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“...HONG KONG.
ANNUAL GENERAL REPORT FOR 1925.
PREFACE.
The Colony of Hong Kong is situated off the south-eastern coast of China between latitude 22° 9' and 22° 17' N. and longitude 114° 5' and 114° 18' E. The island is about 11 miles long and 2 to 5' miles in breadth, its circumference being about 27 miles and its area 28-J square miles. It consists of an irregular ridge of lofty hills rising to a height of nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, stretching nearly east and west, with few valleys of any extent and little ground available for cultivation.
The island, then desolate and sparsely inhabited by fishermen,, was ceded to Great Britain in January, 1841, the cession being confirmed by the Treaty of Nankin in August, 1842; and the charter bears the date 5th April, 1843. All that part of Kowloon peninsula lying South of Kowloon Fort to the northernmost point of Stonecutter’s Island together with that island was ceded to Great Britain under the Convention signed at Peking in October, 1860, and...”
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“...services, and for ensuring the food supply of the Colony were brought into operation without a hitch.
The Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps was mobilised on the 21st of June, and calls for volunteers as special constables, tramway drivers, crews for the Kowloon ferries etc. met with a ready response. The firm attitude taken up by the Government rapidly restored confidence, and towards the end of July the demobilisation of the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps commenced. Places of strikers were filled, workers began to come back until outwardly the Colony was quite normal again. But though the strike had collapsed there followed a boycott of British trade and shipping in South China, instigated by and only maintained through the activities of the strike picket organisation with headquarters in Canton, to the detriment of merchants and business- people both British and Chinese, in Hong Kong, Canton, Swatow and the Kwang-Tung province generally.
In order to assist the business community to tide...”
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“...them Mr. Chau Siu-ki, a former member of the Legislative Council.
At the 16th Congregation of the University of Hong Kong on the 5th January the degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) was conferred on the Honourable Sir Henry Pollock, K.C., and on Mr. John Swire (in absentia).
At the meeting of the Legislative Council on the 5th March, His Excellency the Governor announced that Hong Kong had offered £250,000 to the Home Government as a contribution towards the Singapore Base.
Mr. M. J. D. Stephens, who had practiced as a solicitor in the Colony for over 50 years died on the 28th April.
Mr. C. Montague Ede, for many years General Manager of the Union Insurance Society of Canton, who had served on both the Legislative and Executive Councils and was well known on account of his many philanthropic activities, died on the 22nd May.
His Royal Highness Prince George arrived in Hong Kong on the 28th May to take up his appointment as sub-lieutenant on H.M.S. Hawkins.
His Excellency the Governor Sir...”
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“...District 43,430
Sliaukiwan, Saiwanho and Quarry Bay ... 107,825
Hong Kong Villages ... 314,000
Kowloon Point ... 346,276
Yaumati ... 591,140
Mongkoktsui ... 472,020
Hunghom and Hok Un 94,650
Kowloon Villages 32,401
New Territories ... 253,530
The rateable value of the whole Colony $27,287,862 having increased by $5,139,911.
amounted to
During the period 1916-1925 the assessment of the whole Colony has risen from $14,282,186 to $27,287,862, an increase in rateable value of $13,005,676.
The circulation on the 31st December of notes of the three Banks having authorised issues was as follows:—
Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation .............................$ 45,332,993
Chartered Bank of India, Australia, &
China ... .................... ... 14,587,808
Mercantile Bank of Incjia, Limited ... 1,459,875
$ 61,380,676
The currency of the Colony consists, in addition to the notes of these Banks, of British, Hong Kong, and Mexican Dollars and of subsidiary coin, which continued at...”
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“...z
was continuously followed till 1918 except during a brief period in 1911.. Coin to the face value of $26,235,459 lias thus been redeemed. The total issue by the Hong Kong Government was of the face value of $44,099,830.
Statement of Subsidiary Coins. Received and redeemed (from 1911)
Blue Book 1911. Amount in circulation. .'Since received :—Copper coin.
1919............. 25,000.00
1923 ............ 25,000.00
1924 ........... 50,000.00
1925 ........... 25,000.00
Total Amount put into circulation ...
$43,999,830
125,000
..$44,124,830
Less since redeemed :—•
1911 ...5,527,459.04 ...1,040,000.00
-LJ • •••
1913 ...1,040,000.00
1914 ...5,000,000.00
1915 ...5,100,000.00
1916 ...5,028,000.00
1918 ... 500,000.00
1922 ...3,000,000.00
26,235,459.04
Total Amount of coin in circulation in 1925...$17,889,370.96
II.—SHIPPING AND TRADE, INDUSTRIES, FISHERIES AGRICULTURE, AND LAND.
(a.)—Shipping.
The total Shipping entering and clearing at Ports in the Colony during the year 1925 amounted to...”
