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“...ANNUAL GENERAL REPORT FOR 1919.
PREFACE.
Hongkong is situated off the south-eastern coast of China be-
tween 22 9' and 22 17' N. latitude and 114 5' and 114 18' E.
longitude. The island is an irregular ridge, stretching nearly east
and west; its peaks rising to the height of nearly 2,000 feet above
the sea level. Its length is about 11 miles, its breadth from 2 to 5
miles, its area about 32 square miles.
In 1898 an extension of Hongkong territory, was agreed to by
an area adjacent to British Kowloou, including Mirs Bay and Deep
Bay, being leased for 99 years.
The Colony, then a desolate island, sparsely inhabited by
fishermen, was ceded to Great Britain in January, 1841; the cession
was confirmed by the Treaty of Nankin in August 1842 ; and the
charter bears date 5th April, 1843. The additions subsequently
obtained on the mainland, have been noted above.
Trade increased with the opening up of China to foreign trade.
Large local banking, dock, steamboat, and insurance companies were
established...”
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“...an increase in rateable
value of $5,222,622.
The circulation on the 31st December of notes of the three
Banks having authorised issues was as follows :
Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, ... $24,874,290
Chartered Bank of India, Australia, & China, ... 10,454,944
Mercantile Bank of India, Limited, ... 969,276
$36,298,510
The currency of the Colony consists, in addition to the notes
of these Banks, of British, Hongkong, and Mexican Dollars and of
subsidiary coin, which continued at par throughout the year.
The total issue of subsidiary coins less those demonetized, now
amounts to $20,764,370 nominal value, and they were up to the year
1905 readily absorbed at par, large quantities being taken by the
neighbouring provinces of China. During 1916 ten cent pieces of
the face value of $5,028,000 were shipped to Calcutta for purposes...”
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“...LauSumKee,................................. 1 1,030 480
Total,............17 vessels of 11,848 gross tons and 9,0901.H.P.
1919.
Taikoo Dockyard and Eng. Co., Ld.,... 6 vessels of 22,311 gross tons and 14,450 I.H.P.
Hongkong & Whampoa Dock Co., Ld., 9 17,415 13,975
W. S. Bailey & Co.,........................ 8 700 1,750
Kwong Tuck Cheong,..................... 2 948 800
Total,............25 vessels of 41,374 gross tons and 30,975 I.H.P.
Sugar Refineries.1919 was a good year. Demand .from
China was consistent, at steadily advancing prices, with the excep-
tion of a period of one to two months during the summer, wThen
heavy speculation destroyed all confidence in the market. During
the latter part of the .year the incidence of the Japanese boycott
threw an unusually heavy demand on all other sources of supply,
thus adding a stimulus to an already brisk demand for Hongkong
Refineds. As a matter of interest, prices of raw sugar in Java
rose from f. 13 in January to f. 42 at the end of December...”
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“...16
(ii.)Under Chinese Management.
Tin.This trade showed a decrease as compared with that in
1918. Imports from Yunnan during the year amounted to about
6,800 tons and from Kwangsi to about 200 tons as against 12,500
tons and 200 tons respectively in 1918. From Java 320 tons were
imported and from the Straits 2,000 tons.
During the year about 250 tons were exported to Japan, 4,200
tons to Shanghai and other China Coast Ports, and 900 tons to
Europe, Canada, and the United States of America.
Rattan and Fibre Furniture.During 1919 the value of rattan
and fibre furniture exported from this port increased from
$10,000 to $380,000. The value of Rattan Canes exported was
about $200,000 and that of Rattan Core and Seagrass was $400,000
and $80,000 respectively.
Native Tobacco.This trade was a little better than that in
Tinned Goods.The volume of business done/during the year
showed a slight increase, over that done in 1918.
Knitted Vests and Socks.The volume of business increased
by 10%...”
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“...20
businesses and on the possession of essential raw materials when
the war comes to an end and when they shall cease to be of the
status of enemies.
The Banking Business (Prohibited Control) (No. 2).
The Termination of the Present War (Definition) (No. 9).
The Trading with the Enemy Amendment (No. 11).
The China Companies Custodian (No. 12).
The Rating (Special War Rate) Amendment (No. 15).
The Enemy Aliens Restriction (No. 16).
The Military Service Repeal (No. 23).
IV.EDUCATION.
No important changes have taken place in the Education
Department during the year under review. The Staff has been
depleted by causes due to the war, but the deficiency has been met
in part by the appointment of Mistresses resident in the Colony.
The total number of pupils at schools in the Colony excluding
the Police School and the uncontrolled schools in the New Terri-
tories are :
Number of Pupils.
