
Maintenance of Instruments and Plant
2,608.45
1,673.08
Postage
162.77
179.78
Printing
2,368.50
2,986.00
Rent of Public Telephone
117.00
117.00
Subscription to International Meteorological Organisation
80.00
161.31
Transport
192.50
120.17
Uniforms
135.18
156.43
Special Expenditure
Typewriter
Balloon Theodolite
Renewal of Anemographs
Total, Other Charges
Total, Royal Observatory
338.08
2,150.00
4,048.03
7,308.14
13,010.54
83,969.99
92,941.16
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF REVENUE, 1937 AND 1938.
Fees of Court or Office, Sale of Publications
1937
$
&
458.00
1938
$
522.00
F 8
―
21. Acknowledgements are here made to the Directors 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 Com- panies 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,
12th January, 1939.
C. W. JEFFRIES,
Director.
Appendix G.
REPORT OF THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT OFFICIAL TRUSTEE, OFFICIAL ADMINISTRATOR AND REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES FOR THE YEAR 1938.
ORIGINAL JURISDICTION.
196 actions were instituted in this jurisdiction during the year 1938 as against 172 in 1937.
The claims amounted to $1,056,615.63 as against $1,021,619.10 in 1937.
The fees collected amounted to $14,294.00 as against $13,647.25 in 1937. ⠀⠀
75 Miscellaneous Proceedings were heard during the year.
SUMMARY JURISDICTION.
1,383 actions were instituted during the year as against 1,582 in 1937.
The claims amounted to $336,104.49 as against $382,578.91 in 1937.
3,040 Distraints for rent were issued representing unpaid rents amounting to $304,233.87 as against 2,080 and $263,122.88 respectively in 1937.
The fees collected amounted to $29,194.75 as against $24,530.00 in 1937.
SUITORS' FUNDS.
The sum of $275,251.47 was paid into Court on judgments in actions and $259,896.03 paid out to the various judgment creditors.
CRIMINAL JURISDICTION.
426 persons were committed to stand their trial at the Criminal Sessions of whom 347 were convicted. Two defendants failed to appear and Bench Warrants were issued for their arrest, their bail being estreated.
APPELLATE JURISDICTION.
Criminal. There were 7 appeals against conviction or sentence on indictment. at the Criminal Sessions.
Magistrates'. There were 13 appeals against conviction or sentence by the Magistrates.
Civil. There were 8 appeals from judgments of the Supreme Court judges.
ADMIRALTY JURISDICTION.
Only three actions were instituted during the year. The fees collected amounted to $293.00 as against $142.00 in 1937.
PROBATE JURISDICTION.
432 grants (180 Probates and 252 Letters of Administration) were made by the Court.
G 2
77 grants by other British Courts were sealed, making a total of 509 grants made during the year compared with 402 in 1937.
:
Of the above number of Letters of Administration 6 were grants made to the Official Administrator.
Court fees in respect of all grants amounted to $26,159.00 as against $28,238.60 in 1937.
DIVORCE JURISDICTION.
6 new petitions were filed during the year. 8 decrees absolute were made, including 4 petitions pending at the end of 1937. 2 petitions were pending at the end of 1938. The fees collected amounted to $638.50 as against $426.50 in 1937.
OFFICIAL TRUSTEE.
The number of Trust Estates in the hands of the Official Trustee at the end of the year was 21. The invested funds totalled $142,318.81 and £1,850.0.0. producing an income including interest on fixed deposit of $10,478.15. No new trusts were opened during the year.
The amount of commission collected was $532.39 as against $123.60 in 1937. Several are charitable trusts and therefore not liable for commission.
OFFICIAL ADMINISTRATOR.
During the year 25 deceased estates were taken into the custody of the Official Administrator and 37 were wound up the latter figure including the 6 grants of Letters of Administration granted to the Official Administrator and mentioned in the Probate section above. Öfficial Administrator's commission amounted to $3,732.41 as against $1,622.64 last year.
COMPANIES REGISTRY.
84 new companies were registered bringing the total number of companies on the registers of this office at the end of the year to 764 of which 9 were in the course of liquidation. 56 were incorporated outside the Colony but carry on business within the Colony. 3 further companies ceased during the year to do business.
The fees collected from the above companies amounted to $26,611.31.
17 companies were removed from the register by reason of the cessation of their business. No company was transferred from the Hong Kong to the Shanghai Register. 5 companies were transferred from the Shanghai to the Hong Kong Register. No firms were registered under the Chinese Partnerships Ordinance, 1911 or the Limited Partnerships Ordinance, 1912 Deposits to the total value of $2,621,000.00 have been made by Insurance Companies under the Fire and Marine Insurance Companies Deposit Ordinance, 1917, $1,448,500.00 being cash deposits.
Deposits under the Life Insurance Companies Ordinance 1907, amount to $1,070,000.00 of which $230,141.62 is by cash deposits.
A deposit of £20,000 was made by one company under both Fire and Marine Insurance Companies Deposit Ordinance and the Life Insurance Companies Deposit Ordinance to cover business done under both of these Ordinances.
!
G 3
The fees collected for licences to companies to keep branch registers outside the Colony amounted to $2,249.91. The fees collected from the Registrar of Companies at Shanghai in respect of "China" companies amounted to $166,571.51.
The grand total of all fees collected is $168,821.42 as against $188,750.08 in 1937.
BILLS OF SALE.
72 Bills of Sale were registered during the year as against 31 in 1937.
REVENUE (FEES, COMMISSION, ETC.).
The total collected during the year amounted to $302,802.00 as against $292,166.35 in 1937.
E. P. H. LANG,
Registrar, Supreme Court,
Official Trustee, Official Administrator,
and Registrar of Companies.
:
Appendix G. (1).
REPORT OF THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AND REGISTRAR OF TRADE
MARKS AND PATENTS FOR THE YEAR 1938.
BANKRUPTCY AND COMPANIES WINDING-UP.
AMOUNT OF INSOLVENCY.
The following comparative table shews the amount of insolvency in the Colony under the Banruptcy Ordinance, No. 10 of 1931, during the years 1937 and 1938.
Year.
1937
1938
No. of Receiving Orders and Adminis- tration Orders.
15
5
Liabilities as estimated by Debtors.
Assets as estimated by Debtors.
$1,450,540.67 22,686.63
$1,177,473.96
6,106.00
The amount of insolvency in 1938 under the Companies Ordinance, No. 39 of 1932, was nil.
GENERAL.
Ten petitions in bankruptcy were presented during 1938, four by creditors and six by debtors. Of these one was dismissed, four were adjourned and in the re- maining five cases Receiving Orders were made. In 1937 there were 14 petitions.
The failures in 1938 under the Bankruptcy Ordinance, 1931, included a Ginger business and various employees of commercial firms.
Six bankrupts were discharged during the year, one discharge was absolute, four were subject to suspension for 3 months and one to suspension for 12 months. No application for discharge was refused.
During the year dividends were declared in respect of nine bankrupt estates and one company in liquidation.
During the year the Court granted the Official Receiver his discharge from trusteeship in respect of five bankrupt estates fully administered.
FEES.
The total amount of the Official Receiver's statutory fees and commission un- der the Bankruptcy Ordinance, 1931, and the Companies Ordinance, 1932, was $6,236.86 for 1938 as against $19,306.57 for 1937. The decrease was due to the fact that there were no large failures in 1938.
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 1937 and 1938, have been as follows:
Payments in
Payments out
1937.
$134,512.38
139,901.98
1938.
$22,207.08
32,720.68
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, 1982, for the years 1937 and 1938, have been as follows:-
Payments in
Payments out
1937.
$406,906.69
454,305.49
1938.
$11,609.38
1,181.67
REGISTRATION OF TRADE MARKS.
The following comparative table shews the business done under the Trade Marks Ordinance, 1909, during the years 1937 and 1938.
No. of applica-
Year
tions for regis-
tration received.
No. of Trade Marks registered.
No. of Registered Trade Marks
Fees
renewed.
1937
380
330
203
$20,843.00
1938
436
350
333
$22,355.57
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 1937 and 1938.
Year
No. of Patents registered.
Fees
1937
1938
8
15
$110
$186
3
STATEMENT OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE OF DEPARTMENT.
REVENUE.
EXPENDITURE.
$26,256.13
Under the Bankruptcy
Ordinance, 1931
...$3,816.82
Salaries of Officers
the Companies
Ordinance, 1932
2,420.04
Incidentals
the Trade Marks
Ordinance, 1909 ...... .22,355.57
the Registration of
Special
United Kingdom
Patents Ordinance,
1932
186.00
the Unclaimed
Balances Ordinance,
1929
.27,760.71
$56,539.14
Excess of Revenue = $30,057.94.
•
In 1937 the excess of revenue was $24,715.21.
165.57
59.50
$26,481.20
The increase of revenue in 1938 was due to a larger amount of unclaimed
balances.
L. R. ANDREWES,
Official Receiver and
Registrar of Trade Marks and Patents.
Appendix H.
REPORT OF THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON MAGISTRACIES FOR THE YEAR 1938.
HONG KONG.
1. Mr. R. A. D. Forrest acted as First Police Magistrate and Coroner from the 1st January to the 13th March and from the 9th November to the end of the year.
Mr. H. R. Butters acted as First Police Magistrate and Coroner from the 14th March to the 8th November.
Mr. R. Edwards acted as Second Police Magistrate and Coroner from the 1st January to the 5th June and from the 10th July to the end of the year.
Mr. W. J. Lockhart-Smith acted as Second Police Magistrate and Coroner from the 6th June to the 9th July.
Mr. T. J. Houston acted as Third Police Magistrate and Coroner from the 3rd August to the end of the year.
The number of cases was 38,612 as compared with 38,091 in 1937.
KOWLOON.
2. Mr. K. Keen acted as First Police Magistrate and Coroner from 1st January to 9th January.
Mr. H. R. Butters acted as First Police Magistrate and Coroner from 10th January to 2nd February.
Mr. Q. A. A. Macfadyen acted as First Police Magistrate and Coroner from 3rd February to the end of the year.
Mr. K. M. A. Barnett acted as Second Police Magistrate and Coroner from 1st January to 11th November.
Mr. E. Himsworth acted as Second Police Magistrate and Coroner from 12th November to the end of the year.
A Third Court was in operation from 26th September to 10th November, Mr. E. Himsworth acting as Police Magistrate and Coroner.
The number of cases was 34,181 as compared with 30,220 in 1937.
GENERAL.
3. Table I shows the expenditure of the two Magistracies for the years 1937 and 1938, 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.
H 2
6. Table IV gives an abstract of Cases under cognizance of the Magistrates' Courts during the years 1937 and 1938 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 that 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.
8. Table VI is a return of boy juvenile offenders brought before the Hong Kong and Kowloon Magistrates' Courts during the years 1937 and 1938 giving their ages, the offences committed by them and the sentences imposed.
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 1937 and 1938.
11. Table IX is an abstract of all cases brought before the Hong Kong and Kowloon Magistrates' Courts during the last ten years.
12. Table X shows the work done by the Magistrates sitting as Coroners.
13. 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 2 persons for crimes committed outside the Colony. Both of them were discharged.
15. Summonses under the Separation and Maintenance Order Ordinance, 1935, in Hong Kong numbered 16 as against 4 in 1937. Orders were made in 9 of them. In Kowloon these summonses numbered 5 as against 5 in 1937. Orders were made in all of them.
16. There have been marked increases in convictions for various offences. The most serious is in respect of opium and heroin offences which in Hong Kong increased from 500 and 243 to 936 and 419 respectively. In Kowloon the increase was most startling from 351 and 84 to 1259 and 681 respectively. Drug addicts form a large percentage of the criminal population and divans are their favourite resorts.
There has been in both Magistracies a serious increase amounting to 25% in convictions for Larceny from the Person mainly earring snatching.
Increases of 100% are recorded in mendicancy cases. This is due mainly to the Sino Japanese incident.
Robbery (mainly armed) shews an increase due to the amount of arms in China.
17. The number of licensed hawkers has decreased but unlicensed ones have increased as measured by the number of convictions. Such cases form nearly half of the total cases heard and the magistrates feel doubtful whether the energy therein expended especially by the Police is of much avail.
18. Magisterial sentences for adults whether punitive or reformatory shew few changes. Noticeably fewer bonds were enforced and in Hong Kong fewer persons were bound over. The average fine paid has increased from $2.82 to $3.28; the number of persons fined having increased by 2,725 but the number imprisoned in default of a fine has dropped by nearly 400. This is due to lighter penalties being imposed.
1
H 3
19. Juvenile crime shews an increase in cases of pocket picking and snatching of earrings. A disquieting tendency of juveniles to work in gangs often under the tutelage of an adult is apparent. Another serious factor is that many juveniles aged 12-16 have previous convictions; the figures are 26 as against 6 and all are in Hong Kong. Several have been banished. Several juvenile drug addicts have appeared before the Court. The Juvenile Court is much handicapped in its reformative work without a Reformatory.
20. Sentences on juveniles shew an increase in canings ordered mainly in cases of larceny from the person. More bonds have been enforced against the delinquent's parents.
£1.
11. The Sino Japanese hostilities have had the following effects:
(a) an influx of poverty-stricken refugees leading to increased numbers of
beggars and hawkers.
(b) an influx of Shanghai criminals mainly pickpockets.
(c) an increase in muitsai cases of a technical nature.
(d) an increase in arms cases of a technical nature. )
7th March, 1939.
R. A. D. FORREST,
First Police Magistrate.
H 4
Table I.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE, 1937 AND 1938.
Personal Emoluments
OTHER CHARGES.
Electric Fans and Light
Fees for Interpretation
Incidental Expenses
Law Books
Transport
Uniform for Messengers
HONG KONG.
SPECIAL EXPENDITURE.
Typewriter
Total
Personal Emoluments (1)
KOWLOON.
1937.
1938.
$ 73,174.00
$109,793.00
201.00
308.00
173.00
193.00
353.00
425.00
67.00
72.00
173.00
134.00
66.00
144.00
288.00
$ 74,495.00
$111,069.00
1937.
1938.
$ 50,341.00
$ 66,820.00
OTHER CHARGES.
Electric Fans and Lights
366.00
492.00
Fees for Interpretation
69.00
76.00
Fuel Oil
63.00
Incidental Expenses
448.00
197.00
Transport
184.00
Uniform for Messengers
97.00
98.00
SPECIAL EXPENDITURE.
Law Books
One Typewriter
Total
158.00
119.00
288.00
$ 51,767.00
$ 68,049.00
(1) Includes officers of Cadet, S.C. & A., and J. C. Services.
Fines
Fees
H 5
Table II.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF COLLECTIONS 1937 AND 1938.
Forfeitures
Liquor (Temporary permit)
Arms forfeitures
Poor Box
Arms Fine Fund
Revenue Reward Fund
HONG KONG.
1937.
1938.
$ 64,893.00
$ 84,357.00
266.00
29,980.00
256.00
31,179.00
30.00
70.00
Other Miscellaneous Receipts (Fees for
warrants issued)
Total
Fines
Fees
Forfeitures
Poor Box
Arms Fine Fund
Revenue Reward Fund
Other Miscellaneous Receipts
KOWLOON.
1,490.00
2,628.00
50.00
9,858.00
170.00
15,938.00
20.00
$106,657.00
$134,618.00
1937.
1938.
$ 51,394.00
$ 62,348.00
184.00
319.00
7,286.00
7,600.00
772.00
1,045.00
10.00
185.00
8,205.00
6,730.00
66.00
62.00
Total
$ 67,917.00
$ 78,289.00
H 6
Table III.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE
FOR LAST TEN YEARS.
HONG KONG.
Year.
Personal Emoluments and
Special
Total
other charges.
Expenditure.. Expenditure.
Total Revenue.
1929.
43,508.00.
43,508.00
95,333.00
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
1..
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
KOWLOON.
1929
Figures not available.
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
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNI
Classification of Offences.
Total No. of Total No. of
charges.
Convicted and sentenced.
Defts.
Cases, how disposea
Discharged.
M.
F.
Total.
M.
F.
Total.
OFFENCES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS
(a)—Against their property.
1. Larceny: Simple
2,532
Stealing from the person
1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937
2,171 2,657 2,251 1,757 1,766 469 588 478 601 431 534
3
1938 1937 1933 1937
141,760 1,780
147 148 1 431 535 36
1939 1937 1938 1937 193
1
5 148 15
60
36
19
6
Embezzlement and fraudulent
conversion
32
Robbery
2888
68 34
57
19
37
19
37
2
13
26
19
45
28
Piracy
Burglary and house breaking
114
98 125
107
113
Demanding with menaces
18
5
24
5
13
སྐྱུག
False pretences and cheating
112
89 108
93
61
71
2
Receiving and possession of stolen
goods
2,606 1,797 2,715 1,870
1,516 1,188
284
Larceny by servant
108
69 109
70
62
42
5
2. Arson
3. Malicious damage
39
18
43
24
32
18
4. Forgery
48 163
46
60
19
27
5. Other offences
589
367 621 388 490 257
11997 88 895
24
3°
2
1
9
24
91
9
14
9
13
.4
10
1
10
61
73
25
15
25
1
2351,800 1,423
308
312
20
20
20
328
333
63
47
6
8
11
6
18
9
9
19
27
6
14
6
258
64
98
64
1 ♡
(b)—Against their persons.
1. Murder
Co
~
2. Manslaughter
3
3. Ill-treatment and grievous harm
24
51
43
52
13
4. Common assault
165
178
187
216
75
5. Kidnapping
1
1
6. Sexual offences
4
2
4
2
7. Qther offences
12
27
ON G
13
27
2
5
4
13
46426
31
11
89
36
53
1
18
1
11
37
23 10
5
1
5
1Q
ON LO
5
OFFENCES OF A PUBLIC NATURE.
(c)-Against the Crown and Govt.
1. Passport and aliens registration
offences
112
2. Weights and measures offences
3. Currency offences
220
161
119
171
96 123
14
101
137
18
24
10
18
10
13
9
13
9
00 10
25
7
18
5
1
00 20
5
9
11
9
11
7
7
3
4. Sedition and intimidation
3
6
3
8
1
.7
1
7
2
2
5. Unlawful societies
1
23
23
.23
6. Trespass and damage on Crown Land
261
173
287
191
172
111
13
19
185
130
49
51
co
55
8. Opium offences.
9. Dangerous drug offences
7. Misconduct by. Government officers...
10. Tobacco and Liquor offences
11. Other offences.
3
2
3
1
2
1
2
529 946
563 1,006
461
891
39
330
450 412 507
589
446
612 497
177
213 463 313 405 173 445 149 368
406
8888
45
500
936
53 65
30
87
2535
13 243 419
94.
97
550 410 41 23 151 391 22
:
8538
51
18
64
9
50
3973
54
112
50
2
22
Carried forward
8,943 8,3279,459 8,729 6,182 6,406
477
489 6,659 6,895
985 1,066
* 1 Extradition.
3
1510000
56
56
59 1,041 1,12
;
H 7
Table IV.
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNISANCE OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATES' COURTS DURING
HONG KONG.
Cases, how disposea of, and the Number of Male and Female Adult Defendants unaer e
Convicted and sentenced.
Discharged.
Committed for trial at the Supreme Court.
Committed to prison or detained pending orders of H.E. the Governor.
M.
F.
Total.
M.
F.
Total.
M.
F.
M.
F.
Bound over witho
To keep the peace and
of good behaviour.
M.
F.
7 1938 1937
1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938
1937
1938 1937 1933
1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938
1937 1938 1937 193
71,766 1
3
141,760 1,780
147 148
1
5
148 153
534
1 431 535
36
60
36
60
11
co
3
11
679 279
5
5
9
37
19
37
2
13
2
13
6
Co
1
24
9
24
9
21
19
91
113
91
13
4
71
2
61
73
1,188
284
2351,800 1,423
308
42
1
5
63
47
108 50
14
9
14
10
1
10
15
25
15
416
1
6
312
20
20
328
6
6
332 8
1- །འ །
10=
18
32
18
9
9
27
19
27
6
14
1
6
15
257
7
497
258
64
98
64 98
13
19
3
3
120
15
3
424
75
108
21
32
11
1
1
48
18
ļ
}
1
1
1
1
—
25
14
31
11
4
11
4
BB4
3
Co
6
3
7
83
1
76
36
53
37
54
10
13
26
18
01 10
2
1
5
1
1
5
2
1
1
123
5
14
101
137
18
CO L
25
7
18
32
9
13
9
5
1
5
7
3
2
6
7
7
2
2
23
23
111
13
19
2
185 130
1
49 51
891
39
406
30
313
87
368
8852
45 500 936
53
13
243 419
94. .51
97 550 410
23 151 391
41 22
8538
65
18
64
50
Co
3478
189
55
51
9
| ញៀនឌ
2
54
68
60
53
24
71
52
11
1 1 1 1 1
6,406
477
489 6,659 6,895
985 1,066 56
59 1,041 1,125 118
95
5
1
1
F
10
69
1
1
37
ය
3
3
1
1
10
7
1
3
1
1,346
478
133
43
3 DURING THE YEARS 1937 AND 1938.
nts unaer each Head.
ad over without further penalty.
Under Police supervision.
Previously convicted.
Bonds enforced.
Order made.
he peace and be
To come up for
d behaviour.
judgment.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
co
1937
1938 1937
1938 1937 1933 1937 1939 1937 1938
79
5
3 64
30
1
3
5
4
1
2946
14
26
28
12
314 417
1937 1933 1937 1938 1937
2 118
1938 1937 1933 1937 1938 1937 1933
24
29
60
128
4
#2
2
5
1
1
3
1
1
'5
108
21
33
13
22
.1
1
7
3
18
8
1
3
1
7
111
Co
1
11
1
co
14
5
2
2
- сл
5
1
131
176
3
12
51
1
2
3
1
2
5
60
60
16
8
3
2
8
133
43 131
70
3
26 18 52
ཨྰཿ་
45
1
2
∞ B
11
17
19
31
17
3
~
1111
652
869
6
16
196
37
+ Confiscation order, no arrest.
w
3
Co
3
..
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNIS
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.
M.
F.
:
1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1939 1937
8,943 8,327 9,459 8,729 6,182 6,406, 477
1938
489
:
Cases, how disposed of
Discharged.
Total.
M.
F.
Total.
1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938
6,659 6,895 9851,066 56 591,0411,125
2
355
299 356 299
328 252
5
12
2
2
4
12
12
2257
333 264
9
25
249
1
17179
1. Breach of the peace
2. Unlawful possession of arms
3. Other offences
80
114
178
264
56
63
3
2
59
65
.28
23
.3
28
26
18. 24
15
29
..5
..6
5
-6
6
6
i5 6
cr
|
1.
282
(f)-Against trade.
1. Unmanifested cargo
29
79
18
81
15
2. Stowing away
14
16
16
3. Trade Marks infringement
44
20
44
19
16
4. Employers and workmen offences
4
8
4
8
5. Food and drugs offences
24
19
24 19
6. Other offences
63
71
63
71
45
66 660
51
Co
888
242
1.
13.
18
58
ထုတ်
13
45
西宮
888
3
14
18
65
12
.16
16
16
17
22
17
1
.1
18
10
1
1
11
1
60
.17
10
17
10
I
(g)-Against Public Morals and Police.
1. Begging and touting
2. Brothels and procuration of women.. 3. Lotteries and gambling
11. Vagrants
4. Offences against public health
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
12. Unlicensed and unmuzzled dogs
312 416 326 457 150 322 253 283 253 288 19 14 386 430 1,924 2,075 1,792 1,747 1,228 1,605 1,245 1,614 951 1,175 36 16,635 18,865 16,647 18,918, 11,261 12,065 3,035
2,205 955 2,205 955 1,871 697
8
17
232
272
158 339 116 251
97
25
286
69
227
1,861 1,974
61
87
153
4,232
4
987 1,328 244 242 14,296 16,297 1,873 2,012 2 1,875 699 330 254
2210
13
141
110
2
2
2
11
62
98
464
131 11
170 16 4,936 4,505 4,939 4,506
170 18
131 11
127 100
127 100 43
31
40 252 282 592 2,337 2,604 1 330 255
43
31
18 4,401 4,173
10
18! 10
1
1
15
27
4,416 4,200
511
301
138 303
13. Mui Tsai offences of a technical nature 14. Ill-treatment of Mui Tsai 15. Other offences"
138 303 31 31 43 199 231 199 231
45 112
124 280
3
3
127 283
8
35
39 35
39
35
4
137
192
9
4
146
196 48
45
113
6
11
18
31
24
42
3
&& NO
10
20
ON
4 521 305
2
10
12
3
3
3
1
2
1
2:
403
432
423
413
229
213 121
106
350
319
54
69
4228
5
25
15
6
62
+3522
4
7ཙྪོ8}3879
20
35
30
75
Total
36,560 37,298 38,781 39,598 27,823 27,9114,040 5,595 31,863 33,506 4,372 4,301 596 7624,968 5,063
* 1 defendant absconded
+ Confiscation order, no arrest.
To pay wages.
.
H S
Table IV.-Continued.
BSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNISANCE OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATES' COURTS DURING THE YEARS 1937 A
HONG KONG.—Continued.
Cases, how disposed of, and the Number of Male and Female Adult Defendants under each Head.
iced.
Discharged.
Committed for trial at the detained pending orders
Supreme Court.
of H.E. the Governor.
Committed to prison or
Bound over without further penalty.
To keep the peace and be To come up for
of good behaviour.
judgment.
i
Total.
M.
F.
Total.
Μ.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
;
-937 1938 1937 1938
̄,659 6,895 985 1,066
56
1937 1938 .1937 1938
118 59 1,0411,125
1937 1938 1937 1938
1937
1938 1937 1933
95
1
1
1937 1938 1937 1938 .1937 1938 1937 1
478 1,346
133 43 131
70
26
2
333 264
9
1
9
13
28
2
4
9
3
1
I
J
23
.3
28
26
5
3 .11
1.
18
16
16
සපළු
13
45
80 DAG
65
18
60 .17
!།།8;
12
.16
17
22
17
1
1
1
11
1
10
17
10
158 339 251 286
116
97
25
861 1,974 61
87
121
13
2
རྒྱུཡ
141
110
2
2
11
62
98
987 1,328 244 242 1,296, 16,297 1,873 2,012
8 40 252 282
464
592 2,337 2,604
1,875 699 330 254
1 330
255
127 100 43
31
43
31
18
10
1
..1
,416 4,200 511
301
10
4
521
305
127 283
20
10
20
39
35
4
146
196
35
.24
42
10 10
5
12
1
2:
350
319 54
69
4220
53
25
316
15
62
200
35
30
75
1,863|33,5064,372 4,301
r, no arrest.
忄
1
111
| | |
| | | | ││
1
17117
83
151
8
21
1
2
1
2
....
21
7
5
10
|
1
-3
8
16
33 13
1
ลง
1
1
6
5
8
6
3
596
762 4,968 5,063
134 137
5
1
1,477
671
143
79
151
79
32
To pay wages.
$ To pay costs.
9 to pay mai
DURING THE YEARS 1937 AND 1933.
ts under each Head.
he peace and be
To come up for
Under Police
supervision.
Previously convicted.
Bonds enforced.
Order made.
›d behaviour.
judgment.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
18
1937 1938 .1937 1938 1937 1933 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1933 1937
1938 1937 1939 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1933
8 133
43 131
10
70
26
18
52
45
652
369
6
16 196
37
3
3
3
ind over without further penalty.
1
111
1
7
3
6
1
17017
| | | { │
21
1
| | |
5
CO LO
1 1 1 1 1
BEFIPS
120
.8| | |
1
| | │.
IT
1
22
74
2
1
9
17
3
2
4
13
10 00 00
5
8
1
6
23
6
3
41
52
45
Į
5
9
10
3
4 † 3
++
ਦੀ
808 1,021 17
47 200
38
3
T
Į
|| 9 to pay maintenance; 41 no arrest, of which 33 to redeem articles under Pawnbroker's Ordinance,
3 confiscation orders,
5 money granted from or paid into Poor Box.