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“...14
Emigration ana Immigration.
One hundred and forty thousand, five hundred and thirty-four (140,534) emigrants left Hong Kong for various places during the year 1925, (129,859 in 1924). Of these, 85,586 were carried in British ships, and 54,948 in foreign ships.
Ninety-one thousand, six hundred and twenty-two (91,622) returning emigrants were reported to have been brought to Hong Kong from the several places to which they had emigrated either from this colony or from coast ports, as against 130,194 in 1924. Of these, 51,760 arrived in British ships, and 39,862 in foreign ships.
Statement of number of emigrants to Straits Settlement,s, 1914 to 1925, compared with total Chinese emigration.
No. of Emigrants io . Straits Settlements. Total No. of Emigra nts.
1914 ... 44,974 76,290
1915 ... 41,278 68,275
1916 ... 82,797 117,653
1917 ... 63,292 96,298
1918 ... 8,019 43,830
1919 ... 11,638 59,969
1920 ... 43,935 105,258
1921 ... 87,324 156,011
1922 ... 50,356 98,393
1923 ....”
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“...under the influence of over production practically throughout the year resulting in a steadily declining market, the Hong Kong refineries have again been seriously handicapped by tlie disturbed political conditions throughout China, the serious strike which started last June and the boycott of British manufactures which necessitated shutting down both refineries entirely for a time.
Competition from Japanese refined sugar also been very keen, but it is reported that the refineries in that Country have agreed amongst themselves to restrict their output, which would indicate that their losses must have been considerable.
Kopp. Making.—The demand for Alanila cordage was fairly good during the first six months of 1925 but it fell off in the second half of the year owing to political troubles in Canton.
(e.)—Fisheries.
A considerable proportion of the boat population of Hong Kong supports itself by deep-sea fishing, in which pursuit a large number of junks are engaged. The villages of Aberdeen...”
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“...and destroyed was 42. pounds.
Protection from fire.
One new fire-barrier* 20 feet in breadth and 1,450 feet in length was made at Taipo Forestry Reserve and another in the vicinity of the wireless station buildings at Cape D’Aguilar, 3,852" feet in length.
Old fire-barriers were cleared of undergrowth and grass; the total length dealt with amounted to 17 miles in the New Territories, 15 miles in Hong Kong and of miles at Fanling.
All forestry paths were cleared of grass and undergrowth and1 the necessary repairs carried out where landslips had occurred.
Nurseries, Agriculture, &c.
At Little Hong Kong Nursery over 7,000 young Camphor trees were raised in readiness for planting out in the adjoining valley where the old natural forest formerly stood.
Fanling Experimental Garden.
Large numbers of young trees of Aleurites montana, Poinciana regia ano. Cinnamoinum Camphora were raised on spare ground in the garden; these trees were used on the roadsides between Fanling and Shataukok and Fanling...”
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“...fetched good prices. Also, on account of the importation of vegetables from Canton and the coast ports being temporarily stopped, locally grown vegetables were sold for very high prices during the summer months.
Inspection of Nursery Stocks.
Eleven thousand nine hundred and seventy-six cases of. bulbs of Narcissus Tazetta w'ere examined for fungoid diseases and insect pests before being exported to the United States of America. All the bulbs were grown in the vicinity of Amoy and arrived in Hong Kong between July and October. The actual number of bulbs dealt with was 1,450,660. No consignments were detained for reconditioning.
(e.)—Land Grants and General Value of Land.
The net amount of premium received from sales of Crown Land exclusive of the New Territories during the year 1925 was $367,526.77 a decrease of $1,290,159.83 on preceding year and $1,434,399.46 less than the average of the previous five years, this average was however abnormal owing to the unusual demand for land during the...”
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“...“ The Trustees of the Sailors Home in Hong Kong,” to appoint the first trustees, and to vest in the new incorporation .the Crown ' lease of the land on which the present Sailors Home stands.
The “ Petites Soeurs des Pauvres, St. Pern, Bretagne ” (No. 6)—The object of this ordinance was to incorporate the Petites Soeurs des Pauvres, St. Pern, Bretagne, in order to enable them to hold immovable property in perpetual succession.
The Telephone (No. 9)—The object of this ordinance was to provide for the establishment of an improved telephone service in the Colony by means of a concession to a new local Telephone Company to supply telephonic communication within the Colony for a period of fifty years commencing from 1st July, 1925.
The June Settlement (No. 11)—The object of this ordinance was to postpone the June settlement day.
The Registration of United Kingdom Patents (No. 13)—The object of this ordinance was to provide for the registration in Hong Kong of letters patents granted in the United...”