English Vernacular Total.
Schools. Schools.
Government Schools, 2,881 ! 2,881
Military Schools...”
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“...British and Chinese subscribers. It was
founded with funds representing about equal proportions of Chinese
and British money.
At the end of the year the number of students was 225, 77
of whom were taking the Engineering Course, 75 Medicine, and 73
Arts. While most of the students have studied in Hongkong schools,
a number come from Canton, the Coast Ports of China, the Straits
Settlements, Siam, and Japan. There are numerous scholarships,
including those founded in honour of King Edward Ylf, the Pre-
sident of the Republic of China and by various Provincial Govern-
ments.
The idea of the University is to provide, close to China, education
for Chinese similar to that given in the British Universities, but at
a much cheaper cost; for if a Chinese goes abroad to be educated
he has to pay, besides travelling expenses, some $2,500 per annum ;
whereas at Hongkong the expenses of the University are $540 per
annum for board and tuition, or including extras about a minimum
of $1,000 per annum...”
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“...three branchesCivil, Electrical, and
Mechanical. The University has an exceptionally large equipment
of machinery and apparatus, and has a number of laboratories and
workshops. There is practically no place in China where students
have such an opportunity of seeing all.kinds of machinery in actual
working and of learning their practical management. Several
graduates have obtained an Honour's Degree awarded by the
Examiners of the London University.
The University insists upon all students having a proper know-
ledge of their own language although instruction at the University
is carried out in English. Students are required to pass an examina-
tion in written Chinese before entering, and two Chinese Professors,
both Hanlin graduates, give lectures on the classics and history of
China.
V.PUBLIC WORKS.
The extension of the Central Police Station was practically
completed and the extension of the Harbour Office building to
accommodate the Imports and Exports Department made good
progress....”
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“...road
traversing the hillside in Wong Nei Chong Valley and extending
to Bowen Road was well advanced. The widening of the eastern
portion of Bowen Road and the construction of a new road from
Bowen Road to Wanchai Gap were undertaken. The extension of
Lugarcl Road to High West Gap, where it will join Harlech Road,
was also undertaken. The new road from Shanghai Street, Kowloon,
to the southern portion of the Taikoktsui Peninsula was completed
and another new road from Kowloon City Road to the China Light
and Power Company's new Station and the Dock Company's new
houses at Tai Wan Bay was begun.
In the New Territories, extensive improvements in that portion
of the Tai Po Road between the 9th and 18th milestones were still
in progress. The new coastal road from Tsiin Wan to Castle Peak
Bay was completed, thus rendering available for motor traffic a
circular route 57 miles in length.
" Beaconsfielcl Arcade" was resumed by Government at a .cost
of $275,000 as was also Rural Building Lot 111...”
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“...rails
and fastenings belonging to the Imperial Government.
Through and Joint Sectional Traffic Receipts amounted to
$302,327.74 or $36,632.96 in excess of 1918.
The Gross Receipts for the vear were $490,092.77 as against
$433,274.43 for 1918 an increase of $56,818.34. The balance after
paying working expenses stands at $73,060.63.
The Through and Joint Sectional Passengers carried were as
follows:
Passengers booked by Stations
in British Territory to
Stations in China .........
Passengers booked by Stations
in China to Stations in
British Territory .........
1917. 1918. 1919.
309,394 307,494 344,716
352,008 323,642 354,699...”
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“...$1(5,524,975 being
$359,240 less than the estimate and $2,140,273 less than the
revenue in 1918. Compared with that year there were decreases
under the heads Licences and Miscellaneous Receipts, the former
head showing a drop of $2,335,655. All other heads showed
increases.
2. The principal sub-heads showing excess over the estimate are
as follows :
(a) Assessed Taxes,............. ..$ 41,283
(b) Kowlooh West Ferry Licences,... 108,900
(c) Stamps, 101,156
(d) Tobacco Duties,...... 118,906
00 China Companies Fees, 43,992
(/) Postage, 40,057
(9) Land Sales, ... 6?,,960
The increases are due (a) to new assessment, (?>) to new item
of revenue, (c) to more Probate Duty, (d) to increased sales, (e) to
new flotations, (f) to increase of business, and (g) to more lands
being disposed of.
3. The principal deficits compared with the Estimates were :
(a) Special War Rate,... ... $548,287
(&) Opium Monopoly,... ... ... 696,965
Of these, (a) was due to the abolition of the tax at the half-
year...”
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“...Subsidiary Coin, Unallocated Stores, etc.