1
143
79 151
79
32
32
111
| | | | │
11111
11 50
26
63
1
1
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNISANC
Classification of Offences.
Total No. of Total No. of
charges. Defts.
Convicted and sentenced.
OFFENCES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS.
(a) Against their property.
1. Larceny and attempted larceny :
Simple Larceny
Cases, how disposed of, an
Discharged
M.
F.
Total.
M.
F.
1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937
1938 1937 1938 193
2,326 1,711 2,275 1,712 ∙1,617 1,259
32 201,649 1,279
161 114
5
Stealing from the person
289 368 292 367 264 318
Embezzlement and fraudulent conversion
44
69
32
49
24
32
23
1 266 319
18
38
2
25
34
4
10
221
12: 16
1
Robbery
16
23
23
30
5
5
5
Piracy
Burglary and house breaking
133
123
Demanding with menaces
16
12
20
False pretences and cheating
65
52
40
Receiving and possession of stolen goods 1,702 1,269 1,799 1,347
Larceny by servant
55
55 57
2. Arson
|ដ្ឋនខ្លួន |
151 111 136
138
17
17
32
837
58
37
ས༅ །
21
4
33
560
183
1901,020
40
6
41
គមីត ២ន
92
11
11
1
3
8
3
750
598
463
23
38
62
3. Malicious damage
9
13
12
16
8
8
8
8
1
4. Forgery
31
24
15
5
14
5
15
5
5. Other offences
394
370 412
389
316 251
5
321 256
44
93
6
5
50
(b)—Against their persons.
3. Ill-treatment and grievous harm
1. Murder
2. Manslaughter
4. Common assault.
5. Kidnapping
6. Sexual offences-
7. Other offences
OFFENCES OF A PUBLIC NATURE.
(c)—Against the Crown and Govt.
5
13
3.1
22
922
11
1
36
14
169
172
233
229
74
4
6
5
7
25 1
118
15
79
6
7
6
6
2
48:
82
54
93
16
43
13
14
29
54328
17
10
68
34
3
57
10
18
19 110
15
2
52
3
2
to
6
16
1. Passport and aliens registration offences
1
2. Weights and measures offences
2
3
3. Currency offences
55
40
36
4. Sedition and intimidation
2
T
1202
5
3
2
WH
$
1
1
3
2
3
23
11
10
6
17
10
T
5. Unlawful societies
11
Jonah C
5
6
2
1
6. Trespass and damage on Crown Land
76
89
96
104
65
65
15
21
80
86
11
7. Misconduct by Government officers
5
8
5
5
5
4
8. Opium offences
9. Dangerous drugs
309 1,274 375 1,322
309 1,205
42
106 735 129 761
10. Tobacco and Liquor offences
11. Other offences
71. 660 288 429 241 339 146 249 299 292 338 382 229 244
13
61
38
2258
$228
54
351 1,259
17
48
21
70
84 207 319
681
28
57
24
12
63 267 307
67
51
2HOTAT
12
12
11
13
10
4
16
2356
24
39
34 71
Carried forward
6,474 7,270 6,6847,464 4,246 5,167 428 479 4,6745,646 1,0661,008 93 116 1,159
- H 9
Table IV,-Continued.
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNISANCE OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATES' COURT DURING THE YEARS 1937.
KOWLOON.
cted and sentenced.
Cases, how disposed of, and the Number of Male and Female Adult Defendants under each Head.
Dischargedį
Committed for trial at the Supreme Court.
Committed to prison or detained pending orders of H.E. the Governor.
Ꭸ .
Total.
M.
F.
Total.
M.
F.
M.
F.
Bound over without furt
To keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
M.
F.
........
1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937
32
221
.........
1938
1937
201,6491,279
161- 114
12 166
126
1 266 319
18
38
1
19
..39
2
25
34
4
10
1
4
11
5
8
5
8
00
5
14
20
138
92
11
11
11
11
6
17
9
3
3
4
33 25
3
5
4
190 1,020
750
598
463
23
38
621
501
6
41
46
7
1
7
w
8
4
4
5
15
5
5
10
321
256
44
93
50
98
183
THE LO
11
1 58
25 1
13
14
6
19329
15
79
2
1938 1937 1938 1937
1938 1937
1938 1937
52
32
27
2
113
11
1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1
3311
LỘ T
11
H
17
10
68
37
34
2
2
ས ས
TEE
1
1
10
15
2
52
36
2
3
2
1
3
5
3
5
1
57
10
18
6
6
16
24
1
4
1
1
පස
6
2
6
10
7
2
17
10
15
21
80
86
11
2
1
.12
2
5
1
42
54
3511,259
17
48
7
13
21
84
681
28
57
11
61
70 207 319
24
12
10
38
63 267 307
67
51
4 16
ON A 4D CO
12 $24
13 $39
5
34 17
71 67
9055
60
70
428
479 4,674 5,646 1,066 1,008
93
1161,159 1,124 38
1
2
T
10
70
4
....
6
!
390
6
1
2
4
115
11
CA
32
85
110
5
111
1144
16
103
21
3
1
2
111
2
-
173
161
11
| | | | | | | | | |
25
25
40 565
RT DURING THE YEARS 1937 AND 1938.
ndants under each Head.
⚫ison or : orders vernor.
7.
Bound over without further penalty.
Police Supervision.
Previously convicted
Bonds enforced.
To keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
To come up for judgment.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
100
83
1
9
3
1938
1937 1938 1937 1938 1937
1938
1937
1938 1937 1938 1937
1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937
1939 1937 1938
11
52.
27
2: 390 26$
18
9
11
29
.9
1
31
724 467 132 124
2
111
3
111
8
5
ཁྐྲ
10 10
5
85
3
5
103
16
-
2
179
2
161
2
2
115
61 25
20
11
21
2
3224
25
25
C
1
1
40
565
.......X
1
| | |
co
**
*385
46
32
23 79
75
35
105
132
2
23
4
120
76
!!!
1
8
I
LO G
3
•
1
་ ་
1
1,194 862
7
10 151 111
2
1
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNI:
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.
Cases, how disposed of, an
Discharged.
M.
F.
Total.
M.
F.
T
1937 1938 1937
1939 1937 1938
1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938
1937 1933 193'
6,474 7,270 6,684 7,464 4,246 5,167
428
479 4,674 5,646 1,066 1,008
93 1161,15
292 247 292
246 265 211
7
10 272 221
6
8
5
6
11
8
12
10
၂
11
4
291
311
293 310 253
263
28
39
281
302
ON 10
1
2
11
1. Breach of the peace
2. Unlawful possession of arms
3. Other offences
94
64
194
166
36
6
42
37
18
24
24
29
18
8
13
1
9
13
14
138
96
147
108
126
77
126
79
19
288888
ཀླུ
O GO
19
29
10
3
252
22
17
18
(f)-Against trade.
.....
1. Unmanifested cargo
6
2
5
2
2. Stowing away
17
27
30
66
29
50
3. Trade Marks infringement
12
10
4. Employers and workmen offences
18
18
16
5. Food and drugs offences
10
11
10
11
488
20-
11
6. Other offences
41
25
41
24
35
19
CX
1
5
2
29
4
16
8
11
36
21
151Q 10
12
3
3
(g)-Against Public Morals and Police.
1. Begging and touting
677
983
2. Brothels and procuration of women 3. Lotteries and gambling
699 1,010
276 295
34
42
310
337
36
39
39
340 360
344 364
285 277
49
81
334 358
1
3
4
154
224
4. Offences against public health
5. Street hawkers offences
5. Obstruction
7. Offences with fire crackers
8. Drunkenness
9. Traffic offences of a technical nature 10. Dangerous driving of vehicles 11. Vagrants
12. Unlicensed and unmuzzled dogs
13. Mui Tsai offences of a technical nature 14. Fll-treatment of Mui Tsai-
15. Other offences
5 3,407 3,582 3,338 3,528 3,129 3,275 81 204 84 203 80 192
780 1,086 6801,006 839 895 831 904 655685
97
49
7771,055
2
26
3
7
43 662 728
168
145
25
169
8,107 11,967 8,148 11,960 4,740 7,256 3,043 4,175 7,783 11,431 4,840 5,021 4,8355,024 3,047 2,755 1,465 1,768 4,512 4,523 224
253 103 :- 252 102 · 229 86 10
218
290 134 207
352
334 99 164
323
239
86
13
16
13
6
1
6
5
31 32 3,160 3,307
154
24
178
81 193
3
10
3
178
10 2
164 178 157 122
60
12 55
3
108
30
4
ထင်
19 152 127
23
26
8
22
10
26
12
1
1
1
1,615 1,014 1,611
936 1,180
713 112
92 1,292 805 275
86
*220
26
10:
2 284
Total
27,937 32,685 28,880 33,770 19,470 22,503 5,361 6,867 24,831 29,370 2,261 2,256
*
figures included in 6 other offences (1)
386
569 2,647
H 10
Table IV,-Continued.
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNISANCE OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATES' COURT DURING THE YEARS 1937 A
KOWLOON,—Continued.
Cases, how disposed of, and the Number of Male and Female Adult Defendants under each Head.
id sentenced.
Discharged.
Committed for trial at the Supreme Court.
Committed to prison or detained pending orders of H.E. the Governor.
F.
Bound over without further pen
To keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
M.
F.
To com
judg
M.
Total.
M.
F.
Total.
M.
F.
M.
· 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938
1937
1938 1937 1938
1937
1938 1937 1938 1937 1938
479 4,674 5,646 1,066 1,008
93
1161,159 1,124
39
70
4
6
10
272 221
6
2
6
6
14
18
1
6
11
1
2
1
39
281 302
7
5
2
11
7
9
42
37
18
10
9
13
14
2
126
79
18
19
No
2
2
29
12
4
16
2 23
3
11
2
36
21
5
3
+ Co
8
3
24
22
18
17
18
19
229
3
1522 10
со лост
15
3
3
3
1
42
310 337
36
39
39
45
81
334
358
4
3
49
-7771,055
26
3
3
29
43
662 728
168
145
25
169
170
4,175 7,783 11,431
218
290 134
207
352 497
7684,5124,523 224
239
334
99 164
323
498
86
13
16
13
16
5
32 3,160 3,307
154
212
24
178
214
1
81 193
3
10
10
19
152 127
23
26
26
22
10
26
1
1
1
1
921,292
805
275
86
3-
1
3229
26
30
12
10
220
2
13
2
3
284
96
,,867 24,831 29,370 2,261 2,256
386
569 2,647 2,825 55
93
38333
....
1937 1938 1937
1939 1937 1938 1937 1938
I
173 161
25
40 565 385
............
| | | | │
111
85
10
19
19
26
| |
2
! | | | | │
1
18
∞
19
12
287
486
1
2
2
2
5
3
13
10
13
23
7
18
4
6
320
315
56
383
| | 100
101
879 903
COURT DURING THE YEARS 1937 AND 1938.
ndants under each Head.
son or orders
Bound over without further penalty.
!
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.
1938 1937 1939 1937 1938 1937
1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937
1938
1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938
.173 161 25
40 565
385 46
32 23
73
3333
1,194 862
7
10
151 111
2
༢|
111
85
19
26
1
11
! T
2
T
111
1 1 1 1 1 1
253 192
co
6
1
84
62
1
22
4
2
111
10
18
cod
19
6
12
287
486
39
111
1
174
165
2
3
20
14
∞ ∞
2
15
4
1
2
5
a
8
27
3
13
3
2
54
18
13
23
320
315
1917
355
56
101
18
879
10
5
3
903
94 157
23
73
1
F
1,7541,382
29
21111
223
18
1
68
63
| | |
101
5
14
2
1
60 447 216
25
25
14
Punishments.
H 11
Table Y.
HONG KONG
Return of Punishments awarded at Magistracy in respect of Certain Class
Number of Persons
Offences against Individuals.
Punished.
Description.
Against their Property.
Against their Persons.
Agi
an
M.
F.
M
F.
F.
M.
Fined
Imprisoned in default
Imprisoned without option
Imprisoned and birched
To be sent back to country
1937 1938 1937 1938
19,840 20,924 3,170 4,811
4,428 3,608 761
1937 1938 1937 1933
1937 1933 1937 1938 1937
110
97
32
24
42
29
2
399
698 1,7441,263
251
211
21
27
1
5 1,036 1
3,0753,084 34
762,551 2,529
8
22
14
48
3
13
118
85 137
84 135
1
† 2
រ
117
54
6
10
21
9
1
Expelled from the Colony
21
30
21
Sentenced to House of Detention
41
33
T
Bound over to be of good behaviour
1,317
466
132
58 1,202
371
120
22
13
16
6
51
Bound over and fined
89
29
19
1
5
Bound over and ordered to pay compensation
13
4
Сл
5
Bound over, ordered to pay compensation, and fined
6
1
Bound over and imprisoned
7
2
1
1
4
1
Bound over to keep peace
147
205
10
21
8
22
59
56
2
7
Imprisoned until Court rises
170
15
69
2
1
Bound over to come up for judgment
151 79 32
41
120
59
23
12
7
4
Enforcement of bonds
(200)
(38) (3)
(193)
(37)
(3)
(3)
Total
29,447 28,661 4,215 5,715 5,848 4,437
439 294
180
194
8
33 1,631
KOWLOON,
Punishments.
Description.
Fined
Imprisoned in default
Imprisoned without option
Imprisoned and birched
Expelled from the Colony
Sentenced to House of Detention
Bound over to come up for judgment
Bound over to be of good behaviour
Bound over and fined
Bound over and ordered to pay compensation
Bound over,
ordered to pay compensation, and fined
Bound over and imprisoned
Bound over to keep peace
Imprisoned until Court rises
Fined and ordered to pay compensation
Enforcement of bonds
Total
Number of Persons
Punished.
Offences against Individuals.
Against their
Property
Against their Persons.
Ag
ar
M.
F
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
1937 1938 1937 1938
13,139 15,4574,474 5,990 62 75 37
3,939 4,310 780 701 1,495
832 139 122
2,163 2,421 58 76 1,586 1,522 24
91 92
1937 1939 1937 1933 1937 1938 1937 1938
1937
45
28
39
6
7
269
17
3
6
3
540 1
14
34
33
8
9
28
91
92
I
26 48
4
30
1
1
1
1
-
879
903 94
157
559 376
45
29
4
1
153 180
25
68 77
42
7
22
22
29
2
3
50
74
32
1122
52
18
23
19
33
11
23
1
3
16
1
6
1
9
2
1
82
74 17
14
49
47
12
13
16
15
1
1
167
135
31
33
3
71
82
16
21
7
3
1
447 (216)
25
25 (14) 150 (109)
2
* 20,695 23,721 2,515 7,125 3,939 3,021
283
261 204 235
40: 48 844
* Figures under "Enforcement of bonds" are excluded, as they have already been included in figures
H 11
Table V.
HONG KONG.
spect of Certain Classes of Offences during the Years 1937 AND 1938 Adults only.
als.
Offences of a
Public Nature.
Against their
Against the Crown
Persons.
and Government.
Against Public Justice.
Against the
Public Peace.
Against Trade.
Agains! Public Morals and Police.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F .
933
1937 1939
1937
1933 1937
1939
1937 1938 1937 1933
1937 1938 1937 1933
1937 1938
1937 1933 1937 1939 1937 1933
29
2 398
509
58
53
14
23
38
3
85
124
3
16 19,168 20,119 3,072 2,714
:
27
51,036 1,546
102
151
6
10
13
1
12
1,599 749 400 331
:
48
13
118 163
13
7
325
254
12
14
5
55
71
5
22
2
-
2
1
21
29
1
16
6
51
11
10
6
4
4
36
: 10
24
10
........
1
2
56
2
7
2
1
1
79
117
7
11
1
6
2
2
.....
94
44
765
1
(3)
94
331,631 2,273 189 223
348 264
5
12
151
229
12
23
108
134
3
KOWLOON.
4
1
9
38
33
43
31
15
167
15
62
16:
6
23
(4)
(1)
16 21,131 21,930 3,559 3,114
S.
Offences of a Public Nature.
gainst their
Persons,
and Government.
F.
M.
Against the Crown
F.
Against Public Justice.
Against the Public Peace.
Against Trade.
Against Public Morals and Police.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
38
1937
1938 1937
1938 1937 1939 1937 1938 1937 1938
1937 1938
1937 1938
1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938
39
Co
6
7 269 253
86
88
14
31
10
12
7
1
60
29
1
2 12,694 15,023 4,333 5,840
3
6
3
540 1,829
80 111 233
185
19
27
35
17
35
32
1,584 1,412 536 438
33
8
9
28
358
9
28 281
266
7
12
106
68
1
21
128
153
9
13
1
1
1
2
8
2
2
2
29
2
3
5
11
2
16
42
13
1
3
2
1
9
17
9
1
5
1
comm
1
1
1
32
16
21
(2)
223
10
23
47
4
30
1
1
310
512
48
125
14
35
59
11
35
11
1
11
9
8
1
1
6
9
1
1
10
2
96
48
14
12
2
1
1
3
2
3
6
5
40
48
844 2,457 176 242 529 487
u included in figures under "Fined" or "Imprisoned"
72 (105)
(14)
214,798 17,225 4,952 6,485
1 without imprisonment.
18
www.amcomm
1
36
50 284 212
26
37
97 84
2
Classification of offences.
Total No. of Charges.
Total No. of Defendants.
OFFENCES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS.
(a)-Against their property.
1937 1938
1937
RETURN OF BOY JUVE]
Caned in Court.
Fined.
+1
2
3
4
1
2
מא
3
4
CO
1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 1937 1938 19
1. Simple larceny
55
100
55
103
2. Larceny from person
31
95
31
98
888
-
3. Receiving & unlawful possession
30
51
30
52
1
322
4. Larceny by servant
10
5
7
5
7
1
5. Other offences
25
13
25
15
(b)-Against their person.
1. Common assault
2. Bodily harm
3. Other offences
7
14
7
14
3
3
1
1
1
3
3
14
4
30
1
1 5
15
6
19
1
1
6
10
3
1
1
1
-
I
2
a
2
1
2
1
9
115
9
15
හ
7
7
OFFENCES OF PUBLIC NATURE.
(c)—Against the Crown and Govt.
1. Trespass and Damage on Crown Land...
2. Opium offences
3. Tobacco and Liquor offences
4. Dangerous drug offences
5. Other offences
(d)—Against Public Peace
(e) Against Trade
10
ත
❤T.
5
сл
5
14
5
3
3
T
1
|
1
|
1
1
T
T
T
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
→
1
1
|
1
Į
|
3
1
2
|
T
I
1
1
T
1
1
1
2
3
1
1
I
|
-
1
1
T
1
T
1
1
I
-
1
2
1
6
1
1
2
(f)—Against Public Moral and Police.
1. Offences against Public Health
4
13
2. Traffic offences
39
35
39
325353595
13
1
1
1
3. Begging and touting
36
12
36
12
1
1
1
4. Lotteries and Gambling
9
2
2
2
8
1
4
8
دن
3
26
24
2
1
1
--->>
2
1
-
1
1
1
3
2 1
5. Obstruction
1
1
T
1
1
I
6. Hawkers offences
978
721
978
729
1
7
17
3
26
7. Other offences
2
6
3
1
1
1
12 134
1
64 186 116 211 235
2
-
I
Total
10
5
17 47
28 79 26 13 138
1,245 1,118 1,245 1,141
1
4
§ Two boys ran away from their surety while under probation.
* Figures not available.
72 199 126 246 280
† (1)
Appendix I.
REPORT OF THE LAND OFFICER AND REGISTRAR
OF MARRIAGES FOR THE YEAR 1938.
PART L-LAND OFFICE.
REGISTRATION.
1. During the year 3,752 instruments were registered under the provisions of Ordinance No. 1 of 1844,-an increase of 549 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 1938 was 160,117.
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 $52,636,971.66 particulars of which are shewn in Table H.
CROWN LEASES.
5. 520 Crown Leases were issued during the year, as against 742 in the previous year a decrease of 222. Particulars are set out in Table III.
6. The number of leases issued each year during the last ten years is shewn in Table 1.
FEES.
7. The total amount of fees collected (exclusive of the New Territories) amounted to $91,950.75, being a decrease of $4,335.75 on the preceding year. Table IV shews the Monthly Revenue.
8. Land Registration Fees in the New Territories amounted to $8,099.90, and Crown Lease Fees to $90.00
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 724 acres 1 rood and 27.6 poles, of which 674 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 1938.
SURRENDERS.
12. 36 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 $272,825.10 an increase of $98,174.95.
CROWN RENTS.
14. The number of lots entered on the Hong Kong and Kowloon Crown Rent Roll-as shewn in Table VI-was 11,674 an increase of 670 on the preceding year.
The Crown Rents on this Roll amounted to $719,597.22—an increase on the preceding year of $15,697.32.
15.
16. The number of lots entered on the Village Crown Rent Roll-as shewn in Table VII was 1,951 a decrease of 4 on the preceding year.
17. The Crown Rents on this Roll amounted to $1,314.80—a decrease of $11.00 as compared with the preceding year.
18. The total Crown Rents amounted to $720,912.02 an increase of $15,686.32 on the year 1937-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 276 and the total sum of fees collected was $4,047.00.
20.
DOCUMENTS.
979 miscellaneous documents were prepared in the Land Office during the year, being a decrease of 253 compared with the year 1937; viz:—
(a) 520 Crown Leases (with Counterparts).
(b) 295 Memorials for the registration of Undertakings relating to Verandahs
and Balconies over Crown Land.
(c) 36 Surrenders of land required for public purposes, street improvements
and private Exchanges.
(d) 91 Agreements for exchanges and surrenders.
(e) 36 Memorials of Re-entry.
(f) 1 Deed of Covenant relating to Scavenging Lane.
TABLE I.
Number of Instruments Registered and Crown Leases Granted During
The Years 1929 to 1938.
Instruments Registered.
Year.
Crown Leases Granted.
1929
4,250
242
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
Victoria Marine
I 3
TABLE II.
Consideration on Instruments Registered in the Land Office
During the Year 1938.
No. of Lots
Description of Instruments.
Number Registered.
or Portions of Lots Affected.
Total Consideration.
$
¢
Assignments
1,270
1,525
23,755,492.03
Mortgages and Transfer of Mortgages.
910
1,178
13,614,749.91
Reassignments and Certificates of
Satisfaction
843
1,086
14,828,515.42
Surrenders
36
44
208,189.00
Judgments and Orders of Court
59.
180
Miscellaneous Documents
511
1,143
64,500.00 165,525.30
Probates and Letters of Administra-
tion, (Estate Duties and Interest
$256,449.88)
123
271
Total
TABLE III.
3,752
5,427
52,636,971.66
Crown Leases Granted During the Year 1938.
Hong Kong
Kowloon
New Kowloon
Victoria Inland
Rural Building
Victoria Garden
1 311
6
2
Aberdeen Inland
Kowloon Marine
Kowloon Inland
New Kowloon Inland
New Kowloon Dairy Farm
LO
5
1 110
83
1
520
Total
I 4
TABLE IV.
Return of Monthly Revenue Paid in Stamps to the Land Office During the Year 1938.
Month.
Registration
of Deeds.
Searches, Copy Documents,
Crown Lease Fees.
Total.
and Certifications.
$
$
¢
$
$
January
4,065.00
1,688.50
1,710.00
7,463.50
February
2,852.00
596.50
1,200.00
4,648.50
March
4,374.00
677.25
1.800.00
6,851.25
April
5,146.00
622.00
1,710.00
7,478.00
May
4,257.00
637.00
1,320.00
6,214.00
June
4,442.00
414.75
1,980.00
6,836.75
July
5,273.00
1,785.00
3,030.00
10,088.00
August
5,360.00
762.75
3,120.00
9,242.75
September
5,314.00
493.00
3,870.00
9,677.00
October
4,351.00
533.00
2,610.00
7,494.00
November
4,568.00
488.00
2,280.00
7,336.00
December
4,330.00
1,561.00
2,730.00
8,621.00
Totals
54,332.00
10,258.75
27,360.00
91,950.75
96,286.50-1937 Total.
91,950.75-1938 Total.
4,335.75 Decrease.
TABLE V.
Fees Collected During the Years 1929 to 1938.
Year.
Registration of Deeds.
Searches, and Copies of Documents.
Grants of Leases.
Total.
1929
$ ¢..
63,478.00
$ ¢
$
¢
$
¢
5,498.50
7,100.00
76,076.50
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
81,508:00
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
و
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
I 5
TABLE VI.
Hong Kong and Kowloon Rent Roll.
Locality and Description.
No. of Lots.
Total Crown Rent.
$3
¢
Victoria Marine Lot
433
71,009.69
35.
Praya Reclamation Marine Lot
28
Inland Lot
4,669
J
Quarry Bay Marine Lot
Victoria Farm Lot
3
Inland Lot
13
858.91
236,233.74
18,946.00 4,024.00
6
381.55
Garden Lot
56
>>
Rural Building Lot
298
2,216.00 55,891.70
Aberdeen Marine Lot
7
579.16
وو
Inland Lot
84
1,206.50
Aplichau Marine Lot
20
113.88
Inland Lot
45
""
282.48
Shaukiwan Marine Lot
10
2,308.00
Inland Lot
231
5,105.30
Stanley Inland Lot
7
67.00
Pokfulam Dairy Farm Lot
4
2,712.00
Kowloon Marine Lot
55
50,920.80
Inland Lot
3,094
138,020.16
Garden Lot
1
1.00
Hung Hom Marine Lot
3
6,590.00
وو
Inland Lot
Sheko Inland Lot
Tai Tam Inland Lot
Tong Po Inland Lot
New Kowloon Marine Lot.
157
9,256.00
7
39.00
1
1.00
1
1.00
3
18,938.00
Inland Lot
2,370
70,238.35
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
1,304.00
Mining Lot
3
2,670.00
Tsun Wan Marine Lot
6
12,436.00
Inland Lot
15
2,658.00
New Kowloon Dairy Farm Lot
20
1,154.00
Tsing I Marine Lot
1
76.00
Ping Shan Inland Lot
1
634.00
Total
11,674
719,597.22
1 6
TABLE VII.
Village Rent Roll.
Locality and Description.
No. of Lots. Total Crown Rent.
$
:
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
12
33.50
Little Hong Kong
174
68.10
Shek O
Hok Tsui
Chai Wan
Stanley
325
: 73.50
123
26.80
723
125.80
315
115.60
Total
1,951
1,314.80
I7-
PART II.-MARRIAGE REGISTRY
MARRIAGES.
The number of Marriages celebrated in the Colony during the year was 544, (of which 336 were between Chinese persons) as compared with 421 (and 236) respectively in 1937-an increase of 123. 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 $5,081.00 as compared with $3,286.16 in 1937-an increase of $1,794.84. 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, 24.
(a) At Licensed Places of
Public Worship.
4.
(b) At the Office of the Registrar of Marriages.
20.
(2) Marriages by REGISTRAR'S CERTIFICATE, 518.
(4) At Licensed Places of
Public Worship.
231.
(b) At the Office of the Registrar of Marriages.
287.
(3) Marriages in ARTICULO MORTIS, 2.
(Ordinance No. 3 of 1898 Section 2.)
In St. Paul's Hospital, Causeway Bay, 1.
At No. 7, King's Terrace, Kowloon, 1.
- 18
TABLE II.
Fees Received During 1938.
529 Certificates of Notice
(Registrar's Certificates)
11 Searches
80 Certified Copies
1
Copy
19 Licences to Registrar of Marriages to issue
his Certificates under Section 9 of
Ordinance No. 7 of 1875
24 Special Licences
¿
307 Marriages at the Office of the Registrar
1 Miscellaneous
Year.
Total
TABLE III.
No. of Marriages Solemnized.
Fee.
Total Fees.