11. Subsidiary coins in stock on the 31st December were as
follows :
50 cents, $ 5,994
20 36,111
10 675,568
5 100,692
Copper, 24,753
$843,118
The nominal amount of coins in circulation is $20,764,370, and
the market value is now practically par.
12. The local circulation in December of notes of the three
Banks having authorized issues was as follows :
Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, $24,874,290
Chartered Bank of India, Australia & China, 10,454,944
Mercantile Bank of India., Limited, 969,276
$36,298,510
The specie in Reserve came to............... $22,550,000.
13. The rate of exchange for the Estimates was taken at 3/-
whereas the average rate for purposes of conversion in the Treasury
books was 3/8-|.
D. W. Tratmax,
Treasurer.
6th June, 1920....”
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“...02
5. The number of persons reported by Hongkong residents to
the Po Leung Kuk as missing during the year was 84, of whom 38
were found, as compared with 60 and 28 in 1918. The'totabnumber
of persons reported missing, including reports from China and
Macao, was 117, of whom 42 were found, as compared with 63 out
.of 111 in 1018.
Em i oration.
Asiatic Emigration Ordinance No. 30 of 1015.
(i.)Emigration of Women and Children, (Free).
(Table IV.)
6. The number of women and children passengers examined
and allowed to proceed abroad was 8,550 (women 5,442, girls 650,
and boys 2,458) as compared with 5,366 in 1918. During the first
three months emigration of this type was very slack, but owing to
increased shipping accommodation after the month of April it
gradual!y increaseel.
During the year only two ships went to South Africa witli
women and children passengers; one in August -and the other"in
September.
During the months of April and May several batches of female
and minor emigrants...”
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“...and blankets, so thai
they would not, as was the case in previous years, suffer from the
sudden change from a hot to a cold climate.
17. One hundred and eight (108) assisted emigrants were re-
turned from Banca. Six of these were able to return to their homes
unassisted while the remainder were sent home through the Tung
Wa Hospital at the expense of the Holland China Trading Company,
the agents of the employers.
18. During the year 4 applications were received for the re-
demption of Assisted Emigrants from Banca. 3 of the men applied
for have already returned ; and of these one was redeemed by the
generosity of the Holland China Trading Company, free of charge
to the applicant, a poor widow.
In. the fourth case the man went to Banca by way of Macao,
in order to evade the Emigration Laws of the Colony. His re-
demption has been sought successively through Macao, Singapore,
and the Consul General for the Netherlands Indies in Hongkong.
At the end of the year he had not yet returned. He...”
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“...- c 5 -
22. Class I, Chinese Hoi els.These are run very much on the
lines of European hotels : they are licensed for the sale of alcohol.
I)uring the year one of these houses, the "Tai Tung", was closed
and another, the "Hotel China", which gave up business, was taken
over for the extension of the Great Eastern. Hotel". At the end
of the year therefore there remained only two houses the "Great
Eastern and the "Stag Hotel" both of w hi eh applied for and
received fresh licences after 31st October, 1919.
23. Class II, First Class LI ok U.These are the large boarding
houses which cater principally for independent, emigration and inter-
port passenger business. During the year a new Boarding House
of this class was opened the Wall Kiu", which took up the
premises vacated, by the "Tai Tung Hotel". None were closed.
At the end of the year there were 17 houses, all of which had taken
out new licences before the end of 1919. The lawful accom-
modation provided by these 17 boarding houses is 2...”
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“...during the year 476 persons were admitted as
against 356 in 1918. The circumstances of the admission and the
action taken in regard to them are set out in Table A.
107 women and girls were committed under warrant, and 210
were admitted without warrant. Of the remainder 35 were lost
children, 20 were accompanied by parents or guardians, and 44 were
runaway maid servants.
On leaving the Kuk 170 women and girls were restored to
husbands or other relatives, 34 were sent to charitable institutions
in China, 19 were given in adoption, 13 married, and 3 released
under bond. No cases were sent to the Eyre Refuge, Italian
Convent, or Victoria Home. The number of inmates remaining in
the Kuk on December 31st was 62.
The income and expenditure during the year and the assets
and liabilities of the institution are set out in Tables B and C
attached.
The accounts of the Managing Committee in the customary
form have been audited by Messrs. Li Wing-kwong and Wong
Yiu-turig. The balance to the credit of the...”
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“...consent from Singapore. Manila, and Swatovv.
s i -i to 1 -a ' Ol Sent with their own consent by the Police.
O. co ai - Lost Children.
to tO | LO O 1 O Accompanying parents or guardians.
to CC Runaway maid-servants.
OS CO I J Ol 1 rf- lO | China. Sent to School, Convent, or Refuge.