$
@
$1.00
529.00
@
$1.00
11.00
@
$1.00
80.00
Free of Charge
@
$10.00
190.00
@
$50.00
1,200.00
$10.00
3,070.00
$1.00
1.00
$5,081.00
Total Amount of Fees Collected.
$ ¢
1929
225
2,440.75
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
PART III.-GENERAL.
STAFF.
Mr. W. J. Lockhart-Smith, who returned from leave on 28th February, did not resume duty in the Land Office, and was transferred to Tanganyika on 1st October. Mr. W. Aneurin Jones acted as Assistant Land Officer and Deputy Registrar of Marriages from 1st January to 20th October when he was attached to the Treasury, and Mr. T. J. Gould who arrived in the Colony on 28th September has acted as Assistant Land Officer and Deputy Registrar of Marriages in succession to Mr. Jones.
T. S. WHYTE-SMITH,
Land Officer and Registrar of Marriages.
9th March, 1939.
im.
Appendix J.
REPORT ON THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE YEAR 1938.
:
ANAR
A. NORTHERN DISTRICT.
EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE.
1. Appendices I and II show some comparative details of the expenditure and revenue in 1937 and 1938. The increased expenditure on "Local Public Works?? was due to the large number of works in repair of damage wrought by the typhoon of 1937. The list appears in Appendix IV. The first item therein ensures safety to many sampans, should the circumstances of 1937 be repeated. It consisted of enlarging and adapting the natural shelter afforded by the tiny bay immediately to landward of the level crossing at Tai Po under the White House and within the railway line.
2. "Land Sales" and "Crown Rent" account chiefly for the increase in the revenue collected. The increased demand for land was presumably due to the influx of refugees into the Colony.
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.
For the first time for many years there was not an increase in the number of criminal cases: indeed there were fewer than in any year since 1933. There were half as many opium and revenue offences as in 1937, and in 1938 the largest number of charges feli under "Traffic offences of a technical nature. Offences under this head, however, in spite of the increased volume of traffic consequent on the opening of the road to Canton and, later, the necessity of supplying refugees, were fewer than in 1937. Larceny continued to be one of the commonest crimes.
The number of serious offences did not diminish, however, and the number, 74, of accused persons committed for trial at the Supreme Court was by far the largest ever recorded. The commonest of these serious crimes were the possession of arms and ammunition, robbery, and burglary.
Circumstances were, of course, exceptionally favourable for persons of criminal intention. Just over the border and on nearly all vessels plying just outside Colonial waters the majority of adult males were armed, and many who entered this District as refugees brought arms with them. (In view of the fact that at one time their influx must have increased the population of this District by about one third, or one half, it is surprising that more trouble did not occur. Such as there was took the form chiefly of cattle-stealing by, or from, refugees, other forms of larceny, tree-stealing, and robbery. The increase in the number of cases of tree-stealing was probably due to the high price obtainable for firewood as a result of the stoppage of the large supply which normally comes to the Colony down the West River. There were, of course, successful crimes, and more than one murderer got away. The Police deserve great credit for the manner in which they responded to the great increase in daily and nightly work with which they were faced.
robbed in the middle The burglars, in a First they procured
In June, July, and August at least five convents were of the night by gangs led in each case by the same man. party of four or five, followed the same procedure each time. some suitable article, such as a ladder, or a long drying pole, on which to ascend to the roof. Then they knocked a hole in the roof, sometimes taking an hour to do so.
Then one or more of them, armed, dropped down through the hole, frightened the nuns, novices, and servants inside, and admitted the rest of the gang through a door. They, did not hesitate to use force to intimidate the inmates.
#
J 2
These generally behaved tamely, but in one case a servant blew a whistle and sounded a drum, unfortunately without effect. The articles stolen included money, jewellery, and clothing. The leader was finally arrested on information, and two others of the gangsters rounded up. They were all Hakka from Chinese Territory. At the sessions the leader was sentenced to a total of five years' hard labour and the other two to three and a half and three years respectively.
In October a bold deliberate attempt was made to steal cash, $9,000, which was being taken by motor-van carrying an armed guard to the mine at Lin Ma Hang as the month's pay of the employees there. Four men, at least two of whom were armed with revolvers, suddenly attacked the van as it came round a bend in the road not far south-east of Tai Pɔ. At the sessions each of the three apprehended was sentenced to ten years' hard labour. They were all Hakka, from Waiyeung.
over twice as many as
4. 128 deaths in unusual circumstances were reported in 1937, when the number was greater than ever before. It must be noted, however, that the figures given under this head in 1937 did not incl:de the victims of the Typhoon of the 2nd of September. The very high figure for 1938 is explained chiefly by mortality among refugees, especially their children.
19 death inquiries were held, as against 11 in 1937, and an average of under 5 a year for the eight years preceding that.
There were twelve deaths on the roads and an equal number by drowing. Seven persons were killed on the railway, and five miners were killed at the mine at Lin Ma Hang, chiefly by falls of rock. Four persons were killed by gunfire in this District during the Japanese attack on Sham Chun and Lo Wu on the 26th of November. There were four verdicts incriminating "a person, or persons, unknown.' Two young married women, both Hakka living on the northern shores of Tolo Harbour, being unhappy in the families into which they had married, committed suicide by: swallowing the leaves of a plant called gelsemium elegans benth., whose common local Hakka names are t'ai c'ha yok (= big tea medicine), or ch'ai ch'a yok (= pluck tea medicine). This plant apparently occurs at infrequent intervals in the hills and is familiar to the experienced as an occasional food for pigs and a fatal poison for human beings. As a poison it turned out to be well known to the Government Analyst, whose records showed that it had at intervals in the Colony's history been used in criminal poisonings.
5. The Small Debts Court was busier than the year before: 125 cases and 30 distress warrants compared with 87 cases and 21 distress warrants.
LAND AND AGRICULTURE.
6. Statistics regarding the sale, etc., of Crown Land are shown in Appendix X. There was a marked rise in the value of land throughout the District. This fact was apparent in the prices paid in the private transactions registered in this land registry as well as in the sale of Crown Land, much more of which was sold than in 1937, and at higher premia and rates of Crown Rent. A pleasing feature was the increased demand for Crown Land for planting orchards. The purchasers are almost without exception townspeople, and much capital is thus sunk in the District. The result is to make productive and beautiful areas, always. the lower slopes of hills or mountains, which have hitherto been barren or at best thinly planted with pine trees. If his orchard grows successfully, the owner often builds a house there. The estate then catches the eye of another townsman or returned emigrant with money to invest; and there is reason to hope that the planting of orchards in the New Territories will increase as the facilities become better known. The chief obstacle is lack of water.
Over seventy acres of marshy land were sold in the neighbourhood of Yuen Long for conversion into fish ponds.
J 3
7. Most of the land resumed for public purposes was to provide for the road 'to Canton.
8. There was of course a great demand for house accommodation: all flats in the towns were occupied, and the construction of new buildings was general throughout the District.
9. In January H.E. the Governor opened Joseph Hall, the fine new building at Fan Ling presented to the New Territories Agricultural Association through the generosity of Mr. J. E. Joseph. A beginning was made there with the long- projected agricultural school; but later in the year it was turned over to the Government as a temporary hospital for refugees and police sub-station for the military internment camp temporarily pitched nearby. The Agricultural Association continued its experiments on crops more actively and leased more land for this purpose.
The Tai Po Rural Home and Orphanage completed its boys' hostel, the need for which had been clearly demonstrated in the 1937 typhoon.
10. Nearly a hundred more matsheds were permitted to be erected than in 1937, and it is doubtful if the present number will be much exceeded, since the medical authorities object to them generally on sanitary grounds. There were in addition many unpermitted matsheds, some very flimsy and impermanent, put up by temporary refugees.
11.
The weather in 1938 favoured both the farmers and the refugees. February and March were exceptionally wet, and the hours of sunshine in April were longer than ever before recorded. There was plenty of water again for the second crop of rice, and unusually heavy rain in October. Statistics of rainfall are now kept at Sai Kung, Tai Po, Lok Ma Chau, and Ping Shan Police Stations, and at Fan Ling Golf Club. Lok Ma Chau and Ping Shan were considerably drier than the stations further east. The only high winds occurred during the extraordinary storm in May, so that there was much less damage to fruit than in 1937. The Ch'ing Ming festival, falling as it did after a long spell of dry sunny weather, caused more fires, originating round graves, than usual. November and December were unusually mild, which was fortunate in that the refugee influx was at its height during these two months.
12. Under such favourable conditions both crops of rice were above the average, and prices were good, especially towards the end of the year, as a result of the hostilities in China. The strong demand, for the same reason, for poultry, pigs, and cattle, assured farmers of good prices for these, too.) There is no doubt that the idea of growing vegetables in winter is now really generally accepted. Both in volume of output and in quality last winter showed a great advance, and the demand increased considerably.
13. The large modern farms, dealing in fruit, vegetables, poultry, pigs, and honey, continue to increase in number. The owners nearly all make roads to them, which benefits the District as a whole, since the roads are mostly over Crown Land, and public. These farms and the fish-ponds, of course, shared in the boom. (The same strong demand benefited the sea-folk, and the waters of the District were apparently sufficiently richly stocked to satisfy these people, in spite of the fact that the sea-folk were at times about four times as numerous as usual, particularly in the weeks following the Japanese landing in Bias Bay.)
14. Pineapples did badly and several leases of land on which pineapples were grown were not renewed on expiry.
15. The licensees of forestry lots found an excellent market for their wood and cutting in excess of the stipulated one-tenth of the trees on the lot was undoub- tedly general. Proper control of these lots would require a staff very much greater than is now available. It is hoped, however, that the high price now obtainable for pine-tree wood is stimulating planting more intensively than hitherto.
J 4
16. The new mine at Lin Ma Hang, and the mine at Ma On Shan, continued to be actively worked. Partly as a result of recommendations made by juries in death inquiries above mentioned the Government borrowed from Malaya an expert who has submitted a report recommending legal provision for stricter control.
17. In the Land Court there were 127 disputes, compared with 91 in 1937. There were a few applications for orders of eviction, but not sufficient to justify a recommendation to the Government that the Prevention of Eviction Ordinance, 1938, should be applied to the New Territories.
REFUGEES.
18. It is not proposed to deal other than superficially with this subject which is fully treated of in other reports.
At the height of the influx there were probably 50,000 refugees in this District. All the villages in the northern half of it seemed to have doubled their popula- tions without taking into account the Government camps at Kam Tin, Fan Ling North and South, and Gill's Cutting, the various camps organized by the Wai Yeung Association (at Sheung Shui, Wo Hop Shek, etc.), and the huge accumulations at San T'in, Yuen Long, Ping Shan, Ha Tsuen, and Lo Fau Shan.
The local people were undoubtedly most hospitable to their relations and friends from over the border, which resulted in the overcrowding of all available housing accommodation. But not all the New Territories' people were the losers under these circumstances. Some villages undoubtedly came in for a share of the food and spare clothing which at one period were being distributed in such abundance.
Because the Japanese landed at Au T'au the Hakka from Tam Shui, Wai Chow, Ping Shan, Lung Kong, etc., were first to take refuge in the Colony and these people were also the first to return to their homes when conditions became more normal. The Hong Kong Wai Yeung Association was well to the fore in the organization of kitchens and temporary camps in this District, and in encoura- ging the refugees to return when it became less unsafe to do so. At the time of writing most of the refugees remaining in the District are Cantonese from Po On, Tung Kun, Tai Ping, Bocca Tigris.
It has already been pointed out that the influx of refugees was not followed by a proportionate increase in crime. Indeed on the whole they behaved themselves admirably, and it is marvellous that such crowds of people could live together in such circumstances without much squabbling, fighting, and brutality. Any persons in camps who were caught stealing or fighting there were severely dealt with; and, after the first cases, notices were posted drawing attention to the severity of the penalties.
The District also had its quota of moneyed refugees, many of the large modern country houses being leased by schools from Canton, notably the "Cafe- teria" buildings at Castle Peak by the Ling Nam Middle School, a big house near Lam Tei by an American children's co-educational school from Shanghai, various big houses at On Lok Tsuen, Fan Ling, and so on. Not a few comparatively rich refugees have come to live in the market towns.
Apart from crime, this Department acted where necessary as a buffer between refugees and the organizations caring for them and the local people. At one time in the autumn, for instance, it appeared that a certain group of villages in the Pat Heung plain were going to make trouble over the water supply to Kam T'in Refugee Camp, then being laid down. They protested in the usual large numbers and with the usual vehemence that they were being deprived of water essential to their agriculture and to their livelihood. Slight concessions and certain promises were made to them and they appeared satisfied for the time being.
J 5
GENERAL.
19. In accordance with the practice obtaining in England the Registrar-General of Births and Deaths decided in the course of the year to allow no "late" registration of birth more than seven years after the event. On the District Officer representing to him that registration had in the New Territories been compulsory for much less than seven years he allowed a few months' grace before applying the new rule to the New Territories. Consequently the Assistant Registrars (the Officers in Charge of Police Stations) received about three hundred and fifty applications, all of which had to be passed by the District Officer before submission to the Registrar-General.
20. As will have been gathered from the remarks under "Land and Agricul- ture" above, the people of the District enjoyed in 1938 unusual prosperity, which was not altogether counterbalanced by the necessity of harbouring refugee relatives or friends, and which resulted in a decrease in unemployment.
21. As regards health, also, conditions were much better than they might have been. At the Lin Ma Hang mine malaria was again very troublesome. The work done by St. John Ambulance was most beneficial.
22. In the course of the year the Department issued and distributed, notices on a large scale (600 copies) as follows:
drawing attention to the Registrar-General's decision regarding late regis- tration of births;
drawing attention to the necessity of registering adopted daughters; and
drawing attention to the desirability of planting as much vegetables as possible, and to the profits to be expected from their sale.
23. In the course of the year legislation was passed applying certain sections of the Brildings Ordinance, dealing with dangerous buildings and a magistrate's power to order their closure, to the New Territories. Also, the New Territories Regulation Ordinance was amended to empower the Governor in Council to make rules "for the prevention and abatement of nuisances and the making of orders by "magistrates in connexion therewith and also for any matter with regard to which "the Urban Council may for the time being have power to make by-laws under "the Public Health (Sanitation) Ordinance, 1935, and the Building Ordinance, 1935, "to take effect elsewhere within the Colony. Later, rules were duly made; and certain sections of the Public Health (Sanitation) Ordinance were made applicable to the New Territories, giving any Health Officer, or officer duly authorised by him, power of entry to search for infectious disease. This was a prelude to the appointment this year of Chinese Sanitary Inspectors to work in the New Territories.
"Women and Girls" and "Miscellaneous" cases were as follows:
Women and Girls
24.
1937
1938
""
48;
65;
Miscellaneous
19:
27.
25. Mr. R. Edwards acted as District Officer from the 5th of June to the 10th of July.
26. The customary annual tribute to the gentlemen of the Heung Yi Kuk is here paid in all sincerity: they are very steady, and their common sense is remark- able.
31st of March, 1939.
J. BARROW,
District Officer, North.
JG
Appendix I.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE IN 1937 AND 1938.
Personal Emoluments*
Other Charges.
Conveyance Allowances
Electric Light & Fans
Incidental Expenses
Local Public Works
Transport
Scavenging
Uniform
Upkeep of Grounds of Island House
Total Other Charges
Total Department
1937. $69,692.85
1938. $60,994:59
1,769.51
170.41
1,585.37 179.25
437.69
449.70
490.00
3,900.00
877.06
420.10
1,729.02
245.65
195.00
1,795.10 295.52 180.00
$5,414.34
$ 8,805.04
$75,107.19
$69,799.63
*Includes officers of Cadet and Junior Clerical Services attached to the Department.
Appendix II.
.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF REVENUE COLLECTED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER IN 1937 AND 1938.
Dangerous Goods Licences
1937. $ 2,130.00
1938.
2,036.25
Ferries Licences
6.00
3.00
Forestry Licences, N.T.
7,675.58
6,736.10
Liquor Licences
1,806.25
1,662.50
Money Changers' Licences
250.00
275.00
Pawnbrokers Licences
1,250.00
1,500.00
Tobacco Retailer Licences
1,065.00
2,521.00
Assessed Taxes (Rates) N.T: North
7,738.71
8.049.87
Fines
5,744.99
4,458.70
Building Convenant Fines
337.06
762.16
Forfeitures
873.00
938.00
Court Fees
5.70
38.75
Boundary Stone and Survey Fees
144.00
Crown Leases
30.00
30.00
Permit to cut earth, etc.
3,649.65
3,762.83
Certified Extracts
182.00
138.00
Sunprints
70.00
120.00
Warrant Fees (Crown Rent & Small Debt's Court)
243.00
411.00
Grave Certificates
Legal Costs
Official Signatures
Matshed Permits
Permits to occupy lands
Crown Rent (Leased Lands)
Piers
Pineapple Land Leases
Stone Quarry Permits
Other Miscellaneous Receipts
Land Sales
Stamps for Deeds
7.00
1.00
32.10
15.60
3.00
5,370.40
5,743.60
3,129.30
3,587.97
94,931.99
1,404.00
8.00 8,774.27
137.00
20,394.93
4,374.00
4,556.20
$151,706.17
$169,000.38
95.51 519.66
99,292.16
389.76 1,295.00
The following revenue from this District was collected by the Accountant-General in Hong Kong.
Crown Rent
Mining Royalties
Estate duty on estates wholly within the District
Total........
1937.
$4,768.00
3,425.70
658.25
$8,851.95
1938. $ 4,868.00 $13,713.01
1,648.35
$20,229.36
J 7
←
Appendix III.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS.
Year.
*Personal Emoluments &
Other Charges.
Special Expenditure.
Total Expenditure.
Total Revenue.
3-
$
es
$
1929......
46,371.85
46,371.85
120,580.97
1930......
61,273.56
61,273.56
146,300.10
1931.....
61,241.64
61,241.64.
165,014.61
1932......
61,663.99
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
*Includes Officers of Cadet and Junior Clerical Services attached to the Department.
AFor Maps.
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.
J S
Appendix IV.
LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS, 1938.
Receipts.
Ordinary vote: ...$1,500
Payments.
Amount.
$
Total
New works.
-
Special vote:
.$2,400
Marine typhoon refuge near Wong 1 Au,
Tai Po,
30.00
$3,900
Repairs.
Dam across a stream near Lo Shu Ling
20.00
Walls at U Kok
30.00
Path from Tai Po Market to Wun Iu
400.00
Bunds near Tai Po Old Market
30.00
Pier at Sai Kung Market
100.00
610.00
Repairs necessitated by the Typhoon of 1937.
Bunds at Wo Hang, Sha Tau Kok,
250.00
Sham Chung, Sai Kung,
250.00
وو
Luk Keng, Sha Tau Kok,
500.00
Sha Tin,
,,
100.00
Pak Ho Tun, Sha Tin,
40.00
Kuk Po, Sha Tau Kok,
250.00
,, Fung Hang, Sha Tau Kok,
50.00
"1
Kong Ha,
40.00
""
Tam Shui Hang, Sha Tau Kok,
40:00
Cheung Shu Tan, Tai Po,
50.00
""
Nam Chung, Sha Tau Kok,
150.00
So Lo Pun, Sha Tau Kok,
150.00
93
Lai Chi Wo,
300.00
Sam A, Sha Tau Kok,
40.00
>>
,, Ngau Sz Wu, Sha Tau Kok,
20.00
Yung Shu Au, Sha Tau Kok,
250.00
Shun Wan, Tai Po,
810.00
3,290.00
Total
$3,900
Total...... $3,900.00
Appendix V.
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNISANCE OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATE'S COURTS AT TAI PO AND PING SHAN DURING THE YEAR 1938.
Total No.
Classification of Offences.
of
Total No.
of
Charges.
Defendants
Convicted
and
Sentenced.
Discharged.
Committed for trial at the 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.
M.
M.
F.
M.
F.
(a) Against their Property.
1. Larceny (simple)
160
190
136
Stealing from the person
9
9
Robbery
9
16
Burglary and Housebreaking
11
18
Demanding with menaces
2
False pretences and cheating
6626
or 1 01 00 800
20
17
8.
1
11
1120
13
2
2
11
45
4
9
Receiving and possession of stolen
goods
126
93
3.
Malicious damage
4
5.
Other offences
10
16
366
39
33
18
4
2
1
-1
2
1
00
(b) Against their persons.
1. Homicide
3
4
4
2.
Ill-treatment and grievous harm
10
10
4
3.
Common assault
46
67
31
4.
Kidnapping
2
1
5. Sexual offence
1
1
6. Other offences
17
3
2
✪ --
2
1
19
11
OFFENCES OF A PUBLIC NATURE.
(c) Against the Crown & Government.
1.
Currency offences
4. Trespass and damages on Crown
Land
7.
Opium and Revenue offences
8.
Dangerous drug and goods
..9...Other offences
Carried forward
7
230
2227
49
19
265
186
58
23
31
10
6
ANN
2
3
2
1
20
1
2
1
110 1
33
6
2
1
1211
20
Appendix V,-Continued.
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER Cognisance OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATE'S COURTS AT TAI PO AND PING SHAN DURING THE YEAR 1938.
Total No.
Total No.
Classification of Offences.
of
of
Charges.
Defendants
Convicted
and
Sentenced.
Discharged.
Committed for trial at the
Supreme
Court.
Bound over without further Penalty To keep the peace & be of good behaviour.
Convicted
and
Cautioned.
Police
Supervision.
Previously
Convicted.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F.
M.
F. M.
F.
Brought forward
(d) Against Public Justice.
2
1.
Escape and breach of Prison
2.
Returning from banishment
35
35
3.
Perjury
1
4.
Bribery
2
5.
Other offences
11
16
12120
28
1
1
12
(e) Against the Public Peace.
1.
Breach of the peace
23
74
22
2.
Unlawful possession of arms
22
43
18
3.
Other offences
6
cr
224
6
14
2
20
121
211
22
10
∞ |
11
1
1
(f) Against trade.
3. Employers and workmen offences
❤
1
(g) Against Public Morals and Police.
3.
Lotteries and gambling
32
221
4.
Offences against public health
5
7
219
5
22
5.
Street hawkers offences)
6.
Obstruction
62
63
58
4
1
5
7.
Offences with fire crackers
3
∞
2
9.
Traffic offences of a technical
nature
306
306
241
1
10.
Dangerous driving of vehicles
3
3
3
2813
22
38
49
12.
Unlicensed or unmuzzled Dogs
100
100
88
13.
Other offences
107
123
93
00201
1
2
8
19
1
--
Total..
1,418
1,82,0
1,257
170.
156
12
74
61
17
70
15
181
J 10
Appendix VI.
J 11
TAI PO AND PING SHAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
RETURN OF PUNISHMENTS AWARDED IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN CLASSES OF OFFENCES DURING THE YEAR 1938.
Punishments.
Description.
Number of
Persons
Punished.
I
Offences against:
Against
their
Individuals.
Offences of a Public Nature.
Against
their
Property.
Person.
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.
Fined
770
80
10
223
15
73 39
2
12
2
+
Imprisoned in default
349
86 147 35
6
1
140
48
19
655 13
28
N
Imprisoned without option
92
4
46
1
N
1
30
N.
CO
100
Bound over to keep peace and to be of good behaviour
54
15
14
15
1
22
10
Convicted and cautioned
78
1
N
CO
Q
60
1
Bound over and fined
17
Bound over, ordered to pay compensation and fine
ස
Bound over and ordered to pay compensation
11
2
1
1
1
2
2
Total.
1,364 192 219 61
59
7
221
88
45
70
16
2
748 16
Convicted and Punished.
Appendix VII.
ABSTRACT OF CASES BROUGHT UNDER COGNIZANCE OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATE'S COURTS AT TAI PO AND PING SHAN
Total
Number
Years.
of Cases.
DURING A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS.
Cases, How Disposed Of, And The Number Of Male And Female Prisoners Under Each lead.
Discharged.
Ordered to find Security to keep the Peace, to be of good Behaviour, and to answer any charge.
Committed for Trial at Supreme Court,
Convicted and Cautioned.
Total Number of Defendants.
1.
2
3
5
10
14
15
16
25
26
27
28
29
30
M.
F.
Ꭻ .
M.
J.
M.
F.
Ꭻ .
M.
· F.
J.
M.
F.
J.
M.
F.
J.
1934.
1,451
1,237
117
272 22
20
2
67
9
5
56
1
1,652
150
16
1935.
1,675 1,484 102
202
16
98
29
86
1,886
165
14
1936.
1,854 1,521 132 13
197
22
100
,13
59
1,899
158
19
1937.
1,881 1,661 190 11
266
13
39
1938.
Total
Average
per
1,656
1,418 1,257 170 23 8,279 7,160 711 56
1,432 142 11
156 12
74
22
115 23
22
2,103
231
12
61
17
68
1
1,616
202
23
1,093 80
14 171
6
CO
441 91
5
291
18
9
9,155 906 84
219 16
3
34
1
88
18
1
58
4
2
1,831
181 17
Year.
Appendix VIII.
RETURN OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS BROUGHT BEFORE THE POLICE MAGISTRATE'S COURTS AT TAI PO AND PING SHAN DURING THE YEAR 1938.
A--Boys.
Classification of Offenders.
Total
No. of
Defend.
Convicted & Sentenced
Fines
Committed to Remand Home.
ants.
(Inflicted on Parents),
1
3
4
5
J 12
Committed to Industrial School,
Guardian Bound over for Good
Behaviour of Defendants.
1
2
3
1
2 3
4
Possession of Raw Opium
Possession of dutiable tobacco
Larceny of growing trees
Larceny of purse containing money
2261
Total.
11
1
6
1
1
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.
J 13.
Appendix VIII.
RETURN OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS BROUGHT BEFORE THE MAGISTRATE'S COURTS
AT TAI PO AND PING SHAN DURING THE YEAR 1938.
B.-GIRLS.
Classification of Offenders.
Total No. of Defen-
Fine (inflicted on)
Committed to Salvation Army Home for Women & Girls.
dants.
(Parents.)
Possession of Raw Opium
1
Ι
Larceny
Trespassing on a Govern-
ment Plantation
11
Total......
13
3333
(1) Age under 10.
(4) Over 14 and under 15.
2
CO
Co
3
co
H
N
10
5
1
2
3 4 5
2
1
1
(2) Over 10 and under 12.
(3) Over 12 and under 14.
(5) Over 15 and under 16.
Appendix IX.
SMALL DEBTS COURTS.
.1937.
1938.
Average from
1933-1937.
Cases heard
87
125
144
Writs of Execution
21
30
42
Appendix X.
€
ن
Amount
paid for
Resumption
of Land.
Term
of
Years.
No. of
Increase
Decrease
Amount
Sales,
No. of
Area in
of
of
Heading.
Permits,
Lots.
acres.
Licences,
Annual
Rent.
Annual
of
Premia,
Rent.
Fees, etc.
etc.
€9
ن
J 14-
""
""
""
19
"}
''
Sales of Land for Agriculture
54
57
9.73
52.20
Building
66
71
1.56
214.00
& Garden
1
1
24.38
24.40
Orchard
13
14
59.77
120.60
& Garden
& Agriculture
3,326.00
1,587.00
2.655.00
75
75
75
7,450.00
75
Garden & Agriculture
Threshing Floor
Garden
11
"}
""
>>
Fish Pond
>>
Lime Kiln
148
.23
.50
51.00
75
.28
1.30
176.00
75
S |
1.92
219.60
2.736.00
75
2
73.19
104.90
1,737.00
75
1
2
.04
4.00
Conversions
Permits to occupy land for Agriculture
32.00
75
142
3.29
377.00
405.93
75
2
4.40
63.00
21
4
>>
; }
''
"
""
>>
""
""
"}
6
19.22
61.80
10
90
157
109.70
702.76
5
347
""
539
273.42
2,634.59
1
Other purposes
15
16
59.72
Extensions
125.82
1
6
6
.18
Exchanges
35.00
239.00
75
3
.17
.51
75
Re-entries
464
34.95
269.35
Surrenders
17
.81
32.75
Resumptions
159
6.91
15.25
Stone Quarry Permits
2,981.22
111
Permits to cut Earth, etc.
1,295.00
472
Matshed Permits
3,762.83
1,271
21.85
Ferry Licences
5,743.60
1
3.00
Forestry Licences
513
513.
Pinc-apple land Leases
364
364
33,680.50
129.92
6,736.10
Grave Certificates
2
Deeds registered and fees
2,945
389.76
1.00
4,556.20
1
5
:
Appendix J. (1)
REPORT ON THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE YEAR 1938.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
STAFF.
Mr. S. F. Balfour continued as District Officer until the 20th September when Mr. A. G. Clarke took over. Mr. H. J. Cruttwell was appointed District Officer on the 24th November.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE.
2. Tables I to III show comparative details of Revenue and Expenditure of the Department for 1937 and 1938.
3. The Revenue collected by the Department as shown in Table II increased by $3,986.42, the largest increases being in rates, earth and stone permits, deeds registration fees and miscellaneous permits. Those served largely to set off a fall of $14,367.13 in premia for new leases, which were however unusually high in 1937.
4. Table III shows a comparative statement of Revenue and Expenditure of the Department for the last ten years.
MAGISTRACY.
5. Tables IV to VIII give details of the cases heard by the District Officer sitting as Police Magistrate and as Judge of the Small Debts Court.
6. The number of police cases (Table VII) increased by 159 as compared with 1937.
7. There were no murder charges. Öf the two manslaughter charges, one was committed to the Supreme Court, the other amended.
In addition six persons were committed for robbery, two for forgery, two for possession of dangerous drugs, one for breach of deportation ordinance and three for unlawful possession of arms.
8. There were fewer larcenies, but there was towards the close of the year a large increase in forestry offences.
9. Three boys and three girls were dealt with as juvenile offenders.
10.
The number of Small Debts cases rose slightly, but the writs of execution declined by more than 75%..
11. Two death inquiries with jury were held by the District Officer as Coroner.
LAND.
12. Table X shews the work of the land office during the year.
Sales both of building and agricultural land fell considerably, 11.90 acres being sold yielding premia of $4,216.00 as against 77.62 acres with premia of $18,270.00 in 1937. The greatest decrease was in sales of land to non-local persons.
13. The number of memorials registered rose from 1057 for 1937 to 1305.
14. There was a slight decrease in the acreage held under forestry licence.
(
CC
J. (1) 2
GENERAL.
15. The Southern District, whilst less severely tried than the Northern District, also felt the effects of the undeclared war," though the islands suffered and the mainland gained. While the fishing fleets often feared to venture far out, particularly from Tai O, the Tsun Wan area gave promise of developing into a haven for fugitive industries from China.)
season.
AGRICULTURE.
16. With the exception of pineapples, cultivation had on the whole a successful Rice crops and prices were good generally, and vegetables did well particularly on Lamma.
The cattle and pig industries were fairly successful.
FISHERIES.
17. The results of the season were only moderate, though some good catches were made off Tai O.
TRANSPORT.
18. The ferry services were taken over in November 1938 by the Hong Kong Yaumati Ferry Company, who soon shewed themselves anxious to maintain efficient services and to remedy defects.
On the mainland the buses of the Kowloon Motor Bus Company continued to be crowded, and not infrequently had to turn away intending passengers.
19.
REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS.
846 births and 762 deaths in all were registered at Tsun Wan, Cheung Chau and Tai O as against 691 and 905 respectively for 1937. There were no prosecutions during the year.
SANITATION.
20. The scavenging work was moderately well carried out in Hang Hau, Tsun Wan, Tai O and Cheung Chau. In the latter place an incinerator came into operation near the end of the year. A case of cholera occurred in Cheung Chau in the late summer. Congestion made this work both more necessary and more difficult, particularly in Tsun Wan and Cheung Chau.
HYGIENE.
21. The Government travelling dispensary continued to do useful work on the mainland, as did the dispensary at Sham Tseng.
Medical Officers paid regular visits to the islands, and Tai O continued to have the services of a midwife and dispensary.
22. The St. John Ambulance Brigade was as before responsible for the running of the Haw Par Hospital at Cheung Chau, while their clinic at Tsun Wan rendered valuable services.
The former dealt with 32,891 cases and the latter with 21,851 compared with 30,115 and 14,658 cases respectively in 1937.
TAI O.
23. Considering the adverse conditions prevailing, Tai O had quite a good year; but the decrease of 111 in the number of craft built locally and of $1,100 in boat licences is significant.
J (1) 3
24. The following Table gives approximate total figures for the principal catches during the year :-
Price per picul.
Ma Yau
Herring
Wong Fa
Shrimps
Catch.
1937.
1938.
1937. 1938.
500 piculs.
80 piculs.
$20 00
$17.50
1,000
"
2,000
$15.00 $13.00
,,
.14,000
14,750
800
2,900
$14.00 $10.50
$ 7.00 $10.00
The catches of herring and Wong Fa were particularly good, but prices were rather lower than in 1937.
25. All of the stalls in the market did fairly good business.
26. The most successful local industry was salt, the output increasing from 17,200 piculs in 1937 to 25,000 piculs in 1938, the price also improving.
LAMMA ISLAND.
27. A bad year for the poultry and egg business, disease causing considerable losses among the chickens.
Cattle did fairly well and there was some improvement in pig breeding, also in fishing and the shrimp trade.
CHEUNG CHAU.
28. A poor year compared with 1937. Fishing which is the key industry of Cheung Chau did badly few junks ventured down from Kwangtung and local catches were poor. The salt fish and shrimp trades, however, did moderate
business.
29. The market area was generally crowded but business was dull.
30. Small outbreaks of fire occurred at Tung Wan and Tai Choi Yuen, but no serious damage was done. By the end of the year a second fire engine had been allotted to Cheung Chau and both were in good order.
TSUN WAN.
31. A continuing poor level of health as the result of malaria spoiled a good year both for business and general development.
The new market did good business in particular the rice shops increased by about 70% thanks to the influx of workmen engaged both on civil and military schemes. By the end of the year three blocks containing 27 houses and/or shops had been put up and further blocks were under construction.
32. Work on the Asiatic Petroleum Company's reclamation continued, while the Hong Kong Brewery at Sham Tseng and the Hume Pipe Company had quite good years.
Political conditions, which had an adverse effect on the business of the Texaco, brought new businesses to the district, namely the Mayar Silk Factory, Lun Sang water bottle factory and the South China Iron Works.
33. Pineapples were even worse than in 1937, but the beancurd, soy, and especially the firewood trades, did well.
H. J. CRUTTWELL,
District Officer, South.
30 March, 1939.
J (1) 4
Table I.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE 1937 AND 1938.
Personal Emoluments
OTHER CHARGES.
Conveyance Allowances
Incidental Expenses
Lighting
Local Public Works
Rent for Offices
Scavenging
Transport
Uniforms
1937.
*$36,290.57
1938.
$58,987.79
617.31
664.16
195.83
315.16
732.48
718.54
1,800.00
2,405.00
6,200.00
5,000.00
1,524.00
1,776.09
534.07
749.97
95.24
114.34
Total Department...... $48,189.50
$70,731.05
*Includes Officers of Cadet and Junior Clerical Services.
Table II.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF REVENUE COLLECTED BY THE DISTRICT
OFFICER, 1937 AND 1938.
1937.
1938.
Fines
$1,266.23
$1,177.27
Building Covenant Fines
89.93
47.12
Forfeitures
185.00
495.00
Forestry Licences
2,188.40
2.456.70
Hawkers' Licences
*147.00
Miscellaneous Licences
280.00
13.00
Assessed Taxes (Rates)
858.56
1,966.93
Earth & Stone Permits
589.00
2,987.12
Legal Costs
112.00
102.00
Boundary Stones & Survey Fees
138.00
212.00
Crown Leases
30.00
60.00
Miscellaneous Fees
157.70
240.25
Deeds Registration Fees
1,656.45
3,543.70
Leased Lands
$23,599.95
$24,021.81
Pineapple Land Leases
447.68
Bathing Matshed Permits
5,785.95
444.26 6,619.37
Matshed Permits
842.70
829.00
Temporary Structure on Private Land
853.00
1,093.00
Permit to Occupy Land
431.20
530.80
Miscellaneous Permits
715.25
4,912.75
Stone Quarries
125.00
234.00
Market Fees
4,753.41
3,877.31
Other Miscellaneous Receipts
29.20.
Premia on New Leases
18,743.53
4,276.40
Revenue Reward Fund
976.64
318.80
Arms Fine Fund
162.23
Poor Box
48.94
101.08
Total..... $64,874.52
$60,898.10
*Previously under "Miscellaneous Licences.'
§ 1. Actual Collections, including normal arrears for previous year.
2. Amount due on 1937 Rent Roll..
Amount due on 1938 Rent Roll..
$23,752.68. $23,906.76.
J (1) 5
Table III.
*Personal Emoluments and
Other Charges.
Special Expenditure.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE OF THE
DISTRICT OFFICE FOR LAST TEN YEARS.
Total Expenditure of the Department.
Total Revenue .Collected by the Department.
1929......
$ &
23,776.34
$
$
$
¢
23,776.34
40,870.41
1930......
39,410.90
39,410.90
46,715.94
1931.....
36,282.47
36,282.47
51,285.59
1932...... 42,073.65§
Į
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
>
i
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......
70,731.05
70,731.05
60,898.10
* Includes Officers of Cadet and Junior Clerical Services attached to Department.
§ Includes salary, May to November, of Cadet Officer on leave.
1
Table IV.
ABSTRACT OF CASES UNDER COGNISANCE OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATE'S COURT AT DISTRICT OFFICE, SOUTH DURING THE YEAR 1938. 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-
dants.
Convicted
and
Sentenced.
Committed for
Discharged.
trial at the
Bound over to keep the peace
and be of good
Bail
Estreated.
Supreme Court.
behaviour.
M.
F.
J. M. F.
J.
M. F. J.
M. F. J.
M.
F.
J.
OFFENCES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS.
(a)—Against their Property.
Larceny (Simple)
109
134
86
Robbery
4
10
141
1
29
Forgery
3
4
False Pretences
1
1
1
Stealing from Person
3
3
Larceny from Dwelling House
3
1
Receiving Stolen Property
12
13
1
(b)—Against their Person.
Assault (Common)
28
71
1
10
Assault (Bodily Harm)
1.
4
24
1
1
51
1
Murder
Manslaughter
2
N
1
1
OFFENCES OF A PUBLIC NATURE.
(a)-Against the Crown and Government.
Dangerous Drugs
Dangerous Goods
3
Opium Offences
51
82
29
Revenue Offences
61
61
45
20
CD CD OR 20
10
4
2
12
W3
1
40
1
(b)-Against Public Justice.
Deportation
9
9
00
1
(c)—Against Public Peace.
Unlawful Possession of Arms
10
3
1
(d)--Against Public Morals and Police.
Gambling Offences
Hawking Offences
Other Offences
160
SEO
27
235
71
72
209
55 38 1
42
6
14
116 24
32
1
Sand Stealing
7
11
1
4
9 21
6
1
132
12
1
Total..
566
943
403 37
138
5 3
15
108 38
6 189
M. Male.
F. Female.
Juvenile.
| | | |
1 1 1 1
J (1) 6
Table V.
RETURN OF PUNISHMENTS AWARDED IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN CLASSES OF OFFENCES AT DISTRICT OFFICE, SOUTH DURING THE YEAR 1938.
Punishments.
Offences against Individuals.
Offences of a Public Nature.
No. of
Persons
Description.
Punished,
Against
their
Property.
Against
Against the
Against
Against
Public
Other
their
Person.
Crown and Government.
Public
Morals and
Offences.
Justice.
Police.
M.
F.
J. M.
F.
J. M.
F.
J. M.
F. J. M.
F.
J.
M.
F. J. M.
F.
J.
Fined
328 12
2 18
1
16
55 1
1
204
7
1
34 3
Imprisoned in default
239 29
16
1
67
5
7
69
79 24
Peremptory imprisonment
Bound over to keep peace and to be of good behaviour
Total
177
2
90
2
2
15
109 38
7 34
5
LO
25
37
451
6
I 3! 6
1
11
1
9 21
1
853 81
9158
8
4
70
6
1140 12
17
309
7
2 159 48
2
M. = Male.
F. = Female.
J. = Juvenile.
(1) 7
6
Table VI (A.)
RETURN OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS BROUGHT BEFORE THE POLICE MAGISTRATE'S COURT AT
DISTRICT OFFICE, SOUTH DURING THE YEAR 1938.
A.-Boys.
Convicted and Sentenced.
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
Discharged
or
Cautioned.Order made.
Previously Convicted.
Bail
Estreated.
Larceny
1
Gambling
2
Cutting trees
2
Assault
1
!
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. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
1.
1.
1.
+
(1)-Age under 10.
(2)—Over 10 and under 12.
(8)-Over 12 and under 14.
(4)-Over 14 and under 15. (5)—Over 15 and under 16.
8
Table VI (B.)
B.-Girls,
'
Convicted and Sentenced.
Bound Over.
Classifi-
cation of
Offences.
Total No. of Defendants.
Caned in
Court.
Caned and Bound over.
Fined,
Imprisoned. be of good behaviour.
To keep the
peace and
To come
up for
judgment.
Convicted
and
Cautioned.
Discharged
or
Order made.
Previously
Convicted.
Bail
Estreated.
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.
4.5.
!
Larceny
3
2.1.
(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) 9
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.
To keep the peace, to be of good behaviour
Punished for
of His
: Did not appear and absconded.
Escaped before being brought for trial at the
preferring false
Escaped.
charge or
Undecided
Magistracy.
Excellency the
giving false testimony.
and to answer
Governor.
any Charge.
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
00
9
10
11
12
13 14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
223
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
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.
J.
M.
F.
1934
521
535 10
හ
81
Co
1935
402
367
1936
374
371 26
888
29
49
4
6
44 5
2
16
22
20
75
1937
508 397
56 1
36
7
9
32
2008
CO
♡
52
22 23
88
1 1
15
94 13
1938
667
403 37
138
5
10
3
15
108
38
6
189
1
Total
2,472
2,078
158
10 348
20
5
10
31
198
59
6
CO
498
15
113
Aver-
age
494.4
414.631.6 2
69.6
1
6.2
39.6 11.8
3. 1.299.6
.2
per
year.
J (1)
10
Table VII.
↑ OF CASES BROUGHT UNDER COGNIZANCE OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATE'S COURT DURING A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS,
Canon, how disposed of, and the Number of Male and Feinale Prisoners under ouch Hond.
Committed for trial at
Supreme
Court.
Committed to Prison or
detained pending Order
of His Excellency the Governor.
Ordor to And
Security.
To keep the peace, to be of good behaviour and to answer any Charge.
Punished for
Did not
appear and absconded.
Escaped before being brought for trial at the
preferring false
Total No.
Escaped.
Magistracy.
charge or
giving false
Undecided.
of
Defendants.
testimony.
6
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
J. M. F. J. M. F.
J. M. F.
J. M. F. J. M. F. J.
M.
F.
M.
F. J.
M.
F.
J.
M.
F. J.
~
co
16
F
75
1
A
22
Go
52
5
20
88
1
T
7
9
32
15
94 13
མ་
3
15
108
38
6
189
1
710
12
494
33
523
35 9
568
91 1
853
81
9
233
00
}
5
20
CO
6
498
113
15
3,148
252
22
1
6.2
39.6 11.8 1.2 99.6
3.
.2
629.6 50.4 4.4
· 31
198
59
Taw.
.
Appendix K.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, 1938.
GENERAL.
1. (The year 1938 proved no less difficult than the preceding year. The last few months of 1937 had been marked by repercussions in the Colony, especially in regard to refugees, of the Japanese military operations round Shanghai. Conditions were reasonably quiet during the first few months of 1938, but extension of Japanese operations to South China caused another big influx of refugees and a general disturbance of normal conditions. The conditions prevail- ing in the Colony from the effects of the Sino-Japanese conflict are reflected in the number of unknown dead bodies found by police in the streets and elsewhere. From an average of just over 1,000 during the previous four years, the number rose to 2,991 in 1938. This figure alone gives one indication of the extra work thrown upon the Police, Medical and Sanitary Departments during the year.
{
2.Steps were taken to restrict the number of destitute refugees entering the Colony. The capture of Canton and other places caused the opening of several prisons in the neighbouring province and the arrival of many criminals in the Colony. Disruption of civil government in Chinese territory near the border led to many cases of robbery in British territory. The upward tendency of serious crime is indicated by the number of cases dealt with at criminal sessions. number in 1938 was 167 cases, as against 150 in 1937 and 114 in 1936.
The
3. Despite these factors it is satisfactory to report that there was a decrease of 8% in the number of serious crimes in comparison with 1937, although this was offset by an increase in minor crimes so that the total figure for all crime. was 9.3% higher than in 1937.
4. Owing to pressure of other duties it was not possible to hold a "Safety First' campaign. The increase in the number of traffic accidents testifies to the need of such campaigns in the Colony. This has been recognised by the inclusion of money for "Safety First" campaigns as an annual charge in the Police Department estimates. It is hoped to organize a campaign in 1939. Special attention will be devoted to propaganda in the way of pamphlets, street lectures and street notices. There was a very marked increase in the number of accidents, fatal and not fatal, ascribed to persons running across the streets.
5. The Police Reserve was called out for service on October 15th and rendered valuable service to the end of the year, Details are given in Annexe B.
6. The department collected $1,088,426 revenue during the year.
7. Ten more Chinese probationer sub-inspectors were recruited during the year, and three casualties occurred. Their work and progress during the year have been good, confirming the confidence I expressed last year in the future success of these officers.
8. The new police sports ground at Boundary Street, Kowloon, was formally opened by His Excellency the Governor on October 19th. It has been in regular use since. The absence of a pavilion has been a great handicap, but this will be remedied in 1939 through the generosity of Mr. Eu Tong Sen. With charac- teristic generosity Mr. Eu made an original gift of $20,000 to build a pavilion, providing accommodation for all contingents, and added a further $7,050 when it was found that this extra sum was necessary to carry through the desired building
K 2
proposal. The sports ground provides two football grounds, a hockey ground, grass and hard tennis courts and basketball courts. It will prove an inestimable benefit to the Force generally.
VISITS.
9. On February 17th, His Excellency Sir Archibald Kerr Clark Kerr, K.C.M.G., British Ambassador to China, accompanied by Lady Clark Kerr arrived in the Colony en route to Chungking to take up his duties. His Excellency left for Shanghai on the 19th February on board H.M.S. "Falmouth".
10. Coincident with the visit of the British Ambassador, His Excellency Signor Guiliano Cora, Italian Ambassador to China, arrived on February 17th for a brief holiday in the Colony.
11. On March 24th His Excellency the Governor of Macao arrived in the Colony to return a courtesy call made on him the previous year by H.E. the Officer Administering the Government of Hong Kong. His Excellency was the guest of honour at a number of official and private functions during a stay of four days.
SPECIAL EVENTS.
12. Departure of H.E. the General Officer Commanding.-On the 10th of December, H.E. Major-General A. W. Bartholomew, C.B., C.M.G., C.B.E., D.S.O., General Officer Commanding British Troops in China, left the Colony on relinquishing his command. A large gathering of Government and Consular officials and prominent local residents assembled at Queen's Pier to bid him fare- well. Special police arrangements were made for these functions and no untoward
incidents occurred.
13. Smallpox epidemic.-A serious epidemic of smallpox which broke out towards the end of 1937 continued during the first seven months of 1938. The total number of cases notified between January 1st and the end of July was 2,290 of which 1,915 proved fatal. An intensive vaccination campaign was instituted, all incoming ships being met by medical officers and police for examination and vaccination of passengers where necessary. Police co-operated with the medical authorities in this task where ever possible.
14. Extortion case. At the September Criminal Sessions, four police officers, Lance Sergeant A62 C. H. Telfer; Lance Sergt. C292 Leung Chi; Police Constable C693 Mak Kwong Iu; and Police Constable C696 San Kui, were charged before the Chief Justice on two counts of attempting to extort money from the proprietors of two mah-jong schools in Temple Street, Yaumati, on the 9th and 11th May 1938. The jury returned unanimous verdicts against all of the accused on both counts and Telfer was sentenced to two years with hard labour on each count, Lance Sergt. Leung Chi to 18 months with hard labour on each count, and the two constables to twelve months with hard labour on each count, the sentences in each case to run concurrently. All of them were dismissed from the Force.
15. Transfer of the Special Branch to new offices. On May 1st the Special Branch of the C.I.D. was transferred to new offices in the Chung Tin Building, Des Voeux Road Central. The rapid expansion of this branch in recent years had rendered the old offices at headquarters totally inadequate for its needs, and in addition it was considered advisable in the interests of public convenience to have the passport and registration offices located in the centre of the city. On June 2nd the Special Branch took over complete control of passport work formerly done in the Colonial Secretariat. The old offices were reconverted to married quarters.
16. Inspection by H.E. the Governor.-H.E. Sir Geoffry Northcote, K.C.M.G., inspected the Hong Kong Police Force and presented medals at Police Head- quarters on Monday, February 7th and again on Friday, June 3rd, 1938.
K 3
On the first occasion, the following medals awarded in presented:
Colonial Police Long- Service Medals-53.
Hong Kong Police Silver Medal-1.
1936 were
Revolver and musketry awards together with proficiency certificates for life saving won in 1936 were presented by H. E. after the medal presentation.
On the second occasion the following medals awarded in 1937 were presented:-
Colonial Police Long Service Medals-23.
Bars to Colonial Police Long Service Medals-3.
Hong Kong Police Silver Medals-2.
17. His Excellency also presented the King's Police Medal, awarded in the 1938 New Year Honours, to the Commissioner, the Hon. Mr. T. H. King.
18. Seven officers who had received H.E. the Governor's commendation during 1937 were presented to His Excellency and successful candidates received proficiency certificates for life saving gained during the previous year.
19. (Unauthorised war relief collections. In response to representations made by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, permission was granted in August to the Fruit and Vegetable Dealers Guild to maintain three stalls at certain places in Central district and in Kowloon for the sale of fruit, all the proceeds to be devoted to Chinese war relief funds. The movement caught on and developed into an unauthorized general public drive for collections in aid of war relief. In certain districts police had to take stringent action to check the movement, over which the original promotors had lost control. This was par- ticularly the case in Kowloon. In some instances police were requested, and agreed, to take charge of considerable sums of money until they could be paid into the banks on the following day. Police prosecuted 44 persons for unauthorized street collecting.
20. Attacks on junks.-Towards the close of 1937, the Japanese naval forces began a series of systematic attacks on Chinese fishing and cargo junks plying in Chinese waters just outside the sea boundaries of the Colony. These were con- tinued in 1938. In some cases the junks were taken away by the Japanese, but the usual procedure was either to sink them or to burn them. The total extent of these attacks is not known, but during the last six months of 1938, 71 attacks on vessels based on Hong Kong were reported to police, including attacks on a steam launch and three lighters.)
This campaign against fishing vessels has had a serious effect on the local fishing industry as the activities of the fishing fleets are for the most part now confined to British waters. It also entailed a lot of extra work on the Water Police in making enquiries and furnishing reports.
21. Air Raid Precautions.-Practice black-outs were held on the 28th February and on the 24th and 25th November, with a view to testing the extent to which the Colony could be darkened without undue interference with the normal life of the public, and to exercise certain air raid precaution services, under restricted lighting conditions. The practices gave satisfactory, though not completely suc- cessful results. Police precautions were taken, but the occasions were not marked by any serious crime or accidents.
22. Sino-Japanese hostilities near the frontier.-On October 10th, information was received of a possible Japanese landing at Bias Bay, and on October 11th, police were instructed to hold themselves in readiness to man the border posts along the frontier. At 11.00 a.m. on October 12th, orders were received for police
- K 4
to man all border posts, and to be in position fully equipped by 5.30 p.m. the same day. Sha Tin and Castle Peak stations were closed immediately; men from the former station were posted at Man Kam To under canvas; Indian police from Castle Peak, Sai Kung and Sha Tau Kok stations were sent to garrison the Sha Tau Kok blockhouse. Additional police from the European, Chinese and Indian contingents, finally totalling 66 men, were drafted from Hong Kong and Kowloon Stations to augment the New Territory police on the frontier, and in the Government refugee camp at Kam Tin, which was established on October 14th./
23. On October 12th with the help of the Controller of Stores and the Medical Department, large amounts of stores and camp equipment were rapidly assembled at Central compound and transported out to the New Territories by van and train. The Royal Army Ordnance Corps also rendered valuable co-operation in supplying tents, a field kitchen and other equipment outside the scope of Police stores.
24. On October 13th, the Kowloon-Canton highway was closed, and on October 15th, the railway service beyond Shum Chun was discontinued. The frontier, however, remained quiet until November 24th; it was then estimated that approximately 20,000 refugees had passed over into British territory. Railway trucks were used as additional refugee camps at Fan Ling and Cha Hang.
25. At 8.00 p.m. on November 25th, about 200 armed Chinese soldiers crossed the border at Lin Ma Hang blockhouse and surrendered; they were detained at Ta Ku Ling.
26. On November 26th, fighting became general along the border from Shum Chun and near Sha Tau Kok. The Shum Chun wireless station was shelled by the Japanese; one shell landed in Liu Pok village, British territory, wounding three persons, one of whom subsequently died. Many Chinese soldiers crossed the border during the day and were detained, and a further large number were later rounded up at Un Long.
27. During the Japanese advance on Lo Wu, bullets fell freely in British territory, round the Lo Wu blockhouse; two police officers narrowly_escaped death when a shell exploded near their motor cycle. On two occasions, Japanese detachments crossed over into British territory but retired after representations were made by British police and military authorities. Shum Chun was finally captured by the Japanese at noon on November 26th.
28. From November 25th, the influx of refugees increased tremendously to an estimated total of 80,000 persons; many emergency refugee camps were established in the New Territories by various Hong Kong charitable organisations to care for these people.
29. On November 27th, the military authorities took over control of the Sha Tau Kok blockhouse, Man Kam To and Lo Wu, and on November 29th they took over all border posts; police, however, were retained in reserve.
This ar- rangement remained in force up till December 6th when police resumed full control.
On November 29th and subsequent dates all interned Chinese soldiers were removed from the New Territories and interned in the S.S. "Lee Hong", pending their removal to Ma Tau Chung camp on December 8th.
30%
Hong Kong Police Reserve. Owing to the need for drafting additional regular police to the border, the Police Reserve was called out on active service as from October 15th, 1938. Men from all contingents rendered efficient service to the end of the year in the urban areas, to make up for shortage of regular police. I take the opportunity to express my thanks for these services.
K 5
SPECIAL EVENTS (CRIME).
Seizure of forged bank notes and printing plants:-
31. On 10th February, 1938, police simultaneously raided premises at No. 184, Des Voeux Road Central, 2nd floor, No. 109, Wellington St., 2nd floor and No. 70, Connaught Road Central, 2nd floor and at these addresses seized:-
(a) 2,008 forged $1.00 notes of the Canton Municipal Bank.
(b) 2,394 forged 50 cent notes of the Yu Ming Bank of Kiang-Si.
(c) A large quantity of blank paper used for making these forged notes.
(d) A number of unfinished forged bank notes,
(e) Printing presses, plates and other paraphernalia for making these
notes.
32. Four Chinese males and one Chinese female were arrested in con- nection with these seizures and at the March criminal sessions the ringleader was sentenced to 7 years' imprisonment with hard labour. The woman was sentenced to 5 years' imprisonment with hard labour and the two men were each sentenced to 6 years' imprisonment with hard labour. One Chinese male was found not guilty and discharged.