: 1 1
= 1-1 1 1 ".......r~~[ 3 | Adopted. | Married.
Died.
to J Oi Cases under consideration.
1 i T'l a, 1 Total, cc 1
Of Q...”
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“... and Crews of Vessels entered at each
Port.
IV.Number, Tonnage, and Crews of Vessels cleared at each
Port.
V.Number, Tonnage, and Crews of Vessels of each Nation
entered.
'VI.Number, Tonnage, and Crews of Vessels of each Nation
cleared.
VII.Junks entered from China and Macao.
VIII.Junks cleared for China and Macao.
IX.Summary of Arrivals and Departures of all Vessels.
X.Licensed Steam-launches entered.
XI.-Licensed Steam-launches cleared.
XII.Number of Boat Licences issued.
XIII.Statement of Revenue.
XTV.Chinese Passenger Ships cleared by the Emigration Officer
(Summary).
XV.Return of Emigration.
XVI.Return of Male and Female Emigrants.
XVII.Vessels bringing Chinese Passengers to Hongkong from
places out of China (Summary).
XVIII.Return of Immigration.
XIX.Return of Male and Female Emigrants returned,...”
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“...5,500 156 15 26,066 1,210 15 26,066 1,210
Clausula. ............................................... 32 1 ">9,084 1,535 32 159,084 1,535 1 3,014 50 j 1 8,014 50 33 162,098 1,585 3:; 162,098 1,585
Coast of China, Ships,............................. 2.8M8 2,162,993 150.322 182 217,336 12.37-1 3,020 2,:',.SO,829 162,696 1,167 753,519 66,546 198 173,076 8,874 1,365 926,595 75,420 4,005 2,916,512 216,868 380 890,412 21,248 4.385 3,306,924 23 x, 116
Steamships under 60 tons.... ... 776 28.516 14,943 1,708 : 51,541 17,909 2.484 80,057 32,852 776 28,516 14,913 1,708 ; 51,541 1 7.909 2,4 81 | 80,057 32,852
7,922 861,973 131,388 i 2,013 323,112 ! 28,757 9,935 1,185,085 160,145 7,922 861,973 131,388 2,013 323,112 28,757 9,985 j 1,185,085 , 160,145
Cochin China .................................... 98,780 5,328 77 93,780 5,328 96 1 10,972 5,579 96 110,972 5,579 173 201.752 10,907 j 173 ; 204,752 10,9u7
Dutch East Indies.................................. 85 60,432...”
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“...D 18
Table II. NUMBER, TONNAGE, CREWS, AND CARGOES OF VESSELS CLEARED AT PORTS IN THE COLONY OF HONGKONG TO EACH COUNTRY IN THE YEAR 1919.
COUNTRIES TO WHICH DISPARTED.-
With Cargoes.
i
Australia, ..........................................
liritish North Borneo,.............................
Canada.............................................
C< asl of China, Ships.............................
Steamships under GO Ions...
,, Junks,..........................
Cochin China,......................................
Dutch East Indies, ..............................
Kg.vi>N..............................................
Europe,Mediterranean Ports.................
Atlantic Ports, .........................
,, Baltic Ports.............................
Formosa, ..............................................
Great Britain,.....................................
India,...............................................
Japan, ..............................................
Kwoiigchau-wan,...”
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“...Table VII.
Total Number, Tonnage, Crews, Passengers, and Cargoes of Junks ENTERED in the Colony of Hongkong,
from Ports on the Coast of China and Macao, in the Year 1919.
Cargo. Ballast. Total.
Vessels. Tons. Crew. Passen- gers. Cargo, tons. Ves- sels. Tons, j Crew. Passen- gers. Vessels. Tons. Crew. Passen- gers. Cargo, tons.
Canton, ......... 1,522 4,669 179 1,574 157 246,168 485,680 35,560 121,19.1 8.934 29,428 84,726 2,147 15,500 1,734 133,535 102,481 10 3 5 102,499 180,099 247,070 12,146 64,494 1,627 505,436 866 1,055 239. 66 26 190,240 128,913 27,744 2,170 1,789 13,514 14,405 3,932 448 *390 1,296 1,296 2,388 5,724 418 1.610 183 436,408 614,593 63,304 123,361 10,723 1,248,389 1.546,673 42.942 99,131 6,079 15,948 2,124 166,224 183,756 103,777 10 3 5 180,099 247,070 12,146 64,494 1,627
West River, ... Macao, .........
East Coast,______ West Coast, ... Total 1919, Total 1918
8,101 897,533 2,252 350,856 32,689 10,353 103,795 505,436
8...”
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