33. Prior to these raids large quantities of forged Yu Ming Bank notes were seized from time to time at the Kowloon railway station as they were being smuggled from the Colony to Chinese territory.
Manslaughter:---
34. On 17th February, 1938, Special Guard No. 9 Hayat Mohamed was beaten with a brass-mounted stick and subsequently died from injuries so inflicted. Deceased's death was the result of a quarrel over a $10.00 wager between Special Guard No. 3 Sher Zaman and deceased regarding the manner of fixing a typhoon bar.
35. Two Indian Guards, Special Guard No. 3 Sher Zaman and Special Guard No. 18 Fateh Khan, were charged with the crime of murder. At the March criminal sessions, the charge was reduced to one of manslaughter and both defendants were found guilty. Both appealed against their conviction and on 4th May, 1938, the appeal of Sher Zaman was dismissed and the appeal of Fateh Khan was allowed and his conviction quashed by the Court of Criminal Appeal.
Murder:-
36. At about 12.25 a.m. on 11th March, a Chinese male named Huen Kon Wang was found staggering along Tin Hau Temple Road with bullet wounds in his body. It was found that the wounded man had received his injuries in a cave on the hillside above King's Road. On examination the cave was found to contain the body of Huen Kon Hing, a brother of Huen Kon Wang. Subsequent enquiries revealed that deceased and his brother were members of a gang who were committing crimes in the Colony.
The gang suspected that the two brothers had given information against them, and in consequence shot them, leaving the bodies in the cave believing that they were both dead. Huen Kon Wang was able materially to assist the Police in clearing up this crime before he eventually succumbed to his injuries 12 days
later.
K 6-
37. The revolver used for the shooting was found to be one stolen on 28th December, 1937, from an Indian constable who was attacked by four Chinese youths near Monmouth Path.
38. At the April criminal sessions two members of the gang were found guilty of the murder of Huen Kon Hing and one was found not guilty.
Murder:
39. On 5th May, 1938, Mrs. Sybil Ruby Challinor, residing at No. 499 The Peak, was brutally murdered by her cook-house-boy named Lam Chun. Sometime about 4 a.m. on that day Mr. Challinor saw Lam Chun attacking his wife with two kitchen knives. Mr. Challinor jumped out of bed and closed with Lam Chun. Mrs. Challinor received multiple stab wounds from which she died on the spot. Mr. Challinor received several stab wounds in the struggle but managed to disarm Lam Chun who ran out of the room. Two Chinese detectives arrived on the scene and arrested Lam Chun.
40. At the July criminal sessions, Lam Chun was found guilty of murder and was sentenced to death.
Seizure of coining machinery:—-
41. On the 31st August, 1938, a raid was carried out at No. 61, Tai Nam Street, 1st floor. In the front cubicle police found seven moulds and a large quantity of counterfeiting materials for the making of counterfeit Hong Kong five and ten cent pieces of both the new and old design. Several unfinished five and ten cent pieces, hot from the moulds, together with 42 counterfeit Hong Kong ten cent pieces and 577 counterfeit five cent pieces were also found. One Chinese male was arrested and charged. At September criminal sessions he was sentenced to 4 years' imprisonment with hard labour.
Murder & attempted murder on Chinese Maritime Customs launch:-
.
42. Between 7 and 8 a.m. on the morning of 11th January, 1937, while the Chinese Maritime Customs launch "Cheung Keng" was on her way from Sam Mun to Hong Kong and was approximately one mile off Fu Tau Mun in British waters, Chung Chi Cheung, a cabin boy on board the launch, suddenly shot to death with a revolver the captain, Douglas Lorne Campbell. He also shot at and seriously wounded the ship's navigation officer, Chu Cheung Koeh. After committing the crime Chung Chi Cheung attempted to commit suicide by shooting himself. The launch sailed into Hong Kong under police escort and the case was taken over by the Hong Kong police. On the recovery of Chung Chi Cheung extradition proceedings were commenced with a view to extraditing him to China for trial. In June, 1937, the extradition proceedings failed as Chung Chi Cheung proved that he was a British subject, born in Hong Kong of Chinese parents. Chung Chi Cheung was then charged with murder and at the August, 1937, criminal sessions was found guilty and sentenced to death. Chung Chi Cheung appealed against this sentence on the grounds that the Supreme Court of Hong Kong had no jurisdiction to try him, because although he was a British subject and the crime had been committed when the launch was in British waters, it took place on board a Chinese armed vessel of which he was a member of the crew. The appeal was disallowed by the Full Court of Criminal Appeal of Hong Kong. Chung Chi Cheung then appealed to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. In October, 1938, after investigating his case, the Judicial Committee upheld the decision of the Full Criminal Court of Hong Kong. In the same month Chung Chi Cheung was granted a reprieve and his sentence was commuted to imprisonment for life.
K 7 -
Shooting with intent to do grievous bodily harm:--
43. On the night of 2nd-3rd December, 1938, Lance-Sergeant H. R. Terrett of the Hong Kong Police arrested a Chinese male named Wong Shu Lun alias Li Sau Hi. During the course of the inquiries, Sergeant Terrett accompanied Wong Shu Lun to the 3rd floor of the Wing On Bank building, Des Voeux Road Central. Whilst in this building, Wong Shu Lun suddenly produced a revolver and shot at Sergeant Terrett, seriously wounding him in the neck. Wong Shu Lun made his escape, but was arrested a few hours later. At the February Criminal Sessions Wong Shu Lun was found guilty of shooting with intent to do grievous bodily harm and of possession of arms, and was sentenced to 14 years imprison- ment with hard labour.
Armed robbery:—
44. At about 19.10 hours on the 6th December, 1938, motor-bus No. 744 of the Kowloon Motor Bus Company, was proceeding on its routine run from Sheung Shui to Un Long. Near Chung Pak Long village two Chinese males boarded the bus. Suddenly one of them produced a revolver, following which the other snatched the conductor's canvas bag containing $65.10 Hong Kong currency. The men then made good their escape. Police enquiries are continu- ing in this case.
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION BRANCH.
45. Summary of crime:-The total number of cases (except summonses) dealt with by the police during 1938 was 60,943 as against 55,722 in 1937 being an increase of 5,221 or 9.3%.
46. There were 11,388 serious crimes in 1938 as against 12,434 in 1937, a decrease of 1,046 or 8.4%. There were decreases in the following :-
Coinage Deportation
13
177
House & godown breaking
16
Kidnapping
3
Larceny
830
Larceny on ship
3
Manslaughter
9
Obtaining by false pretences
48
Receiving
126
Women & Girls Ordinance
2
11
Other serious offences
Increases :-
Arms
13
Assault (serious)
31
Assault with intent to rob
2
Burglary
Embezzlement
50
2
Larceny in dwelling
Murder
Robbery
77
5
12
K 8
47.
There were 116 cases of robbery distributed as follows:-
Hong Kong Island
36
Kowloon
44
New Territories South
1
North
35
""
دو
48. The following tables indicates the number of serious crimes for the whole Colony, 1933-1938.
Year
Charge
No charge
Total
Property Property
cases
cases
cases
stolen
recovered
1933
3,377
2,253
5,630
$764,492
$ 67,469
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
49. The following table indicates the number of crimes classified as outrages, which have been reported to the police during the last 5 years :—
Year Hong Kong Kowloon
N.T.S.
N.T.N.
Total
1934
28
43
4
20
95
1935
27
37
4
34
102
1936
27
40
6
16
89
1937
43
55
4
29
131
1938
40
54
1
44
139
330
20
20
10
GRAPH SHOWING OUTRAGES FOR 1936-7-8.
- K 9
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
Aug.
Sep.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
∙1936 Total cases for year 89
1937
131
99
-1938
139
K 10
51. There were 49,555 minor cases in 1938 as against 43,288 in 1937, an increase of 6,267 or 14%.
PROPERTY REPORTED STOLEN & PROPERTY RECOVERED.
52. The estimated value of property stolen during the year 1938 was $543,545 as against $531,190, an increase of $12,355 or 2.3%. The average for the last 5 years is $463,574.
53. The value of property recovered during the year was $119,400 or 21% of the property stolen as against $115,829 or 21% of the property stolen in 1937.
LOST PROPERTY.
54. A summary of the number of articles lost or recovered during the year with their value is given below :
Year
Articles reported
· Value
lost
Articles recovered or found but not reported lost
Value of articles found
1937
516
$45,959
78
1938
760
71,965
$942
100
$5,630
ARMS.
55. There were 53 seizures of arms during the year, of which 44 were "Charge" cases and 9 were "No charge" cases. The figures for 1937 were 40, 26 and 14 respectively.
56. There were no seizures of note during the year. Table VI gives details of arms and ammunition seized.
GAMBLING.
57. There were 119 successful raids as against 161 in 1937. Convictions were obtained in every case.
58. There were 161 successful lottery raids as against 19 in 1937. Convic- tions were obtained in all cases.
CRIMINAL SESSIONS CASES.
59. During the year there were 167 cases in which convictions were obtained at the criminal sessions as against 150 in 1937 and 114 in 1936.
DEPORTATION OFFICE.
60. Table IV gives the number of persons dealt with by the Deportation Office during the year. A general decrease of 1,616 is shown. This is in part due to deportees not being sent from Malaya owing to the Sino-Japanese conflict in South China.
MISSING CHILDREN.
61. During the year 299 children under the age of 15 years were reported missing. Of this number, 204 were found. Enquiries showed that most of them had strayed or run away from home.
:
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PIRACY.
62. There were no piracies of ships reported during the year.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
63. The following table shows weights & measures examined during the year 1938.
19 38
Weights & measures examined
Correct
Incorrect
Total
Foreign scales
Chinese scales
Yard measures
Chinese foot measures
Total
268
2
270
917
13
930
87
87
94
94
1,366
15
1,381
64. The following prosecutions were instituted under the Weights and Measures Ordinance.
Number of Cases
15
Convictions
14
DANGEROUS GOODS.
Fines
$270.00
65 The following prosecutions were instituted under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance during 1938.
Number of Cases
58
Convictions
56
SPECIAL BRANCH.
Fines
$4,380.00
66. Communist activity in the Colony during the year did not manifest itself ia an anti-British form and was directed almost entirely to the spread of anti-Japanese propaganda and to the support of the war against Japan. Press publicity given to the activities of the Chinese Communist Party & of the Communist 8th Route Army led to a number of local Chinese leaving the Colony to undertake anti-Japanese propaganda in different parts of China.)
stone
67. A certain number of minor anti-Japanese incidents, such as throwing, incitements to boycott Japanese goods and posting up of slogans occurred during the year, but no serious demonstrations or disturbances took place.
K 12
68. A number of new guilds and associations were formed during the year by various labour groups. This movement appears to have been brought about by patriotic Chinese wishing to subscribe in the name of their respective guilds to the different organizations collecting money for war relief purposes.
IMMIGRATION & PASSPORT OFFICE.
69. During the year there were 119 persons of various nationalities other than Chinese, put before the courts for the following offences:—
Passports (including 2 cases of possession of false passports). 61
Stowaways
Vagrants
4
39
70. On 2nd June, 1938, the Special Branch of the Police Department, took over the issuing of passports and visas from the Colonial Secretariat which had previously been responsible for this work.
REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE.
71. During the year, 6,512 persons registered; 6,734 registered persons left the Colony; 51 aliens became British subjects by naturalization. There were 72 convictions for breaches of the Registration of Persons Ordinance, No. 3 of 1934. On 31st December there were 5,182 registered aliens in the Colony.
72.
FINGER-PRINT DEPARTMENT.
A summary of work carried out in the Finger-Print Bureau is as follows:-
No. of slips searched.
No. of persons identified.
No. of slips
No. of new
filed.
records.
1937
23,906
6,964
19,922
12,558
1938
24,747
6,848
19,080
11,922
73. During the year 583 persons were dealt with under the Deportation Ordinance, No. 3 of 1934. Of these 352 were arrested as suspected deportces. The remainder were arrested for other offences. Of the total number, 40 were tried at criminal sessions. At the end of 1937 the number of records on file in the bureau totalled 162,347; at the end of 1938, 174,169. During the year, there were 763 criminal record files created, bringing the total now in the bureau up to 1,677.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SUB-DEPARTMENT.
74. A summary of work carried out in this department during 1938 is as follows:
75. The total number of photographs taken of scenes of crime, accidents etc., was 53.
76. The number of copies of photographs issued was 5,354 made up as follows:-
For Criminal Investigation Department
For Court
For other departments
2,410
530
2,414
་་
K 13
NEW TERRITORIES 1938.
77. There were 44 cases of outrage in 1938 as against 35 cases in 1937.
Crime.
No charge
Charge
Total.
cases.
cases.
7
1
00
8
Murder
Manslaughter
Armed robbery
1
1
7
1
8
Attempted armed robbery
1
1
Armed highway robbery
4
4
Attempted armed highway robbery
1
1
Unarmed robbery
2
6
8
Armed robbery on boats ....
6
5
11
Attempted armed robbery on boat
1
1
Attempted unarmed highway robbery..
1
1
Total
27
17
44
78. Other crime in New Territories in 1938.
Rape
1
Wounding with intent
Kidnapping
4
1
Forged banknotes cases
2
Receiving property stolen outside the Colony
Number of banishees charged and convicted
2
31
Number of larcenies reported
207
Value of property stolen
$12,672.06
Value of property recovered
$8,337.39
Number of cases dealing with arms.
19
Number of persons convicted
26
Rifles seized
ос
8
Revolvers seized
Shot guns
17
1
Number of persons convicted for larcenies.
181
K 14
79. Outrage cases by districts were as follows:-
Sai Kung
Sha Tin
Tai Po
Sha Tau Kok
4
Sheung Shui
6
2
Lok Ma Chau
2
4
Au Tau
5
6
Ping Shan
15
.
80. On October 20th an attempt by four armed men to hold up the Lin Ma Hang mine lorry with $9,000.00 on board failed. Shots were exchanged
by the robbers and guards, resulting in one Indian guard and one robber being wounded. Two other robbers were found hidden in the undergrowth near the scene. The three robbers were each sentenced to 10 years hard labour.
81. A number of armed and unarmed robberies took place in Sheung Shui, Tai Po and Sha Tau Kok on nunneries. Three men were on September 2nd arrested in connection with these nunnery robberies and on September 19th at the Supreme Court were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.
82. On the 22nd December two armed robbers held up a bus proceeding from Fanling to Un Long and robbed the conductor of $65.00.
83. On December 22nd an armed robbery and murder took place at a refugee shed at Muk Fu. A Chinese male refugee was shot and $280.00 in Canton notes was stolen. The robbers made their escape to Chinese territory.
84. On April 14th jewellery to the value of $7,275.00 was stolen from Dodwell's Bungalow. One man was subsequently arrested, charged and convicted. Jewellery to the value of $6,875.00 was recovered from a hole in the hillside.
85, Good relations were maintained during the year with neighbouring Chinese officials, and visits exchanged.
86. On 26th November the Japanese captured Shum Chun and on the 27th November proceeded to Nam Tau. They returned to Shum Chun again on Monday the 28th November after completing their objective. Further details are given in a separate report.
87. Thirty one banishees were arrested and charged in the New Territories north during the year.
88. During the year there were 19 cases of possession of arms and ammunition, 8 rifles and 17 revolvers were seized, 26 Chinese males were convicted.
89. There was a marked decrease in the number of larcenies during the year, 207 cases were reported involving the loss in property valued at $12,672.06 of which $8,337.39 was recovered. 181 convictions were obtained. The detectives have worked very satisfactorily.
year.
90. There was a further marked increase of sickness among police during the
91. Cases rose from 403 in 1937 to 545 in 1938 of which 260 cases were of fever as against 207 cases in 1937. The highest figure for sickness occurred at the following stations; Sha Tau Kok, 68, Ta Ku Ling, 78, Lok Ma Chau, 43.
CENSORSHIP OF CINEMATOGRAPH FILMS.
92. During the year, 5,005 reels and 261 trailers were censored at the Hong Kong Censor Studio. Twenty-seven reels were submitted to the appeal board.
*
Total
:
year 1938.
Nationality.
K 15-
ESTABLISHMENT RETURN.
93. Return showing the establishment and casualties in the Force during the
Establishment of
the Force.
Enlistments.
Deaths.
Resignations
through
sickness
through expiry of terms of service
Resignations
or otherwise.
Desertions.
Dismissals or
Europeans
257
18
2
3
6
3
17
Indians
818
11
10
5
25
14
2
46
Chinese
1,060.
101
11
6
6
35
61
Water Police
255
15
2
a
13
Total
2,390
145
18
36
35
48
137
Commissioner of
Police and Deputy Commissioner of Police.
Superintendents.
superintendents.
Assistant
Probationers.
94. This number includes the police employed by other departments, also the engineers, coxswains, stokers and seamen, but it is exclusive of :-
Accountants.
Assistant
accountants.
Storekeepers.
Police Secretary.
Stenographers.
Clerks, shroffs.
Telephone clerks.
Interpreters.
Messengers and
coolies.
2
3
7
4
1
2
2.
1
3
37
8
81
95. Actual strength on the 31st December, 1938.
Europeans.
Indians.
Chinese.
Total.
Present
230
658
1,068
1,956
Sick or absent on leave ..
38
110
6
154
Excess over estimates
11
14
25
Vacancies
50
50
268
768
1,074
2,110*
*Not including Water Police.
154
Total number
of Casualties.
- K 16
CONDUCT.
96. The conduct of the European contingent was good. The total number of reports against them was 35 as against 62 in 1937.
97. The conduct of the Indian contingent showed a further improvement. There were 355 reports as against 400 in 1937.
98. The conduct of the Chinese contingent (Cantonese) was satisfactory. There were 739 reports as against 871 in 1937.
99. The conduct of the Chinese contingent (Wei Hai Wei) was satisfactory. There were 119 reports as against 122 in 1937.
100. The conduct of the Water Police was satisfactory. There were 224 reports in 1938 compared with 236 in 1937.
101.
HEALTH.
#
Admissions to hospitals during the past three years are as follows:--
1936
1937
1938
Nationality.
sion.
Establish- Admis- Establish- Admis- Establish-
ment.
Admis-
ment.
sion.
ment.
sion.
Europeans
265
221
267
185
257
170
Indians
803
746
817
795
818
643
Chinese
1,014
389
1,029
273
1,060
207
102. The figures for fever among police in the New Territories during the last four years are:-
1935
1936
1937
1938
MUSKETRY COURSES.
105 cases.
183
""
246
320
""
Marksmen 75%, 1st
103. The following table gives the results of the musketry courses fired during the year. The following indicates the classification used. class 60%, 2nd class 50% and failures less then 50% of the total possible
obtainable.
Results.
Contingent.
Month.
No. of men fired.
Marksmen.
1st Class.
2nd Class.
Failed.
Rounds used (approx.)
Europeans
December 216
82
Indians
April
685
92 41
128326 205 26
1
7,500
26,000
Weihaiwei
May
268
46 111 87 14
9,000
Indian Guards
April
64
14 35 12
3
2,200
..
K 17
104. The following were the winners of the rifle and revolver championships
for the year 1938.
European rifle championship
Indian
Weihaiwei
""
""
European revolver
Indian
""
H.
""
"
""
A.P.S. A210 Perkins.
L.S.B. 573 Gurbash Singh. .P.C.D. 71 Wang Chen Hai. .A.P.S. A210 Perkins.
.Cpl. B. 594 Magma Singh.
Chinese &W.H.W. revolver champ. ....P.C.D. 54 Tsao Teh Yuan.
GREENER GUN COURSES.
Greener gun courses were held during the year with the following results.
105.
Department.
Month.
No. of men fired.
Results.
Rounds used.
Passed. Failed.
Chinese Water Police. May
Police Watchmen
65
65
Nil
325
312
292
20
624
Winchester rifle courses.
Chinese Water Police. March
Police Watchmen
65
65
Nil
June
312
271
41
1,460
1,600
REVOLVER Courses.
106. The following revolver courses were fired during the year.
No. of
Results.
Contingent.
Month.
Rounds used
persons
fired.
Passed. Failed.
(approx.)
May
219 includ.
219
Nil
6,000
10 supts.
Europeans
November 217 includ.
217
Nil
5,500
9 supts.
December
31
31
Nil
775
June
41
40
1
1,000
Russians
October
39
38
1
950
June
687
687
Indians
October
671
671
November
79
79
June
59
59
Indian Guards
October
67
67
November 16
16
February 684
684
Cantonese
August
695
695
November 151
150
March
272
272
Weihaiwei
August
272
272
November
12
12
April
60
60
3 322 33 333 333
Nil
17,500
17,200
Nil
2,000
1,600
Nil
1,800
500
Nil
17,100
Nil
17,400
1
2,500
Nil
6,800
Nil
6,800
Nil
350
Nil
1,500
Water Police
September 63
60
3
1,500
November
25
25
Nil
650
NOTE.-The 3rd course was fired by contingents who failed to reach a certain standard in the first and second courses, approximately 75%.
K 18
REVOLVER COURSES (OTHER DEPARTMENTS.)
107. The following courses were fired during the year.
Results.
Department.
Month.
No. of men fired.
Rounds used.
Passed. Failed.
District watchmen
November
132
127
5
3,500
European revenue
officers
December
13
13
350
European officers
Fire Brigade
9
9
250
وو
BISLEY MEETING.
108. Members of the Police Force entered in several team and individual events at the Bisley Meeting held in April 1938.
109. Results were very successful, police winning altogether six silver cups, forty silver and bronze medals and thirty-six cash prizes.
110. The Individual Revolver Championship was again won by Sergeant Perkins.
POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL.
111. During the year the following numbers of recruits were passed out of the school:-
European police
Prob. Chinese sub-inspectors
Indian police
Cantonese police
Wei-hai-wei police
Russian police
Seamen
District watchmen
Seven promotion examinations were held in 1938.
11
10
63
73
26
1
6
6
112. Special training was given to twenty-eight Chinese probationary de- tectives. One hundred and eighty-five "D" contingent Anti-Piracy Guards were given a "Refresher Course". Seventy-eight Indian and Chinese members of the Police Reserve were trained in knowledge of police duties and forty-three passed. The remaining thirty-five continue the course in 1939.
K 19
FIRST AID.
113. The following table shows the number of men in the various con- tingents who obtained First Aid certificates during the past five years:-
Europeans
Indians
Chinese
Weihaiwei
Total
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
Total
62
44
42
49
6
203
187
123
132
113
139
694
182
135
41
102
116
576
29
60
65
20
50
224
460
362
280
284
311
1,697
114. Total number of men in each contingent in possession of First Aid certificates on 31.12.38:
Europeans-247-of whom 3 hold three certificates and 197 hold two
certificates.
Indians—760—of whom 1 holds four certificates, 2 hold three certificates and
491 hold two certificates.
Cantonese-728-of whom 374 hold two certificates.
Weihaiwei-294-of whom 132 hold two certificates.
AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS.
115. The following shows the total number of men who were trained and qualified in air raid precautions from September 1938 to the end of the year :-
Europeans
Indians
Chinese *
Russians
Teaching staff, P.T.S.
* Includes the "C" and "D" contingents only.
Total strength.
Qualified
in 1938.
Not yet qualified.
268
43
225
811
214
597
1,093
260
833
39
39
4
3
1
116. The candidates for the first course from 6th to 27th September 1938, consisted of the Police Training School staff and nine Chinese probationary sub-inspectors. On the conclusion of the lectures and examination, Mr. Dou Lun (teacher, Police Training School), probationary sub-inspectors Cheng Ka Cheung and Wong Wing Yin, sergeant instructor Gurdit Singh, police constable B562 Fazal Shah were appointed assistant air raid precaution instructors.
117. The Europeans underwent a full course as laid down in Air Raid Precautions Memorandum No. 5, Appendix "D", which consisted of sixteen lectures of one hour and fifteen minutes duration each. On the conclusion of the lectures the candidates underwent a written examination set out by the Air Raid Precautions Officer,
118. The Indians and Chinese underwent a modified full course consisting of twelve lectures each of 11 hours duration. On the conclusion of the lectures the candidates were examined verbally by Mr. Chak Tai Kwong of the Air Raid Precautions Officer's staff.
Nationality.
- K 20
LIFE SAVING CLASSES.
119. Instructional classes in life saving were held during the summer with very satisfactory results, thirty-nine police officers gaining awards.
120. The Commodore again kindly granted facilities for practices and tests to be held off Stonecutters island.
RESULTS.
Contingents.
Certificate and Bronze Medallion.
Instructors Certificate.
Award of Merit.
Europeans
6
1
Indians
16
1
1
Cantonese
11
Wei Hai Wei ...
3
Total....
36
2
1
Establishment.
GUARDS OFFICE.
121. Return showing the establishment and casualties during the year 1938 :-
Enlistments.
Deaths.
Resignations.
Russian guards
42*
1
1
2
1
4
39
Indian special guards
74
9
1
7
2
1
11
71
Chinese (W.H.W.) guards
144
1
144
Indian police watchmen
+
124
1
91
10
107
460
Chinese police watchmen
110
3
23
4
36
211
Total
244
6
106
36
10
158 925
Includes five attached to C.I.D., S.B.
No fixed establishment, recruited as required.
122. Anti-piracy work:-Twenty-eight units of anti-piracy guards of one European sergeant and nine Indian special guards were supplied to the British India Steam Navigation Company and twelve units to the Indo China Steam Navigation Company, on the Hong Kong Singapore run.
123. The Canadian Pacific Steamship Company having given notice of their intention to dispense with the services of anti-piracy guards for their ships on the Hong Kong-Shanghai run as from the 1st January, 1939, the strength of this guard was gradually reduced during the year as alternative employment offered for members of the Russian contingent. The following guards were supplied during the year :---
Eight units of 1 British sergeant and 12 Russian guards. Three units of 1 British sergeant and 9 Russian guards. One unit of 1 British sergeant and 8 Russian guards. One unit of 1 British sergeant and 7 Russian guards. Five units of 1 British sergeant and 6 Russian guards.
Dismissals.
Invalided.
Total casualties.
Strength on 31.12.38.
1
- K 21
124. The China Navigation Company retained permanent guards of one Russian sergeant and six W.H.W. guards on 18 vessels between Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore. Two additional units are maintained as reliefs.
125. The Indo China Steam Navigation Company retained permanent guards consisting of one Russian sergeant and four W.H.W. men on each of four vessels running between Hong Kong and north China and were supplied with two extra sets of guards during October, 1938 for additional ships on the same run.
126. Conduct. The following table shows the number of men dealt with as defaulters in the various contingents during 1937-1938.
Russian
Special guards
Wei Hai Wei
Police watchmen
1937.
1938.
9
1
11
16
28
76
387
406
127. The conduct of the Russian contingent was good, while that of other contingents was fair.
MENDICANTS DURING THE YEAR OF 1938.
128. During the year 1938 a total of 2,529 mendicants were dealt with by the Deportation Office and repatriated at a cost of were charged and convicted before the courts. as follows:-
Swatow Amoy Hoihow
Shanghai
Canton
$2,031.95. Of this number 715 The mendicants were sent away
Kongmun
Macao
Nam Tau
Wuchau
Shum Chun
Waichau City Cheung Mok Tau Shek Lung Sham Shui
Shiu Hing Canton (train) Kwong Chau Wan
Yuen Long (B.T.)
Total
33
2
2
1
1,433
405
420
2
29
123
3
2
1
22
39
10
1
1
2,529
129. Of the total number sent away 88 were traced as having been sent away previously.
130. In addition to above, 74 persistent beggars were banished from the Colony for 10 years.
. K 22
DEAD BODIES.
131. The following table shows the number of unknown dead bodies found by police in the streets and elsewhere during the last five years :-
Victoria
Kowloon
Harbour
Elsewhere
Locality.
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
289
214
270
327
1,277
679
708
690
856
1,340
27
52
46
69
114
61
64
85
101
260
Total
1,056
1,038
1,091
1,353
2,991
Sex.
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
Male
19
4
4
5
10
Adults.
Female
3
2
5
1
11
Unknown
1
1
Male
564
544
573
745
1.616
Children. Female
444
444
480
574
1,295
Unknown
26
44
28
28
58
Total
1,056 1,038 1,091 1,353
2,991
DOGS AND RABIES.
132. As a precaution against rabies, the muzzling order was rigidly enforced throughout the year. There was one case of rabies in Tai Po, New Territory.
1937
1938
Hong Kong & Kowloon
New Territory
Tolal
Hong Kong & Kowloon
New Territory
Total
Dogs licensed
2,709
417
3,126 2,731
338
3,069
Dogs licensed (free)
42
179
221
38
119
157
Dogs impounded
88
88
62
62
Dogs destroyed
83
233
316
55
95
150
LICENCES.
133. Table VII shows the number of different licences issued during the year.
K 23
TRAFFIC.
134. The following prosecutions were instituted under the Traffic Regulations (Section 3-Ordinance 40 of 1912):
Year Prosecutions | Convictions Withdrawn
Discharged
Remanded
Total amount of fines
1938......
1937..... 6,908
6,703
6,357
105
126
115
$29,381.90
6,474
237
125
72
$27,214.55
MANSLAUGHTER
1938......
2
1937.....
1
2
1
135.
1938. 1937.
Number of persons examined as motor drivers Number of persons passed as motor drivers
1,856
860
1,606
811
Total number of accidents reported
3,703 2,589
119
81
Number of persons killed
Number of public motor vehicles examined and passed 5,216 4,713
...
478 652
Number of public motor vehicles examined and rejected Number of commercial motor vehicles examined and passed. 7,787
Number of commercial motor vehicles examined and rejected 802 Number of motor drivers' licences suspended
Number of motor drivers' licences cancelled
7,698
1,395
43
71
2
3
POLICE MOTOR VEHICLES.
136.
The number of Police motor vehicles is as follows :---
Motor vans (including 2 motor dog vans)
12
Motor cars
4
Combinations (motor cycles).
9
Solo motor cycles
13
137. Table VIII gives a classification of vehicles accidents and their causes.
EMERGENCY UNITS.
138. The emergency units in Hong Kong and Kowloon were kept busy throughout the year.
139. Both units were frequently called upon for duty in connection with refugee work. The Hong Kong unit at times assisted police on the water-front in handling the large influx of passengers by river steamers. Two squads from the Kowloon unit were sent out temporarily on several occasions to reinforce police on the frontier. Squads from both units were at times employed in control of
- K 24
refugee camps. Throughout the year the Hong Kong unit carried out duty in controlling the gaol clearing station and providing guards and escorts for prisoners to and from Hong Kong prison at Stanley.)
140. Men from the Hong Kong unit were also employed as escorts for deportees and mendicants when sent away from the Colony.
141. The calls and fees for the Hong Kong unit show a decrease from the previous year. The Calls were much the same as in 1937 for the Kowloon unit, but fees were much increased by the fact that strikes at the Chung Hwa Book Company caused a large demand for police services by the management, in order to safeguard their property.
142.
Year.
Calls. Fees collected.
Hong Kong unit
1937
139
$4,059.50
Hong Kong unit
1938
109
$3,142.50
Kowloon unit
1937
141
$3,494.50
Kowloon unit
1938
139
$6,233.50
MEDALS.
143. His Excellency the Governor was pleased to award medals and commen- dations to members of the Force for long or meritorious services as under :--
Colonial Police Long Service Medal
Colonial Police Long Service Medal:—
1st Bar
2nd Bar
Hong Kong Police Silver Medal
His Excellency The Governor's commendation
Hong Kong, 17th March, 1939.
44
6
1
2
LO
5
T. H. KING,
Commissioner of Police.
}
- K 25
Table I.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE 1937 AND 1938.
Personal emoluments*
Other Charges.
1937.
1938.
$ 2,577,894
$ 2,660,128
Ammunition
Upkeep of arms
Bedding
14,349
17.205
2,878
3,321
4,926
5.006
Burial of destitute dead
Cleansing materials and washing
Clothing and accoutrements
Coal and gas
Conveyance allowances
364
288
207
243
80,775
94,188
32,506
48,443
10,375
10,551
Coolie hire
2,409
2,073
Disinfectants
1,759
2.030
Expenses of anti-piracy guards
21,353
19,760
Emergency expenses arising from the Sino-Japanese conflict
21,386
Grants to villages in N.T. in aid of village scout scheme
480
480
Indentification of criminals
196
344
Incidental expenses
6,500
6,477
Interpretation fees
146
98
Light and electric fans
33,595
36.974
Medals
635
515
Mess utensils
462
520
Passages
130,399
170,200
Petrol oil, etc. for police cars and cycles
8,581
10,012
Photography
3,695
4,387
Rations for Indian police
61,730
55,474
Remand home for juvenile offenders
4,811
7,479
Rent of stations and married police quarters
24,879
24,984
Repairs to police motor cars and cycles
7.008
6,435
•Rewards
4,090
1,730
Secret service
14,014
15.895
Small stores
7.357
9,392
Special course of instruction
318
1,633
Subsistance of prisoners
6,447
6,098
Telegrams and long distance telephone calls
503
583
Telephones
698
776
Transport
11,061
10,312
Total other charges
499,506
$
595,292
Special expenditure.
Safety First campaign
Police telephone pillar
Typewriters
25 38 short revolvers
100 38 short revolvers
Motor vehicles
Motor transport New Territories
Police van
20 .303 rifles & bayonets
35 303 rifles & bayonets
Anti gas equipment
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
1.271
2,095
543
1,779
3,779
5,498
13,359
4,328
4,625
2,768
3.046
7,489
13,729
212
233
660
402
350
32,296 .$ 3,109,696
$
34,070
$ 3,289,490
* Includes officers of S.C. & A. & J.C. services.
K 26
Table II.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF REVENUE 1937 AND 1938.
HEAD OF REVENUE COLLECTED BY POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Duties.
Motor spirit
1937.
7,496
1938.
Ꭿ
$5
7,833
Licences and Internal Revenue.
Arms licences
23,460
26,910
Auctioneers licences
1,350
1,225
Billiard table licences.
1,300
1,400
Dangerous goods licences
20,325
20,431
*Dance halls
3,840
Dogs licences
22,710
22,224
Forfeitures
2,785
3,134
Game licences
4,625
5,650
Liquor licences, N.T.
4,300
3,625
Marine store dealers' licences.
10,080
9,360
Miscellaneous licences
8,215
13
Money changers' licences
15,730
15,530
Pawnbroker licences
159,875
150,975
*Printing press
3,430
Theatrical licences
5,398
1,809
Vehicles, motor licences
280,934
340,370
Vehicles, motor drivers licences
49,080
64,100
Vehicles, other licences
61,313
41,442
Vehicles, other drivers licences
2,352
2,486
Vehicles, motor special licensing fee,--foreign
registration
58,989
94,909
Fees of Court or Office, &c.
Blake pier tickets
137
478.
Contributions for anti-piracy escorts
128,710
129,475
Film censoring fees
5,504
5,217
Msicellaneous fees
8,985
1,228
Motor ambulance fees
10,700
11,868
*Motor driving tests
8,130
Official signature fees
9,370
12,935
†Passport
36,416
Police and other stores
1,147
1,513
Police services
17,237
17,987
Sick stoppages from police force
4,694
5,415
*Traffic permits
9,779
Watchmen's Ordinance
12,480
15,366
Miscellaneous receipts:
Condemned stores, &c.
2,880
5,318
Other miscellaneous receipts
2,347
4,522
Overpayments in previous years
849
2,083
$
945,357
$ 1,088,426
*New Head.
Transferred from C. S. O.
K.27
Table III.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
FOR LAST TEN YEARS.
*Personal emoluments
Year.
and other charges.
Special expenditure.
Total expenditure.
Total
revenue.
$
CA
Ꭿ
$
1929....
2,027,717
57,247
2,084,964
463,148
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
* Includes officers of S.C. & A., & J.C., services attached to Department.
Year.
Hong Kong
deportees.
Gaol discharges.
Singapore &
Sarawak
deportees.
Singapore vagrants.
N. I. undesirables.
Table IV.
PERSONS DEALT WITH BY DEPORTATION OFFICE.
1937
2,569 9,297 646
6
536
115
4
1938
2,535
8,666
426
2
459 124
3
3
Increase
Decrease
34
631
220
7
77
6
1
deportees.
Rangoon
Mauritius
deportees.
Sandakan
deportees.
Ocean Island
deportees.
labourers.
A. P. C.
2
65
4
69
}
Hong Kong mendicants.
Persons sent
away by order
of court.
Hong Kong police supervisees.
19th Route Army.
Ex-soldiers of
Persons sent away
under Emergency Regs.
Tungan refugees.
Chinese Undesirables
from U.S.A.
2,903
1,400 158
10
2,529
824 201
Į
159
86
12
43
159
86
374
576
Total number of persons dealt with for 1937
17,714
1938
77
""
""
16,098
Decrease......
1,616
1122
K 28
Serious offences.
Charged
cases.
Cases without
charge.
Total cases.
57
-300
Charged cases.
Cases without charge.
Total cases.
% charge
cases to total.
*
Table V.
YEARLY RETURN OF CRIME FOR THE WHOLE COLONY FOR THE YEAR OF 1938.
1937.
1938.
Persons convicted.
Persons discharged.
Value of
property
stolen.
Value of
property recovered.
Europeans.
Indians.
Arms
39
13
Assault (serious)
17
3-
52
65
87%
1
75
13
1
18
42
49
85%
1
44
Assault with intent to rob
5
5
7
7
100%
1
12
1
Burglary
106
155
261
113
Coinage offences
22
22
Deportation
742
742
565
་ྲཤྩ
198
311
36%
136
1
6
31,400.69
2,381.68
9
9 100%
13
1
565
100%
1
555
Embezzlement
18
32
50
24
28
52
46%
24
25,293.75
1,554.58
House & godown breaking
145
165
310
83
211
294
28%
94
6
22,978.90
3,908.34
Intimidation & extortion
3
3
5
5
100%
1
7
1
Kidnapping
11
11
8
8
100%
8
1
Larceny
6,197
3,330
9,527
5,418
3,279
8,697
62%
2
5,491
1
282
206,592.41
70,434.69
Larceny from dwelling house
64
350
414
63
428
491
12%
62
5 128,131.14
24,845.75
Larceny on ships & wharf ...
130
96
226
124
99
223
55%
1
Manslaughter
11
13
4
4
100%
NH
134
11
17,408.63
2,195.70
4
Murder
9
14
7
12
19
36%
CO
6
5
168.42
Murder, attempted
1
1
2
Obtaining by false pretences
140
34
174
102
24
126
80%
Receiving
366
366
240
240
100%
1
203
Robbery
40
57
97
43
66
109
39%
1
Women and girls
3
3
1
1
100%
Other serious offences
100
24
124
87
26
113
75%
38588
95
11
26,738.29
359.13
71
57
19
33,378.77
2,613.39
1
35
51,454.43
11,107.00
Total.
8,169
4,265 12,434 7,002
4,386 | 11,388
13
6 7,105
1
485
543,545.43 119,400.26
Chinese.
Europeans.
Indians.
Chinese.
K 29
€
$
Minor Offences.
Table V,-Continued.
YEARLY RETURN OF CRIME FOR THE WHOLE COLONY FOR THE YEAR OF 1938.
1937.
1938.
Persons convicted.
Persons discharged.
Value of
property
stolen.
Value of
property recovered.
¢
K 30
C.F.
4,265 12,434 8,169
7,002
4,386 11,388
13
Assault
563
568
674
674
Damage to property
43
43
27
27
00 -1
2
Dangerous goods
26
26
37
37
6 | 7,105
1,030
25
4.5
N
485
105
543,545.43
119,400.26
3
4
Drunkenness
26
26
14
14
6
1
Forestry offences
3,026
3,026
2,246
2,246
2,862
51
Gambling
292
292
296
296
3,354
24
Hawking offences
29,986
29,986
35,507
35,507
34,936
587
Lottery offences
71
71
193
193
262
21
Mendicants
1,062
1,062
1,436
1,436
1,466
53
Merchant Shipping Ordinance
534
534
524
524
1,151
28
Morphine
425
425
747
747
739
71
Nuisances
626
626
474
474
458
40
Opium
640
640
1,334
1,334
1,395
68
Revenue
972
972
799
799
836
54
Rogue and vagabond
321
321
222
222
209
34
Stowaways
29
29
31
31
65
b
Unlawful possession
504
504
300
300
282
Vagrants
33
33
29
29
19
10
Vehicle and traffic
2,209
2,209
2,461
2,461.
14
1
2,433
N
Women and girls
795
795
825
825
819
49
38
18
Other miscellaneous offences
1,105
1,105
1,379
1,379
93
7
1,465
1
73
Total.
43,288
43,288 | 49,555
49,555
156
20
53,838
5
2
1,328
Grand total.
51,457
4,265 55,722 56,557
4,386 60,943
169
26 60,443
8
1,813
543,545.43 119,400.26
Table VI.
ARMS AND AMMUNITION SEIZED AND CONFISCATED DURING 1938.
K 31
In store on 31.12.38.
Description of arms.
Arms seized.
Origin.
Ammunition
seized.
Origin.
Arms.
Ammunition.
1
Winchester rifles
1
American.
Unknown.
40
Unknown.
2
Rifles (various)
(Gingals)
Shot guns
German rifles Mauser pistols Auto pistols
2122
12
German.
7
German.
British.
Unknown.
163
Chinese.
207
Unknown.
Chinese.
15
Chinese.
Pellets 1,000
Unknown.
British.
Unknown.
2
39
British.
Unknown.
2
6
German.
American.
35
German.
~14
99 rds.
5
German.
2
Belgium.
1
Spanish.
Unknown.
65
Unknown.
Revolvers (various)
7
American.
237
American.
1
French.
23
French.
1
Belgium.
4
Belgium.
16
1
Spanish.
19
Unknown.
288
2
British.
17
Luger pistols
Thompson Guns (sub-machine)
Lewis Guns Savage
6
Air Guns
©1
Verey Light pistols
K 32
Table VII,
The following table shows the number of licences issued during the years
1937 and 1938:-
1937
1938.
Arms
1,446
1,491
Arms dealers
8
10
Auctioneers
2
2
Auctioneers (temporary)
6
1
Billiard tables and bowling alleys
4
5
Conductors
305
375
Dance halls
7
7
Dance halls (temporary)
5
2
Dangerous goods
1,419
1,411
Game
Marine stores
Massage establishments
Money changers
180
224
27
27
11
6
161
158
Motor cars (livery)
523
589
Motor cars (private)
3,463
3,891
Motor vans and lorries
706
716
Motor car international permits
5
22
Motor drivers (cars and cycles)
8,599
9,807
Motor drivers (international)
290
402
Motor cycles
233
212
Pawnbrokers
68
71
Places of public entertainment
80
86
Poisons
156
1
Printing presses
268
313
Private chairs
59
28
Private jinrickshas
278
268
Public chairs
250
190
Public jinrickshas
Tricycles
Trucks
965
900
1,129
1,345
16
17
Vehicle drivers and bearers
· 7,983
8,172
Table VIII.
CLASSIFIED TABLE OF CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS LEADING TO THE INJURY C
Pedal cycles.
Motor buses.
Private cars.
Public cars.
Motor lorries.
Tram cars.
Motor cycles,
Cause of accident.
Hong Kong
Kowl, & N.T, Hong Kong Kowl, & N,T,| Hong Kong Kowl, & N.T, Hong Kong
Kowl, & N.T, Hong Kong Kowl, & N.T, Hong Kong Kowl. & N.T,
Hong Kong Kowl, & N,
F. N.F.
F. N.F. F. N.F. F. N.F. F. N.F.
F.
N.F.
F. N.F. F. N.F.
F. N.F. F. N.F. F. N.F.
F. N.F.
F.
N.F.
F.
N.F
Walking or running in front of a moving vehicle..
2
22
1
9
9
111
1
57
1 43
I
5
2
55
1
19
6
2223242595
1
6
1
6
|
21
1
29
Leaving or boarding a moving vehicle
1 30
142
I
I
Stepping off footway
2
9
1
6
23
31
7
1
2
6
84
1
8
2
6
3
C
N
7
Passing behind a moving vehicle
1
་
1
17
4
5
Falling from a vehicle
2
1
2
10
Running across streets
5
20
9
29
4
95
1395
8
113
1 49
23
Playing games on streets
1
2
4
2
2
12
1
11
4
11
7
1
3
26
7
20
1
16
11
13
13
28
3
2
1
1
Passengers on vehicle injured in accident
6
9
16
3
2
11
4
17
7
2
Drivers of vehicle injured in accident
I
Ther
causes
(a)
1
Total accidents involving injuries.
11
87
19
1
19
Total accidents (fatal, invol- ving injury and without
injury)
479
1
!
12
1 12
(6)
(f)
2
1
1
198 15
273
10
1
1910
1,326
T
I
I
1
I
2
I
(g)
(c)
(h)
1
1
हुन
1
238
2 112
31
11
130
20
20
394
678
哦
80
I
(d) (e)
17 155
284
I
}
(a)
A motor bus mounted pavement injuring a Chinese male sitting there.
(b) Two Chinese males were injured as the result of 2 private cars colliding with a stool and a tree respectively.
(c) A motor lorry mounted pavement injuring a Chinese male sleeping there.
(d) A car-shed coolie was crushed and fatally injured between a tramcar and the end of an inspection pit in the Tramways garage. (e) A Chinese male was injured whilst caught between two passing tramcars.
Re other causes
(f)
(7)
Two Chinese males, when working on the roadway, were struck & injured by a private car and a bicycle.
(g) A taxicab ran into and injured a Chinese male sleeping on a road.
(h) A motor lorry ran into and fatally injured a Chinese male sitting on a road.
(k)
Two Chinese males were injured by a motor cycle and a bicycle mounting the footpath.
I
11
1
5
3 31
2
59
(i)
(j) (k)
Į
1
Į
2
1 39
99
38
3 30
3 72
4 127
298
II.
E INJURY OF PEDESTRIANS OR PASSENGERS IN VEHICLES.
I cycles.
Tricycles.
Rickshaws.
Hand trucks.
Kowl, & N,T, Hong Kong
Kqw]. &N.T, | Hong Kong
Kowl. & N.T. Hong Kong
Kowl. & N.T.
TOTALS.
Hong Kong, Kowloon & New Territories.
1937
H.K., K.
& N.T.
1936
H,K., K.
& N.T.
1935
H.K,, K.
& N.T.
1934
H.K., K.
& N.T.
1933
H.K., K.
& N.T.
A
F.
N.F.
F.
N.F.
F.
N.F.
F.
N.F.
F.
N.F.
N.F.
F.
A.
N.F.
Fatal
Non-Fatal
F.
N.F.
F.
N.F
F.
N.F.
F.
N.F.
N.F.
近
1
29
F
I
12
4
3
1
1
28
2
3
ܝܳܬ
2
59
(j) (k)
2
298
1
8
1
2
19
Į
2
2
4 127
25
13
31
1
4
87
57
1
* (16. 3) 1. 117 fatal accidents, 119 persons were killed.
† (1937) l. 77
81
""
""
""
11
""
26
447
16
259
7
110
1
46
13
37
40
461
. 18
5
87
172
2
10
2
*117
1,647
+77
1,117 75
1,100
69
1,160
55
949
60 860
3,703
2,589
2,483
2,428
1,867
1,796
- K 33 —
Nationality.
K 34
Annexe A.
REPORT OF THE WATER POLICE.
1. The following return shows the establishment and casualties of the Water Police during the year 1938-
Establishment.
Chinese
255
15
Enlistments.
Deaths.
Resignations
sickness.
through
through expiry of
terms of service or otherwise.
Resignation
Dismissals or.. desertions.
2
3
8
13
CONDUCT.
2. The conduct of the Chinese staff of the Water Police was satisfactory. There were 224 reports in 1938 as compared with 236 in 1937.
1938.
There were 135 men against whom no defaulter reports were made during
ACCIDENTS.
3. There were sixteen accidents involving Police launches during 1938, as compared with seventeen in 1937. Eight of these were trifling, damage being negligible. In seven cases it was found that Water Police officers were not to blame. As a result of enquiries held by the Harbour Master, two coxswains and two engineeers were dealt with departmentally.
CRUISING LAUNCHES.
4. During the year only Nos. 2 and 4 launches underwent annual overhaul. 5. Nos. 1 and 3 launches are to be overhauled early in 1939.
HARBOUR LAUNCHES.
6. Nos. 5, 6, 8, 9, and 14 launches have given efficient service throughout the year. No. 7 launch has been laid up since August, awaiting a new boiler, now being built. The searchlights on five of the harbour launches continue to give good service. No. 7 launch is not fitted with a searchlight.
7. Three beat launches and one general patrol launch were kept on service day and night throughout the year.
MOTOR BOATS.
8. No. 10 motor boat is ageing and a new diesel-engined motor boat is to replace her during 1939.
No. 12 motor boat performs very useful special harbour duty. No. 11 motor boat has performed valuable duties on Sham Chun River patrol.
and 16 are stationed at Sai Kung and Tai O respectively.
All motor boats are in good condition for the constant service required.
MUSKETRY.
Nos. 15
9. The first half yearly machine gun course was fired on the four cruising. launches with very fair results. The second half yearly course is to be fired early in 1939. The 3 pounder guns crew of all cruising launches fired one 3 pounder course with good 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.
10. The department is again indebted to the courtesy of the naval authorities for assistance in maintenance, supervision and practice with 3 pounder guns.
Total number of casualtics.
K 35
Annexe B.
HONG KONG POLICE RESERVE (1938).
1. The organisation of the Hong Kong Police Reserve has remained unchanged
during the year.
2. Strength of the Force is 290, an increase of 63 over that of last year. Details by units are shown below with the comparative figures for the preceding years:--
Chinese Company
Indian Company
Flying Squad
Emergency Unit
1936.
1937.
1938.
76.
85
129
72
75
92
28
33
34
28
34
35
204
227
290
3.
Commendations. The undernoted members were specially commended by the Commissioner of Police for zeal and alertness, resulting in convictions during the year:
Acting Sub-Insp.
A. W. Mooney.
Acting L. S. 253
P.C.R. 41
P.C.R. 289
P.C.R. 243
Mohamed Ahsen.
Yung Sin Chung.
Mohamed Yusaf Khan.
Abdul Ghami Khan.
4. The Riot van was in use throughout the year in connection with the training of the Emergency Unit and of the Chinese Company. When not needed for these duties it was on loan to the regular police.
5. Training was carried out in accordance with courses based on those of the regular Police Force.
6. Air Raid Precautions.-Responding to an invitation from the A.R.P.O. the Emergency Unit undertook a course of A.R.P. training with a view to forming the nucleus of a proposed instructional staff. Sub-Inspector R.P. Dunlop himself highly qualified in this particular direction-took charge of the course. The result of his effort has been most satisfactory and has earned the warm appreciation of the A.R.P.O. The undernoted have qualified by examination in the grades mentioned and are giving instruction to classes throughout the Colony :---
St. John Ambulance A.R.P. Grade I Instructors.
D.S.P. (R) Mr. C. Champkin.
P.S. (R) 428
P.S. (R) 431 P.S. (R) 423
L.S. (R) 408 P.C. (R) 404
J. A. Bendall.
G. Frost.
B. W. Simmons.
G. J. Grover. M. A. DeSouza.
P.C. (R) 416
A. Howard.
Air Raid Warden Instructors.
D.S.P. (R) P.S. (R) 428
P.S. (R) 431 P.C. (R) 416
Air Raid Wardens.
L.S. (R) 408
Mr. C. Champkin.
J. A. Bendall.
G. Frost. A. Howard.
G. J. Grover.
- K 36
7. Emergency Unit training courses in air raid precautions are open to the public. From an original attendance of fifteen the Emergency Unit class has grown to an attendance of over one hundred. A gratifying number of the public have qualified as instructors or wardens and are doing good work in other centres. Sub-Inspector R. P. Dunlop is still in charge of this branch of the Emergency Unit and the effect of his training is increasingly apparent in the growing strength of the air raid precautions organization.
8. Voluntary Duties Performed.-All units of the Police Reserve have turned out on the usual ceremonial occasions as auxiliaries to the regular police on street and traffic duties.
9. Active Service.-The Police Reserve was called out by proclamation on 15th October, 1938 and from that date onward have supplemented the regular police at all stations in Hong Kong and Kowloon from 18.00 hours till midnight daily. The average number of all ranks on active duty daily was 121 men. Their cheerful and efficient service in carrying on patrols and beat duties in place of regular police transferred to other places for duty, reflects credit on the discipline of the Force and on the officers and subordinate officers responsible for its training.
Annexe C.
REPORT ON THE STREET BOYS' CLUB, 1938.
The Street Boys' Club was finally closed down on July 25th. as, with the establishment of the Remand Home and the Aberdeen Industrial School, it had outlived its usefulness. The few members had employment and showed no appre- ciation of the facilities of the club.
K 37
Annexe D.
REMAND HOME FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS (BOYs).
1. During the year 1,109 boys were sent into the Remand Home for the offences enumerated below:-
Offences.
Hawking (unlicensed) and obstruction
Larceny
Tobacco
Opium
Begging
Arrested.
Sentenced
to
Detention.
518
35
371
129
10
2
5
2
30
13
Unlawful possession
Traffic offences
Forestry
20
9
13
1
25
7
Receiving stolen property
11
4
Assault
22
2
Damage to property
Heroin pills
5
AA
Enquiries
35
Destitute or wandering
10
3
Gambling
8
1
Loitering
3
Dumping rubbish
2
Wine
1
Burglary
3
2
Throwing stones
1
Disorderly conduct
2
1
Stowaways
3
3
Robbery
1
Wounding
1
Placing stones on railway
Suspected person
Demanding money with menaces
Unlawful collectors
1
1
1
2
Unlawful boarding
Refugees
2
1
Obstructing the police
1
1
Total
1,109
218
K 38
2. Of the 1,109 boys, 20 were dealt with as adults. Boys were remanded back 733 times by the police magistrates, for enquiries by the probation officers. There was no attempt at escape from the Home. One boy escaped from police custody while being escorted to the Home but was later re-arrested. 22 boys were admitted to the Queen Mary hospital, mostly for fever. 85 boys were treated in the Home for scabies. 726 were vaccinated. 420 were inoculated against cholera. Cases of minor injury and sickness were treated in the Home. Visits by the doctor were made once a week, and at other times if required. The general conduct of the boys was good. During the year 14 boys were sent to the Aberdeen Industrial School and 3 boys to Tai Po Rural Orphanage. 14 boys were sent to the China
Youth Society.
3. Mr. Cheung Lo Kau, C.Y.M.C.A. gave lectures to the boys once a week, but there is now no representative of the C.Y.M.C.A. to carry on these lectures. The two probation officers also gave lectures.
4. 106 boys were instructed in rattan work during the year.
5. Various Government officers and members of the Society for the Protection of Children visited the Home during the year.
6.
13 boys were serving a second sentence for larceny offences.
2 boys were serving a third sentence for larceny offences. 1 boy served a second sentence for begging. The detentions have been running very high throughout the year, this was owing to the number of juveniles convicted for larceny from the person, and receiving 6 month sentences. A number of these, especially the ear-rings-snatchers were recommended for banishment, as undesirables.
06.00 hours.
06.30 - 07.30 hours.
08.10 09.10 hours.
09.10 11.30 hours.
11.30 hours.
11.30 12.10 hours.
12.10 - 13.10 hours.
13.10 16.10 hours.
Full
From 16.10 to dark.
Daily routine.
Rise.
Drill.
Morning meal and school.
Rattan work. Cleaning building and school.
Congee.
Recreation.
School.
Drill, school, rattan work.
Recreation.
K 39
Annexe E.
REMAND HOME FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS (GIRLS).
1938.
(1) 311 girl juvenile offenders were admitted to the Home during the year for
the following offences:-
Hawking Mendicancy
In possession of opium & heroin pills
In possession of dutiable tobacco
In possession of dangerous Drugs
Breach of forestry regulations
Larceny
Destitute and wandering
Enquiries
Breach of Emergency Regulations
Receiving stolen money
Removing pig wash during prohibited hours
Trespassing
Road obstruction
Dredging harbour
Kidnapped
Keeping a gaming house
Assault
Committing a nuisance
Unauthorized charitable collector
In possession of po piu lottery tickets
Soliciting for immoral purposes
Breach of Juvenile Offenders Ordinance 1932
Total......
159
13
12
5
1
17
15
10
42
9
3
1
2
1
1
1
1
4
2
1
1
1
9
311
(2) Of this number 9 were dealt with as adults, 19 were transferred to the Salvation Army Home, and 71 were ordered detention by the magistrate for the following offences :-
Hawking
Mendicancy
In possession of opium & heroin pills
In possession of dutiable tobacco
Breach of Forestry Regulations
Larceny
Destitute and wandering
Enquiries
Breach of Emergency Regulations
Receiving stolen money
Keeping a gaming house
In possession of po piu lottery tickets
Breach of Juvenile Offenders Ordinance 1932
12
7
10
4
3
11
1
4
8
1
1
1
8
Total.......
71
(3) Eight girls have attended the V.D. clinic for daily treatment.
have necessarily been isolated.
These cases
Scabies and numerous other minor complaints were treated in the Home.
The medical officer visited the Home when needed.
The health of the girls was generally good.
Appendix K (1).
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OFFICER, HONG KONG FIRE BRIGADE
FOR THE YEAR 1938.
EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE.
The expenditure of the Fire Brigade for the year 1938 was $400,269.05 (£24,599. 17s. 4d.) including special expenditure amounting to $105,647.86 (£0,492, 18s. 10d.) as against $328,892.56 (£20,555, 15s. 8d.) including special expenditure amounting to $37,404.32 (£2,337. 15s. 5d.) in 1937.
2. The revenue of the Brigade for the year amounted to $12,572.50 (£772. 13s. 8d.) derived from the following sources:-
Motor Ambulance Service
$11,868.50
(£729. 8s. 4 d.) as against $10,700.00 (£668. 15s. Od.) for 1937, an increase of 10.9%.
Theatre and Special duties
$704.00
(£43. 5s. 4d.) as against $708.00 (£44. 5s. Od.) for 1937, a decrease of .57%.
The undermentioned table shows the revenue of the Brigade for the past five
years.
1938.
1937
1936
1935
1934
Motor Ambulance
Service Theatres and Special
duties
11,868.50 10,700.00 7,730.00 7,890.00
8,805.00
704.00
708.00
510.00 1,158.00 1,340.50
9,048.00 10,145.50
Total..... 12,572.50 | 11,408.00 8,240.00
ESTABLISHMENT RETURN.
3. Return showing the Establishment and Casualties in the Brigade during the year 1938:
Establishment
of the Brigade.
Enlistments.
Europeans
Indian
10
*1
1
Chinese
246
16
Co
Total......
257
17
3
*Temporary.
Deaths.
Resignations.
Invalided.
Retired on
pension.
Dismissals or Desertions.
Total number of casualties.
1
1
3
7
4
14
со
8
1
4
16
2
K (1) 2
FLOATING STAFF.
Coxswains.
Engineers.
Stokers.
Seamen.
Total
5
8
G
14
33
ACTUAL STRENGTH ON THE 31ST DECEMBER, 1938.
Europeans Indian
Chinese
Floating Staff.
Total
ск
1
229
33
271
9
11
со
8
8
Present
Sick or Absent on leave
Vacancies
2
Total.....
10
1
246
33
290
Discipline during the year was satisfactory. Absence from Station without permission is still the chief offence.
4. Illness deprived the Brigade of the services of the Superintendent, Mr. J. C. FitzHenry, during the greater part of the year. Mr. FitzHenry went into hospital on April 26th where he remained until ordered home by a medical board on July 28th. It is satisfactory to record that, at the time of writing this report, Mr. FitzHenry is on the return voyage to Hong Kong for duty.
I take the opportunity to express my appreciation of the commendable manner in which Mr. Moss has carried on in the office of Superintendent during Mr. FitzHenry's absence.
STATIONS AND EQUIPMENT.
5. A new brick and concrete structure at Taipo, New Territory, for housing the Police Van, Fire Brigade Tender with portable fire pump and one motor ambulance was erected on the same site to replace the one struck by a tidal wave and demolished during the severe typhoon on 2.9.1937.
No new Stations were erected during the year.
6. The following appliances and ambulances were supplied during the year and added to the equipment of the Brigade :-
(a) A new Motor Water Tower and Fire Escape Chassis complete with turbine pump and first aid equipment to replace the original No. 9 Appliance chassis.
(b) One Dennis No. 2-225 gallon, 11.9 H.P. Trailer Fire Pump.
(c) Two Austin "Twenty" Motor Ambulances-replacements.
(d) Two sets "Salvus" self-contained breathing apparatus.
(e) Two sets "Pyrene" Foam-making branch-pipes.
:
!
:
:
1
K (1) 3
With a view to putting as many modern ambulances as possible at the service of the public, the Medical Department agreed to exchange the Austin "Twenty' Ambulance (originally supplied as a ferry ambulance between the Queen Mary Hospital and the old Government Civil Hospital) for a smaller and less modern Morris ambulance from the Fire Brigade service.
7. One engine-driver was sent to Cheung Chau on 20th December to operate the additional Dennis trailer fire pump which was supplied to the island on 20th December. The staff now comprises one engine-driver and two firemen to man the equipment of two trailer pumps.
8. The thirty-eight vehicles now maintained by the Fire Brigade were regularly inspected during the year; eleven of the vehicles were completely overhauled and repainted.
9. The two Fire Floats were overhauled and slipped as required during the No major repairs were carried out to the Fire Floats.
The two Fire Floats attended altogether 10 harbour fires during the year.
year.
10. All other appliances and equipment were examined and tested every month.
11. The numbers of both Pedestal and Underground hydrants were increased by 11 and 3 respectively during the year; the total number of hydrants is now 1,503 viz:
Pedestal hydrants :---
Hong Kong (including Peak)
Kowloon
Underground hydrants
205
167
Hong Kong (including Peak)
Kowloon (including New Territories)
12. Fires.
All hydrants were inspected quarterly.
SPECIAL EVENTS.
0
(u) Due to an explosion and fire on board the s/s "Lalita" lying alongside the Texas Oil Installation, Tsun Wan, on the 1/1/38, one Chinese male was killed and four other persons injured. The vessel was loaded with case oil and aviation spirit
(b) A cargo junk with a cargo of aviation spirit lying alongside the Asiatic Petro- leum Co. Installation, North Point was destroyed by fire on the 15/6/38, resulting in the death of one Chinese male, and injuries to four others
734
397
Total...... 1,503
Casualties.
Killed.
Injured.
1
4
1
4
K (1) 4
Killed.
Injured.
ļ
6
1
17
(c) A railway accident occurred on 14.7.38 near Shatin. Two railway engines and coaches collided. The Brigade turned out with Appliances and Ambulances to render assistance and to remove 6 injured persons to hospital for treatment
(d)
On 12/11/38, the Fire Brigade was sum- moned to render assistance in connection with a collision between an army lorry with anti aircraft gun in tow and a private motor lorry chassis on roadway near Customs Pass. The accident caused the death of one person and injuries to seventeen others. The Brigade received afterwards a message of appreciation and thanks from the Army Authorities for the prompt and efficient services thus rendered (e) Following a fierce fire in an old type Chinese tenement house and medicine shop of three floors at 277, Shanghai Street on the 17/11/38, two Chinese males and ten Chinese females lost their lives through being trapped on the upper floors; 11 others were injured through jumping from windows before the arrival of the Brigade
13. Explosions.
() Nine Chinese males and one Chinese female suffered from injuries as a result of a steam boiler explosion in a string factory at No. 85 Tong Mi Road, Taikok- tsui on 6.2.38
(g) An explosion due to the bursting of an ammonia condenser occurred in a cold storage plant at No. 8 Jubilee Street in the Central District on the 12.6.38 resulting in the deaths of 3 males and one female and injuries to one male and one female ...
14. Collapse and Landslide.
(h) During the course of excavation work for
foundations in Hillwood Road on the 31.5.38 one Chinese male and one Chinese female lost their lives. One Chinese male was injured through the collapse of earth from hillside
(i) Following blasting operations a landslide occurred at Lai Chi Kok Road on the 1.6.38, resulting in the death of one Chinese female who was buried under the debris
12
11
10
++
4
2
2
1
1
Total casualties.....
22
55
K (1) 5
CALLS.
15. The number of calls received during the year totalled 245; actual fires 174, Chimney fires 42, collapses 4, landslide 1, and false alarms 24. Compared with the previous year (1937) there was an increase of 70 calls. Forty-two were received by street fire alarms, one hundred and seventysix by telephone, seven from Police and twenty from messengers.
16. Of the false alarms, eight were maliciously given, eight were given with good intent and eight 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 31 occasions during the year; the number of men thus employed was 231 for a total of 729 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
256
100
Factories and Workshops
Garages
478
72
Licensed Premises (Liquor Licences)
95
Eating Houses
106
Timber and Firewood storages
111
Buildings (Government and Public)
97
High and Low Flash Inflammable Liquid Stores
256
Petrol Pumps
98
Kerosene Stores in shops
771
Dangerous Goods Storages
253
Offensive Trades
Fireworks Storages
Neon Light Advertising Signs
Vernacular Schools
Dance Halls and Academies Fire Service Installations Miscellaneous Inspections
13
167
444
315
23
557
232
Total......4,444
The number of inspections carried out each month is shewn in Table IV.
19. Fifteen private fire-hydrant services were installed in various premises during the year. Eight private fire-hydrant services were removed during the year. There are now 274 such installations in the Colony. These were inspected, tested and reported upon during the year.
20. The sixteen Automatic Sprinkler Installations in the Colony were tested and reported upon during the year.
21.
372 Chemical Fire Extinguishers located in various Government buildings were tested and recharged by the Brigade during the year.
K (1) 6
22. The total number of Dangerous Goods Licences in force at the end of the year was 1,222 (fees $16,355.00) as against 1,218 licences (fees $16,610.00) for 1937.
23. Thirteen prosecutions, resulting in fines amounting to $845.00 were undertaken by the Brigade during the year for contraventions of various ordinances providing for safety against fire.
AMBULANCE SERVICE.
24. The twelve Motor Ambulances maintained by the Brigade attended altogether 9,477 cases during the year, and travelled 89,877 miles.
The undermentioned summary shows the number of cases attended and mileage during the past five years.
1938.
1937.
1936.
1935.
1934.
No. of cases attended...
9,477
7,451
4,503
4,405
3,797
Distance run (miles)
89,877
Revenue
66,553 39,466
$11,868.50 $10,700.00 $7,730.00
39,018 $7,890.00
32,753
$8,805.00
The large increase in cases and mileage run, compared with previous years, is mainly due to the influx of refugees during the year.
COMMENDATIONS.
25. H.E. the Governor highly commended Acting Station Officer J. W. Woollard and Assistant Station Officer A.I. Cash for good work at the oil fire on board the S.S. "Lalita" on January 1st, 1938.
26. The following members of the Brigade were commended by the Chief Officer during the year :-
Assistant Station Officer R.H.J. Brooks (twice).
2nd Class Fireman No. 90 Ng Sang.
ANNUAL DRILL DISPLAY.
27. The Annual Drill Display by the Brigade took place in the compound of No. 2 Police Station, Wanchai, in the presence of H.E. the Governor, Sir Geoffry Northcote, K.C.M.G., Lady Northcote, and a large number of distinguished visitors and spectators, on November 17th, 1938.
Before the commencement of the Drill Display, H.E. the Governor presented the Colonial Fire Brigade Long Service Medal to the following officers :—
Acting Superintendent G.C. Moss.
Head Foreman CHUNG YAU TIN.
Ambulance Attendant LAI HUNG.
During the Drill Display the finals of the following Competition Drills were contested :-
COMPETITION.
Motor Escape Drill Motor Pump Drill
Hook Ladder Drill
WINNER.
.Eastern Fire Station "B" Team.
.Kowloon Fire Station "A" Team. .Terminus Fire Station "B" Team.
At the conclusion of the Drill Display His Excellency, the Governor presented the prizes and expressed his pleasure at the efficiency with which the Brigade had carried out an excellent programme. He later took the salute at the drive past of the fire appliance, in Gloucester Road.
7th March, 1939.
T. H. KING, Chief Officer, Fire Brigade.
Appendix L.
PRISONS DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1938.
"I honestly believe that British justice in such a place as China makes prison almost Heaven.'
"J
This sentence was contained in a report by a Government Official who has served several years in the Far East.
When one looks at some of the terrible derelicts of humanity who pass through the imposing entrance of the Hong Kong Prison and into the spotless white-tiled shower-baths and changing rooms of the Reception Block and when one sees the well cooked and carefully balanced rations being issued to these half starved dregs of mankind one wonders whether this great prison is not indeed Heaven to many of its Chinese inmates. And this is borne out by the number of prisoners who are banished to China on release and deliberately return to Hong Kong so as to be imprisoned again for contravention of the Deportation Ordinance. I have spoken with some of them; for instance, one who has deliberately returned from banishment several times: "What makes you come back when you know you will get caught and put into prison?" With a wave of the hand round the Printers Shop where he is employed: "Where can I do better than this?"
In fact, there could hardly be a prison properly administered under British rule which would not be "heaven" to the starved, filthy, ragged, scabious creatures, many with dysentery and enteritis and the awful derelicts of opium and heroin addiction, who swell the prison population of Hong Kong.
And what is the answer? The answer, I believe, is that most of them should not be in prison at all, but in some quiet settlement where they could live in the sun and grow a few vegetables.
I.
GENERAL.
1. In 1937 Victoria Gaol and Lai Chi Kok Prison for men were closed down and all male prisoners were transferred to the new Hong Kong Prison at Stanley. At the beginning of 1938, therefore, there were only two prisons in the Colony, viz: The Hong Kong Prison at Stanley for men and the Lai Chi Kok Prison for women.
2. The Hong Kong Prison at Stanley has been built with single cellular accommodation throughout (except for Hospital Wards) and was designed to accommodate a total of 1559 prisoners (exclusive of Hospital and Punishment Blocks.) Accommodation for 23 European prisoners is included in this total.
3. On completion of the transfer of all male prisoners from Victoria Gaol and Lai Chi Kok Prison there were 2,215 prisoners in the Prison at Stanley; by November 1937 this number had reached the high figure of 2,757.
On 1st January, 1938, there were in the Prison 18 European, 8 Indian and 2,313 Chinese prisoners-a total of 2,339.
The highest number of male prisoners recorded in 1938 was 2,908 on 23rd December. On 31st December the number was 2,848.
4. Thus, from the outset the Hong Kong Prison at Stanley was grossly overcrowded and it has remained so ever since. In consequence, the whole object of constructing the prison with single cellular accommodation was defeated because it became necessary to accommodate a large number of prisoners three in a cell. This deplorable state of affairs still exists.
5. At the end of August, 1938, proposals for the reorganization of the Department with a view to a better classification and segregation of prisoners and to reducing the number of prisoners in the Prison were submitted to Government. Certain of these proposals were approved in October and measures to put them into effect were begun before the end of the year. Little change can be expected immediately, but it is hoped that by 1940 the steps taken may show indications of improvement.
.༤༢
L 2
6. The main idea underlying these proposals is to ease the position not by adding further buildings to the already cumbersome Prison at Stanley but by endeavouring to cut down by various means the number of prisoners to be admitted to the Prison and to introduce a system of classification and segregation and a programme of productive hard labour for all prisoners which should, in the course. of time, result in reducing the prison population by a combination of reformative and deterrent methods.
7. The Lai Chi Kok Female Prison was, and still is, suffering from serious overcrowding. Here the problem is somewhat different, and it was decided to increase the accommodation by the construction of wards to hold a further 100 prisoners. Unfortunately, this was subsequently held up for financial reasons.
8. A visit to the old Victoria Gaol was quite sufficient to show how urgent had been the necessity for the provision of a new prison. The building of the Hong Kong Prison at Stanley, while by no means solving the prison problem of the Colony, has greatly improved the situation and will enable the "Administration to introduce a system of reform which should do much to increase the efficiency of the Service as a whole and enable the Department to deal effectively with the various types and classes of prisoners admitted to its care. The creation of an efficient system would hardly have been possible under the conditions which obtained formerly.
9. It is not surprising that the unsuitable situation of the old Victoria Gaol, crowded in all sides by tall buildings with their windows looking down into many parts of the prison and occupied for the most part by the poorer class of Chinese, and the rabbit warren which constituted the prison itself, had had a most adverse effect on the mentality of the staff. The result was that in the layout of the Hong Kong Prison at Stanley and in its system of administration practically everything had been sacrificed to security.
10. In the workshops prisoners without sufficient work to keep them fully occupied had no trained technical officers to instruct them in the various trades, and shortage of staff consequent upon overcrowding prevented the employment of prisoners on work outside the prison with the result that many remained in comparative idleness within the walls. Apart from this, a serious lack of tools made any attempt to provide suitable labour for a large number of prisoners abortive.
11. In August Government approved the expenditure of $1,600 and in December a further $3,000 on tools. Both these sums were covered by savings on other items in the Department's Estimates for the year.
12. The purchase of these tools has enabled between 700 and 800 prisoners to be employed daily on productive hard labour inside and outside the prison; but the continued shortage of staff due to overcrowding has prevented full use being made of them, with the result that there are still over one thousand prisoners for whom some form of employment has to be "manufactured.” Much of this sort of employment, necessarily inadequately supervised, is little better than complete idleness as most of it has to be of a sedentary nature.
II. STAFF.
13. Mr. F. A. Hopkins, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, was appointed Acting Superintendent of Prisons on 17th April, 1937, when Mr. J. W. Franks, O.B.E., Superintendent of Prisons, went on leave prior to retirement from the Service. Mr. Hopkins continued to act as Superintendent until 20th July, 1938, when the writer, who had been appointed Commissioner of Prisons on 17th June, 1938, arrived in the Colony.
14. Mr. Hopkins then reverted to
to his substantive rank of Assistant Superintendent; but on 2.9.38 the title of Assistant Superintendent was changed to Superintendent as it was found that the statutory powers of an Assistant Superin- tendent were not sufficient for the proper maintenance of discipline in the Prison and because it was considered anomolous to have an Assistant Superintendent without a Superintendent.
L 3
15. On 15th October Mr. Hopkins, after 28 years Service in the Home, Cyprus and Hong Kong Prisons Services, during which time he had acted as Superintendent of Prisons, Hong Kong, on 4 occasions, was invalided to England, and Mr. H. Barrett, Chief Warder, was appointed Acting Superintendent pending the arrival of a new Superintendent from elsewhere.
16. The authorized establishment of Subordinate Staff for 1938 was :-
European Officers
65
Indian Officers
235
Chinese Staff
55
Male Staff
.355
Female Officers
28
Total Subordinate Staff
383
17. European Officers are, with a few exceptions, recruited locally from men of The Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and The Army. Most of these men take their discharge in the Colony in order to obtain employment as Prison Officers. They have to serve for 12 months on probation before being confirmed in their appointments, and their training as Prison Officers is carried out in the course of their duties during this period. In the case of these men, fully trained in the Fighting Services, it is not considered that any more elaborate form of training for their duties as Prison Officers is required.
18.
The recruitment of Indian Officers is a more difficult matter. These officers are generally selected in India by Senior Indian Officers on leave from Hong Kong and it is, therefore, impossible for them to be interviewed by the Superinten- dent of the Prison before selection as is done in the case of European Officers.
19. Indian recruits, almost without exception, have received no previous disciplinary training and the present establishment, being the minimum necessary to run the prisons, does not allow of the formation of a training school. The result is that a dangerous reliance sometimes has to be placed on men who are unknown quantities and who may be, at best, only half trained in their duties.
20.
It is proposed to examine the possibilities of arranging for a three months "recruits course" for these men before they are allowed to undertake any responsible prison duties..
21. Female Officers are engaged and trained locally and this method has proved satisfactory.
The recruitment of Chinese Staff presents no difficulties.
22. The following table shows the number of reports against members of the staff and the nature of the punishments inflicted in consequence :-
Punishment.
Dismissed
Reduced in rank
Increment deferred
Increment stopped
Europeans.
Indians.
Chinese
Wardresses.
1
1
Fined from $10.-$25
Fined from
$5.-$10
1
Co
3
Fined from $1.
$1-$5
14
30
Fined less than $1
2
31
Extra duty
8
22
Reprimand
4
11
Chinese Males
by
Age Groups.
1,369
STATISTICAL REPORT FOR HONG KONG PRISONS FOR 1938.
Number
previously
Number committed.
convicted.
Numbers sentenced to imprisonment.
committed in
Total number
1938.
For debt.
Destitutes.
For safe Custody and not subsequently
imprisoned.
For
Imprisonment.
Once.
Twice.
Thrice or more,
Number of First Offenders.
Under 1 month.
1 to 6 months.
6 months to 2 years.
Over 2 years.
Deaths (exclusive of executions).
15-20
4.0 1,329
192 50
5
LO
1,082
379
884
58
8
20-25
2,603
2
129
2,472 613
78
5
1,776
656 1,643
149 24 3
25-50
7,851
19
395
7,447 1,835 220
21
5,371 | 2,098 | 4,638
601
Over 50
1,139
4
36
1,099 169
36
4
890 551 476
69
Total Chinese males
12,962 25
590
12,347 2,809
384
35
9,119 3,684 7,641 877
110 48
3 23
145
European males
61
22 12
27
3
2
22
3
21
Indian males
22 2
6
4
10
1
9
3
6
1
Total males
13,045
27
28
606
12,384 2,813 386
35
9,150 3,690 7,668
881 145
74
Females by age Groups
15-20
121
15
106
8
20-25
158
25-50
1,139
12
11
146
12
4
2+
96
39
66
5
125
52
87
6
82
1,055
82
Over 50
583
15
568
61
22283
9
943 446 581 23
9
474 313 243
11
1
Total Females
2,001
3
123
1,875 163 51
23
1,638
850 977
41
7
Grand Total
15,046 30 28 729
14,259 2,976 437
58
10,788 4,540 | 8,645
922
152
77
Notes.
L4-
The percentage of convicted prisoners admitted to prison with previous convic- tions recorded against them was 24.3 as compared with 21.6 in 1937 and 15.9 in 1936. The percentage of male prisoners with previous convictions was 26.1.
The daily averages of prisoners in prisons
3 during the year were :- Hong Kong Prison
Male
3 Lai Chi Kok Prison
2,342
Female
214
Total.
2,556
L 5
INDUSTRIAL TRAINING AND LABOUR DISTRIBUTION HONG KONG PRISON, STANLEY.
Industries.
Estimated D/A prisoners value of work
employed.
for the year.
Estimated value of the work of one
prisoner.
$
- Printers
227
28,272.80
124.55
Tailors
48
6,014.00
125.29
Carpenters
33
4,145.20
125.61
Tinsmiths & Blacksmiths
39
4,873.20
124.95
Shoemakers
19
2,388.80
125.73
Rattan workers
26
3,232.40
124.32
Matmakers
62
7,694.00
124.10
Netmakers
20
1,860.90
93.04
Painters
19
2,344.00
123.37
Total
493
60,825.30
Labour
Laundry
70
8,697.20
124.25
Cookhouse
47
6,903.20
146.88
Gardens
25
3,151.20
126.05
Stone breaking (to August)
489
40,324.80
82.46
Prison Domestic
87
10,904.80
125.34
Total
718
69,981.20
Outside Work
Upkeep of grounds
60
7,488.00
124.80
Agricultural
Levelling, rock removing, etc. (for 24 days)
90
864.00
9.60
Anti-Malarial (for 35 days)
30
420.00
14.00
Total
180.
8,772.00
Grand Total
1391
139,578.50
PRINTING SHOP.
23. The Printing Shop forms a separate branch of Prison Industries under the supervision of a Principal Printing Officer.
•
24. In 1938-24,224,808 forms were printed and issued to various Government Departments and 143,374 books bound or repaired as compared with 20,068,160 forms and 125,157 books in 1937. This constitutes a record output.
25. During the year the printing of the 1st Volume of the Regulations of Hong Kong and the Water Police Regulations was successfully completed.
26. The demands for stationery from the various Government Departments still continue to increase and in November a small committee was formed to go fully into the question of control of printing.
27. The prisoners employed in the Printing Department worked well and there was no trouble throughout the year.
{
The attached table shows the amount of printing done for the various Government Departments
L 6
1938.
No. of
Departments
forms
printed
No. of books bound
Total value
Cost of Materials
of articles completed.
$
$
Attorney General's Office
2,250
24
92.76
444.76
Audit Office
82,335
1,057
532.44
1,616.44
Bacteriological Institute
89,250
99
311.16
1,323.16
Botanical and Forestry Department
105,480
1,716
632.64
1,963.64
Colonial Secretariat
1,078,178
7,388
4,867.74
14,888.74
Crown Solicitor's Office
6,692
123
73.98
365.98
District Office South
$71,010
387
573.06
2,069.06
District Office North
177,432
1,865
1,856.94
4,799.94
Education Department
157,944
2,937
1,442.94
5,661.94
Fire Brigade
29,720
141
331.10
942.10
General Post Office
6,702,593
23,496
13,732.02
34,253.02
Government Analyst
47,150
325
256.08
916.08
Stores Department
784,841
2,554
3,343.10
11,147.10
Queen Mary Hospital
1,399,964
3,634
4,402.02
10,342.02
Prisons Department
334,122
1,255
1,689.42
7,009.42
Government House
74,616
605
· 448.24
1,756.24
Harbour Department
772,173
19,002
2,573.64
11,390.64
Health Officer of Port
138,300
82
319.20
776.20
Hong Kong Naval Volunteer Force
12,350
202
148.45
313.45
Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps
96,294
2,174
314.58
1,524.58
Imports and Exports
1,330,220
5,936
5,398.08
13,076.08
Kowloon Canton Railway
826,454
4,000
4,075.88
9,196.88
Kowloon Hospital
336,500
264
730.98
2,083.98
Land Office
39,114
322
641.40
2,055.40
Hong Kong Magistracy
184,231
1,059
1,577.16
4,008.16
Kowloon Magistracy
134,791
591
775.20
2,893.20
Medical Department
1,363,852
7,985
7,743.80
18,600.80
Official Receiver's Office
18,820
178
319.26
1,089.26
Public Works Department
1,552,445.
9,287
10,102.71
23,126.71
Police Department
3,024,522
29,068
16,428.84
38,626.84
Queen's College
25,400
130
202.74
708.74
Royal Observatory.
56,054
1,204
284.52
1,120.52
Secretariat for Chinese Affairs
338,325
939
2,788.80
5,428.80
Sanitary Department
1,228,087
7,076
5,394.48
14,101.48
Inland Revenue
785,285
3,158
1,779.77
3,160.77
Supreme Court
116,272
1,447
2,046.00
6,039.00
Treasury
574,247
1,859
3,078.30
8,617.30
Tsan Yuk Hospital
32,500
25
140.64
470.64
Total
24,224,808
143,574
101,450.07
267,876.07
Industry & Labour.
L 7-
LAI CHI KOK FEMALE PRISON.
Daily average of prisoners employed.
Estimated value
of work for the
year. $
Estimated value
of the work of one prisoner.
$
Laundry
113
13,036.80
115.37
Tailoring and Sewing
34
4,152.00
122.12
Weaving
9
1,041.60
115.73
Cookhouse
10
1,478.00
147.80
Prison Domestic
26
2,473.60
95.14
Gardens (30 days)
13
141.20
10.86
Total...
205
22,323.20
28. In theory all prisoners employed do 7 hours work daily on weekdays. In practice, however, this is not the case and this matter is receiving attention.
29. As mentioned elsewhere in this report Prison Industries have suffered from lack of technical instructors. This does not apply to the Printing Shop where five European Officers are employed on the Printing Staff. It is hoped to engage during 1939 Technical Officers to supervise the Tailoring, Carpentering, Tinsmithing and Blacksmithing Industries and also to train a few members of the disciplinary staff in these and other trades so that they will be able to supervise the work of the prisoners as well as acting in a disciplinary capacity.
SPIRITUAL AND MENTAL TRAINING.
29. No measures exist at present for the mental training of prisoners. Prisoners may, however, purchase books for their own use and also have access to books, English and Chinese, from the prisoners library.
30. Spiritual training is confined to visits paid on Sundays by officially appointed Chaplains and by approved preachers and laymen.
PHYSICAL TRAINING.
31. There is no physical training apart from daily walking exercise for prisoners employed in indoor occupations.
PERSONS AWAITING TRIAL.
32. Persons awaiting trial are confined in a separate "Remand Block" and do not associate with convicted prisoners at any time. Owing to overcrowding it has been found necessary, from time to time, to confine three remand prisoners in a cell, but this is avoided as far as possible.
33. The reopening of a small part of the old Victoria Gaol, which is adjacent to the Courts, for the accommodation of Remand prisoners and persons awaiting trial has been approved by Government. This will answer the double purposes of relieving the strain on the accommodation in the Prison at Stanley and stopping the daily journeys by motor van of such persons between Stanley and Hong Kong.
YOUNG OFFENDERS.
34. The confinement and training of young offenders is carried out in the Juvenile Remand Home in Hong Kong. The Home is administered by the Com- missioner of Police. The establishment of an institution to be run somewhat on the lines of a Home Borstal is under consideration.
L 8
RECIDIVISM AND CLASSIFICATION.
35. A reference to the Statistical Report on page 4 indicates that recidivism is on the increase. While there can be little doubt that the economic situation due to the large influx of refugees from South China is partly responsible it cannot be denied that the classification of prisoners which has been practiced and which fails to segregate first offenders from previous offenders must have the effect of increasing recidivism through contamination in prison.
36. Proposals for the adoption of a new classification and for the better segregation of different classes of prisoners have been approved by Government.
AFTER CARE. 、
After-care would present
37. No system of after-care is in operation. peculiar difficulties in this Colony where a large number of prisoners who are not British subjects are banished to South China on release. Apart from this, with the present large influx of refugees so much help is required for the poorer class of Chinese in Hong Kong that public support for the introduction of a system of after-care for released prisoners could hardly be expected at the present time.
PRISON PUNISHMENTS.
38. The following table shows the number of offences committed during 1938 by prisoners against prison discipline and the consequent punishments which were awarded:-
Punishment.
Corporal punishment (with cane)
Close confinement
Offenders.
Nil.
4
Dietary punishment
373
Dietary punishment with loss of remission
24
Loss of remission
20
Reduction in class
Reprimand
2
Nil.
FINANCIAL.
39. The total cost of each prisoner per annum (average) was $276.10. The cost of feeding each prisoner per annum (average) was $92.68.
An estimate of the pecuniary value of an average prisoner's work (calculated on the basis of the work performed which has a definite monetary value as apart from domestic prison tasks or other unproductive employment) was $123.36 per
annum.
40.
The following Tables give particulars of the Revenue and Expenditure of the Department for 1938 as compared with 1937:-
TABLE I.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF REVENUE, 1937 AND 1938.
Head of Revenue collected by Prisons Department.
Fees of Court or Office.
Prison Subsistence
Prison Industries
1937.
1938.
$1,672.00 3,341.75
$4,029.00
4,484.96
Total
$5,013.75
$8,513.96
?
L 9
TABLE II.
Comparative Statement of Expenditure 1937 and 1938.
Personal Emoluments
1937.
$512,006.81
1938.
$514,345.93
Other Charges.
}
Arms and Ammunition
394.05
407.44'
Conveyance Allowance to Superintendent
600.00
153.81!
Cleaning and Sanitary Materials
5,484.54
7,478.59'
Clothing and Shoes for Staff
16,030.87
18,082.64
Clothing for Prisoners
37,844.88
36,139.39
Execution
Fees
150.00
200.00
Fuel
Grants to Chaplains
43,854.61
26,564.45
1,200.00
1,200.00
Gratuities to Prisoners.
882.00
1,034.00
Incidental Expenses
2,390.51
1,934.09
Light
13,060.41
14,518.26
Materials for Remunerative Industries
3,546.34
4,037.81
Materials for Repairs and Renewals
10,943.40
11,556.73
Photography
3,243.32
2,552.45
Rations for Indian Warders
14,919.89
13,975.76
Rent of Public Telephone
2,255.35
2,394.13
Rent of Quarters for European Warders
1,068.35
Nil
Rent of Quarters for Indian Warders
3,956.00
184.33
Subsistence of Prisoners
320,665.15
236,883.05
Transport
10,098.29
8,196.95
Upkeep and running Expense of Motor Vans
1,339.56
1,664.52
Total Other Charges
493,927.52
389,158.40
Special Expenditure.
Typewriters
672.00
5 Vans
14,882.71
Bicycles
104.00
88.00
Tools
3,939.38
Sewing Machines
1,332.00
Total Special Expenditure-
15,658.71
5,359.38
Total Prisons Department
$1,021,593.04
$908,863.71
L 10
CONCLUSION.
41. It will be apparent to any person who reads this report with under- standing that the penal system of the Colony is still far below the standard required to meet its growing needs. The establishment of an efficient prison system must depend largely on the provision of adequate funds to follow the methods which have been successful in England and in many parts of the Empire.
42. From a financial point of view alone, failure to check a steady increase in recidivism must, in the long run, become more expensive than the methods. employed to combat it, provided of course that these methods prove successful.
43. To quote from a Report by Mr. Alexander Paterson, M.C., His Majesty's Commissioner of Prisons for England and Wales:
"Each country gets in the end the prison administration for which it is prepared to pay, and that administration is in turn decided by the degree to which the interest of the average citizen in the matter has been aroused. .
There
is commonly no attempt to think out the purpose served by a prison, and certainly no conscious desire to co-operate with the authorities in the re-habilitation of the prisoner. . Vaguely there is an underlying idea that prison is a place of punishment and a means of deterrence.
It is only the negative side of prison life that is understood.
"The prison officials refuse to stop short at a purely negative conception of a prison, and insist that it has in addition a positive function to perform. Their business, so they say, is to keep a man in prison during his sentence and out of it for the rest of his life. While recognising that a sentence of imprisonment is and always should be a punishment, they maintain that the serving of the sentence should provide, if it is long enough and the prisoner is co-operative, an opportunity to train the habits and character of the offender. This is the positive side of a prison administration. The prison becomes not merely a place of safe custody, which is an inexpensive matter, but a possible place of training."
44. Only in a very few cases and with a wide stretch of the imagination can the Hong Kong Prison at Stanley be considered at present to fulfil its proper
function.
15th February, 1939.
J. L. WILLCOCKS,
Commissioner of Prisons.
=
―
L 11
Appendix.
ANNUAL REPORTS OF MEDICAL OFFICERS.
MEDICAL.
The following is the report of the resident Medical Officer, Hong Kong Prison, for 1938:-
Staff: Dr. G. Ingram Shaw was Medical Officer during year.
Mr. V. H. Freeman, Hospital Supervisor, went on leave in April and was replaced by Warder T. Pile. Rest of Staff consists of 9 Indian Warders of whom one is on long leave, leaving 8 for duties. It is to be remarked that only the Medical Officer is qualified in any way. The Supervisor on leave has had some R.A.M.C. training, but all the Indians have been recruited from discipline staff -an unsatisfactory state of affairs.
2. Total admissions to Hong Kong Prison during 1938 were 13,045. these 1,169 were 50 years of age or over.
Of
3. Total admissions to Hospital during year were 1,797, daily average of hospital patients being 46.47. This figure whilst representing true hospital admissions does not include that large number of derelict humanity which is kept in the "Doctor's Party"; a party of men suffering from deformity, blindness, and tuberculosis, and totally unfitted in every way for labour. This party averages approximately 250-300 per day.
4. During the year there were 73 deaths.
Apical Pneumonia
Lobar Pneumonia
Myocarditis
Fatty degeneration of the heart
Acute cardiac failure
Acute Dilation of the heart
Cerebral Haemorrhage
Acute Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Chronic Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Generalized Pulmonary Tuberculosis Pulmonary Infarction
Senility
Cirrhosis of the liver
Fibro-Sarcoma of lung
Acute Nephritis
Chronic Nephritis
Acute Encephalitis
Strangulated and Gangrenous Hernia
Bacillary Dysentery
Septicaemia
Carcinoma
Myelitis of the cord
Chronic Appendicitis
Secondary Anaemia
Acute Enteritis T. B.
Bronchiectasis
Pneumococcal Meningitis
Total
Causes of death were:-
1
3
8
1
2
1
4
17
3
7
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
6
1
1
73
L 12
5. Total number of outpatients 12,651; i.e. average daily attendance of 34.66, but this figure is actually 2× 34.66 as patients attend twice daily.
The following were the principal diseases including drug addiction:-
Scrotum Tongue Syndrome
Chronic Opium Poisoning
Chronic Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Scabies
Heroin
Hernia
Tinea and Dermatitis
Gonorrhoea
Syphilis and Chancroid
4,126
2,281
2,189
2,047
1,033
233
64
208
130
11
28
Beri Beri
Conjunctivitis
6. On admission to Gaol 108 prisoners were admitted to Hospital, 1,538 placed untasked in cell, and 2,497 on half labour. These figures are an indication of the condition in which many of these men arrive here and shew the need for some form of place of internment other than prison. "Half labour
"Half labour" does not really mean such, but is a convenient term for the doctor's party where only the very lightest of tasks are performed e.g. cleaning tins etc.
.
7. Following transfers took place during the year:
To Queen Mary Hospital
To Hospital re mental condition.
To Infectious Diseases Hospital (small pox)
8
4
5
Not included in this figure (Queen Mary) are cases for banishment who on ceasing to be prisoners were sent to this hospital because they were unfit to be discharged straight to care of Police.
8. 36 cases were sent to Queen Mary Hospital for X ray, returned same day. 1 case was retained (intra-capsular fracture R. femur).
9. 10 prisoners were released on medical grounds suffering from leprosy. One of these cases proved to be an inveterate house breaker and was kept in Prison under isolation. It should be noted that there is no real leprosarium in Hong Kong.
10. During the year although there was an epidemic of cholera in the Colony we were fortunate in not having a single case of the disease. Strict prophylaxis in the form of isolation of all new admissions to Prison for seven days, with inoculation against the disease, and stopping all outside food may have helped to prevent such cases occurring.
11. During the year there were 4 executions, death in every case being instantaneous; 245 floggings (2 cat-o-nine-tails and 243 cane) were attended during the year.
12. In general the health of the prisoners was very good, but admissions were marked as always by the large percentage of beggars, old men, emaciated derelicts of humanity suffering from drug addiction due I feel not so much to actual addiction as to first having some form of Tuberculosis and then starting to take opium in some form to alleviate suffering.
L 13
13. Early in the year the new Surgery for Staff was opened. Here con- sultations are given by M.O. starting at 9 a.m. An average of 5 patients attended daily. An indian lady M.O. attends every Tuesday afternoon for the benefit of native Gynaecological cases and if necessary sees other patients (native) who so desire.
14. Public Health.
Malaria has been practically non-existent and
one case can be proved to have been contracted in the precincts of the Gaol. My grateful thanks are due to the Malarial Bureau for this, as they have kept the large area of rock pools well oiled. 157 sumps are looked after by our own staff under the supervision of the M.O. An area of seepage water in the precincts has been turned into gardens and drained and is i believe now safe. Anopheles mosquitoes are sometimes seen, but I believe these are carried by prevailing winds. This should become less likely in the future as the anti-malarial work has been extended in the offending areas.
Sanitation. The precincts of the Gaol are scrupulously clean, due to the efforts of a Principal Warder who has been trained by the M.O. He has a staff who carry out these duties in routine method. Flies have occasionally been a source of much worry. Undoubtedly here again prevailing winds play a great part carrying flies from the fishing village of Stanley about 800 yards away. occasion flies have been imported in manure to be used in gardens. An order now exists which should prevent this occurring again.
On
Disposal of night soil has proved a very difficult problem in the case of the Prison. A septic tank serves this purpose and on the whole has given excellent service, but in November it refused to function any more being completely filled by a solid mass of matter. At present the effluent goes straight to the sea. The reason for the tank refusing to function is due to abuse by excess numbers. The tank was supposed to serve 1,500 men with presumably a margin of safety, but was until recently serving in round figures 3,000 men.
The number of prisoners in the Gaol being nearly 1,500 in excess of what it was built for means the breaking of all Public Health measures inasmuch as many cells have 3 men in the one cell. This combined with Eastern customs of passing stools when nature so demands does not help to keep down disease (the men are locked up from 4.30 p.m. until 6 a.m. and all natural acts are performed in tins in the cells during this period). An additional source of worry from the health point of view is the number of cases which must be chronic carriers of disease so locked up with healthy men. Every endeavour is made to segregate tuberculous cases but many mistakes must occur.
Water Supply: Owing to water shortage in Hong Kong the Prison has suffered in common with the rest of the Colony and this may be a factor in the upsetting of the septic tank. The hospital has certainly suffered very much as normally most hospitals even during restrictions are not cut off from water supply. In addition there was a further restriction due to the changing of the water main where larger pipes were put in. The prison water supply comes from a reservoir of its own and the hospital was of necessity cut off when the supply to the Prison was shut off.
General. During the year the M.O. gave 60 systematic lectures on the principles of Medicine, Surgery and Physiology to the hospital staff. This, however, is really uphill work and until intelligent educated men are recruited for this service will be of very problematical value. A further series of lectures on Air Raid Precautions, Gas, and First Aid was given to the staff generally.
G. INGRAM SHAW. Medical Officer.
L 14
MEDICAL REPORT OF FEMALE PRISON, LAI CHI KOK, 1938.
1. Dr. G. H. Henry and Dr. L. D. Pringle performed the duties of Medical Officer during the year.
2. The total number of female prisoners admitted was 2,001.
3. The admissions to hospital were 233, a decrease of 136 as compared with 1937, the daily average consequently falling to 5.47 as compared with 9.39 of
1937.
4. One death occurred in the Prison Hospital due to Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
5. Nine cases were transferred to Kowloon Hospital and 1 to Queen Mary Hospital. Of these three died-2 in Kowloon Hospital and 1 in Queen Mary Hospital, not included in return. One Remand prisoner was sent to Kowloon Hospital for X Ray and return.
6. Four female prisoners were released on Medical grounds by order of His Excellency-3 suffering from Leprosy and one Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
1937.
7. There were 8 normal labours during the year as compared with 15 in
8.
All new prisoners are vaccinated on admission, and were inoculated against Cholera during the Cholera epidemic.
9. The health of the prisoners this year has been very good, a big reduction in the number of admissions to Hospital vide para. 3 above.
L. D. PRINGLE,
Medical Officer.
Female Prison, Lai Chi Kok.
FEMALE
2001
PRISON.
Total Prisoners
Admitted to Prison.
Daily Average
Number of Inmates.
214
233
Total Admitted
to Hospital.
Daily Average
Number in Hospital.
5.47
233
Total
Out-patients.
Y
LAI CHI KOK FEMALE PRISON.
1938.
Daily Average Number
of Out-patients.
Death due
to Disease.
2.87
1
.0011
Death rate i.e. % of
Deaths to Total
Admission to Prison.
SI T
COLONY OF HONG KONG MEDICAL FACILITIES MAP
REFERENCE
Lok MA CHAU
SHA TAU KOK
SHEUNG SHUI
FAN LING
TAI PO MUI
Govt. HoSPITALS
NAVAL HOSPITALS
SAN TIN
MILITARY HOSPITALS
CHINESE HOSPITALS
PRIVATE HOSPITALS
GOVT. DISPENSARIES
CHINESE Public DISPENSARIES
ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADe DispensARIES
UN LONG
GOVT. Welfare CENTRES
10
Govt. Social HygiENE CENTRES
KAM TIN
в
TAI PO
TSUN WAN
SAI KUNG
о
CASTLE PEAK
SHA TIN
SHAM TSENG
ΤΑΙ Ο
LAN TAU ISLAND
پر
ટી
Kowleen CITY
ABERDEEN
HONG KONG
STANLEY
33
о
INDEX.
I ADMINISTRATION:-
A Staff
B Finance
Contents,
C Ordinances affecting the Public Health
II PUBLIC HEALTH:-
A. GENERAL REMARKS:
(i) General diseases
(ii) Communicable diseases.
(a) Mosquito and insect-borne diseases
(b) Infectious diseases
(c) Helminthic diseases
B. VITAL STATISTICS :-
1. Population
2. Non-Chinese registration
3. European officials.
III HYGIENE & SANITATION:-
(A) GENERAL REVIEW OF WORK DONE AND PROGRESS MADE :
(I) PREVENTIVE MEASURES
(i) Mosquito and insect-borne diseases:
(a) Malaria
(b) Yellow fever, etc.
(ii) Epidemic diseases :-
(a) Plague
(b) Cholera
(c) Smallpox
Page.
1
2
2
3
4
4
4
12
12
14
14
15
15
15
16
17
(iii) Other diseases :-
(a) Leprosy
(b) Tuberculosis
(iv) Helminthic diseases
17
18
18
(v) Diseases of animals
18
(vi) Seasonal prevalence of disease
19
INDEX (Contd.)
Contents.
(II) GENERAL MEASURES OF SANITATION
(a) Sewage disposal
Page.
19
(b) Refuse disposal
(c) Drainage
(d) Water supplies
19
(e) Domiciliary visiting and inspection
21
21
(f) Offensive trades
(III) SCHOOL HYGIENE
(IV) LABOUR CONDITIONS
(V) HOUSING AND TOWN PLANNING
23
24
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
20
20
22
(VI) FOOD IN RELATION TO HEALTH AND DISEASE
25
(B) MEASURES TAKEN TO SPREAD THE KNOWLEDGE OF HYGIENE
& SANITATION
28
(C) TRAINING OF SANITARY PERSONNEL
29
(D) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE WORK
IV PORT HEALTH WORK & ADMINISTRATION
V MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE
≈2222
29
30
32
VI HOSPITALS, DISPENSARIES & VENEREAL DISEASES
CLINICS
36
VII PRISONS & ASYLUM
49
VIII METEOROLOGY
IX SCIENTIFIC:-
53
A. Report of the Bacteriological Institute
B. Report of the Malaria Bureau
C. Report of the Analytical Laboratory
ககசு
55
63
68
D. Report of the University Professorial Units
75
APPENDIX:-
Return A. Medical, Health & Sanitary Service Staff
81
Return B. List of hospitals
85
Appendix I Drug addiction and the drug traffic in Hong Kong
86
Appendix II Refugee relief in 1938
86
Appendix III Smallpox in Hong Kong in 1938
88
Appendix IIIA A talk by Mr. Ho Kam Tong, O.B.E. on importance
of being vaccinated
91
Appendix IV Cholera in Hong Kong in 1938
94
Appendix A List of diseases treated in Government hospitals Appendix B List of diseases treated in Chinese hospitals Appendix C Report of Registrar-General of Births & Deaths
98
99
115
ANNUAL MEDICAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1938.
I. ADMINISTRATION.
A. (a) Staff-Medical, Health and Laboratory Divisions,
Appointments.
European.
Director of Medical Services: Dr. P. S. Selwyn-Clarke.
Government Consultant: Professor Gordon King.
Nursing Sisters: Miss M. A. Grant, Miss D. M. Baker, Miss K. E. Collie, Miss K. A. C. Steers, Miss E. S. R. Leslie, Miss P. M. Slack, Miss K. A. Milne, Miss M. West, Miss A. Holdway.
Secretary: Mr. J. H. Gelling.
Accountant: Mr. F. D. Angus.
Asiatic.
Medical Officers: Dr. Bee Hoat Tech, Dr. Ling Ke Dieh, Dr. Kong Sau Yui, Dr. (Miss) Cheng Hung Yue.
Medical Officers (Temporary): Dr. Tai Hon Sham, Dr. Tsan Wei Chean, Dr. H. H. Tai, Dr. H. F. Tai.
Promotions.
European.
Matron, Grade II: Miss F. A. Cranfield.
Retirements and Resignations.
Nursing Sisters: Miss O. Patchett, Miss N. K. Johnson, Miss H. Prescott, Miss A. C. Hill, Miss P. E. Kean, Miss D. C. Tall, Miss R. E. Low.
Asiatic.
Medical Officer: Dr. Cheung Shiu Fan.
(b) Health Division.
Appointment.
European.
Lady Medical Officer: Dr. (Mrs.) A. F. Stout.
Retirements and Resignations.
Lady Medical Officer: Dr. (Mrs.) G. R. Nash.
(c) Laboratory Division.
Appointment.
European.
Assistant Analyst: Mr. P. H. Symons.
M 2
B. Finance.
Due mainly to the increase in the number of patients admitted to hospitals and to the opening of the Lai Chi Kok Relief Hospital the total expenditure for 1938 exceeded the expenditure for 1937 by $389,210.48. The figures being $2,407,347.92 and $2,018,137.44 for the years 1938 and 1937 respectively. The ordinary (recurrent) expenditure in 1938 was $2,218,236.61 as compared with $1,866,911.97 in 1937. Special expenditure amounted to $189,111.31 in 1938 and $151,225.47 in 1937, but such items as cost of buildings, water supplies, etc., are not included.
The revenue earned by all divisions of the Medical Department during 1938 amounted to $431,034.17 as against $455,232.42 in 1937. The decrease was due to a large drop in the number of medical examinations of emigrants.
In Table 1 the figures include such items as water and drainage works, Urban Council cleansing services, etc.
Table I.
Motor Ambulance Service
34,072.88
Police Department
288.00
Public Works Department
1,510,320.13
Sanitary (Urban Council) Department
1,050,283.55
Subsidies to Charities
449,678.22
Medical Department
2,407,347.92
Total
$5,451,990.70
The total revenue for the Colony from all sources in 1938 was $37,175,897.82; hence the expenditure on medical services formed 14.66 per centum of the general revenue as compared with 16.19 per centum in 1937.
C. (a) 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 1938:-
1.
Ordinances
(a) Vaccination Amendment Ordinance, 1938.
(b) Dentistry Amendment Ordinance, 1938.
(c) Dangerous Drugs Amendment Ordinance, 1938.
(d) Pharmacy and Poisons Amendment Ordinance, 1938.
2. Rules, Regulations and By-laws.
(a) Public Health (Food). (New by-laws re reconstituted milk and
reconstituted cream.)
(b) Public Health (Food). (c) Pharmacy and Poisons. (d) Pharmacy and Poisons.
(e) Pharmacy and Poisons.
*
(Amendment to schedule to Ordinance).
(Amendment of regulations).
(Amendment of poisons list).
(Amendment of fees).
(f) Emergency. (Amendment re prevention of cholera).
(g) Emergency.
(Further amendment re cholera).
(h) Emergency. (Amendment re squatters and destitutes).
(i) Emergency. (Further amendment re squatters and destitutes).
M 3
II. PUBLIC HEALTH.
(A) General Remarks.
(1) General Diseases.
The year 1938 was marked by the prevalence and persistence of infectious disease in the Colony. At the end of 1937 smallpox had begun to attain epidemic proportions and the number of cases notified increased rapidly in the early part of the year, reaching a maximum in March. The last case of this series was
notified in July and by the end of that month the disease had died out.
2. Cholera recurred in Hong Kong in 1938, the first case being notified on the 25th of May. The disease was not as wide-spread as in 1937, thanks in part to the rigorous measures of control which were adopted, in part to the fact that the disease was expected and everything was in readiness to combat an outbreak.
3. These were the two major epidemic diseases occurring in the Colony in 1938, and there is no doubt that they lasted longer than they would have done in normal years owing to the overcrowding in all parts of the City of Victoria. (The prolongation of the Sino-Japanese "Incident" has meant that the advent of poverty-stricken and starving refugees to Hong Kong has continued throughout the year. The extension of hostilities to the South of China in November led to a sudden rise in the number of refugees crossing the frontier and this attained a maximum during the month in question?
4. The measures of control taken were not adequate to ensure inspection of all those who crossed the frontier, and it is regrettable to have to record that smallpox was undoubtedly brought into the Colony during this November migration.
5. A sudden sharp rise in the number of cases of epidemic cerebro-spinal meningitis was also noted shortly after this inflow, and this was probably due to the fact that these people were brought into contact with carriers of the disease, in the Colony and, being exhausted and ill-fed, succumbed to it only too readily.
6. The congestion of the urban districts in Hong Kong continues unabated and the sanitary condition of most of the town is calculated to promote rather than to prevent the spread of infectious disease. This congestion has undoubted- ly been the most important factor in keeping up the incidence of meningococcal meningitis. Even in the hottest months of the year cases of this disease have been recorded, although it is well-known that this disease has an increased pre- ference for the winter and spring.
7. The numbers of deaths occurring each month during the year were as follows:-
Table II.
January February
March
April May June
July
3,291
3,652
4,114
3,478
2,961
3,292
3,110
August
September
October
2,983
:
2,640
2,517
November
3,047
December
3,733
TOTAL DEATHS
38,819
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
- M 4 -
8. These figures may be represented graphically as follows, and these histograms show that the two peaks were attained in March and December.
MONTHLY DEATHS IN 1938.
Jan. Feb. |
Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
(II) Communicable diseases.
(a) Mosquito or insect-borne diseases.
9. Malaria, thanks to the untiring zeal and indefatigable activity of the Malaria Bureau, is no longer to be regarded as one of the major killing diseases in Hong Kong. Control is still essential as the infection rate remains high in rural areas which cannot be freed from breeding places for economic reasons.
10. The number of deaths recorded from malaria in 1938 is 733; this number includes two deaths from malaria among the Forces of the Crown. No case of blackwater fever was recorded..
11. Nine cases of filariasis and five of dengue were reported during the year. It is clear, therefore, that the incidence of mosquito-borne disease in Hong Kong is not excessively high. The whole subject is dealt with in greater detail in the Report of Malaria Bureau in "Section IX, Scientific."
(i) Plague.
(b) Infectious Diseases.
12. (No case of plague was recorded in Hong Kong in 1938, despite the assertion of the British Medical Journal during the year to the contrary. The disease has been epidemic during the year in the following districts in China:- Kwangtung, Kwangsi, Hainan Island and some parts of the North.
こ
.
M'5
13. The infection appears to have been absent from the Colony since 1929. Daily examinations of rats are made in both the Hong Kong and Kowloon mortuaries, and spleen smears are taken from a certain number of the animals each morning. This is a precautionary measure of value, as the possibility cl a reappearance of plague in the Colony is by no means remote.
(ii) Cholera.
14. Cholera was widespread all over the Far East during 1938. Although anti-cholera inoculations had been given free during the early part of the year to all members of the public who wished to avail themselves of this measure, and despite active propaganda designed to educate the public in methods of self-protec- tion against the disease, the disease reappeared in May.
Cases
600
500
400
*300
200
100
CHOLERA
1938.
་
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June.
July Aug.
Aug.
Sept. Oct. Nov.
Dec.
- M 6
15. Hong Kong was prepared for an epidemic. After its first appearance in May, the disease spread rapidly in June and attained its peak during the third week in July. From July onwards the epidemic declined; although, in contradis- tinction to 1937, sporadic cases of the disease occurred throughout December. In all, 547 cases of the disease were recorded with 363 deaths as compared with 1,401 cases and 776 deaths in the previous year.
16. The outbreak was aggravated by the steady stream of refugees into the Colony and by the overcrowded conditions existing in Hong K