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“...have an average attendance of 257. There is also a school for the children of the Peak District with an average attendance of 34. The Diocesan School and Orphanage and St. Joseph's College are important boys’ schools in receipt of an annual grant. The Italian, French, and St. Marys Convents, the Diocesan Girls’ School, and the St. Stephen’s Girls School are the most important of the English Grant Schools for girls. There are two Vernacular Normal Schools for Men and Women respectively.
The Hong Kong Technical Institute affords an opportunity for higher education of students who have left school. Instruction was given in 1925 in Building Construction, Mechanics, Chemistry (Practical and Theoretical), Physics, Electricity, Commercial English, French, Shorthand, Book-keeping. Classes for men and women teachers, both “ English ” and “ Vernacular ” are a feature of the Institute.
The lecturers are recruited from the members of the medical and educational faculties of the Colony, and from the...”
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“...20 —
The University of Hong Kong was incorporated under a local University Ordinance, 1911, and opened in 1912. It is a residential University and open to students of both sexes.
The late Sir Hormusjee Mody bore the entire expense of the erection of the main building and additions have been made through the liberality of benefactors of varied nationality and domicile. The latest addition to the buildings is a workshop built out of a contribution from Sir Robert Ho Tung.
The annual income of the University now amounts to about $420,000 of which about $145,000 comes from endowment and $50,000 from Government. Messrs. Butterfield and Swire gave £40,000 to the original endowment fund and subsequently $100,000 for engineering equipment. The Rockefeller Institution has endowed the University with three chairs in surgery, medicine and obstetrics, the endowment being in each case $250,000.
The University includes the three Faculties of Medicine, Engineering and Arts. Admission to all faculties...”
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“...practically all the athletic clubs. The graduation fee is $25. Probably about $1,200 represents the minimum amount which at present prices would cover a student's annual expenses including vacations. It would cost a Chinese student who goes abroad $2,500 a year at the very least, and this would not cover travelling expenses.
Numerous scholarships are available, including the King Edward VII Scholarships founded by His Majesty’s Government. „ There are also scholarships provided by the Government of Hong Kong, of the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States, of Kedah and Siam.
The Union is the centre of the social life of the students. It is at once a Club and a centre of athletics. The Union Committee contains certain members of the University teaching staff, but its President and Secretary are undergraduates elected by the undergraduates. The undergraduate members of the Committee are also elected by their fellow students. There is a Union magazine with English and Chinese sections. The editors...”
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“...works:— ‘ ' 1
Ilong Kong.—The New Fire Brigade Station proceeded satisfactorily and was nearing completion by the end of the year. The following works were completed, Senior Officers Quarters, Gough Llill, New Architectural Office and Entrance to New Queen’s Pier, the New Sisters Quarters to the Government Civil Hospital were nearly completed and good progress was made on the New King’s College and alterations to the Victoria Hospital. New Queen’s College site approached completion. Open markets at Whitfield and Quarry Bay were finished.
Kowloon.—The New Hospital was practically finished and partly occupied by the end of the year and married quarters for Police were erected at Along Kokand Tsim Sha Tsui Police Stations.
New Territories.—The work of piling for the foundations of the new Gaol was completed and married quarters for Police were erected at a number of the police stations. Kowloon City and Shamshuipo Police Stations were finished.
Communications.
Hong Kong.—Road contouring Wo...”
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“...24 —
New Territories.—The Nan Chang Street nullah from the water front to the Tai Po Road was completed and the Extension of the Mongkoktsui Nullah from the old Kowloon Boundary to the Kowloon Range of hills progressed satisfactorily.
Water Works.
Hong Kong.—Both tiers of beds at the Eastern Filter Beds were completed. The walls and invert of the east half of the Service Reservoir were approaching completion.
The Engine & Boiler House Extension at Tytam Tuk was completed, whilst the erection of the new engine and boiler w7as well advanced.
Stanley Mound East Catchwater was practically completed, whilst Stanley' Mound West and Jardine’s Lookout Catchwaters were completed.
5,500 ft. of 15" C. I. main and 2,350 ft. of 12" main were laid during the year in Queen’s Road and Praya East.
A Contract was let to the Patterson Engineering Co. for the supply and erection of Fast Gravity Filtration Plant at Bowen Road.
The Eastern Pumping Scheme has been abandoned for the time being.
Kowloon.—Improvements...”
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“...for the cross harbour pipe was prepared, but commencement of the work has been postponed.
Reclamations.
Hong Kong.—Praya East, about 90 acres, of which about 44 acres were reclaimed by the end of the.vear.
f
Quarry Bay, 3,} acres, about half of the reclamation completed.
North Point, private scheme, about 20 acres, approximately 2/3rd of the scheme completed.
Kowloon.—Shamshuipo Reclamation comprising an area of 66 acres, almost completed.
Taikoktsui Reclamation, total area 54 acres approximately, of which 40 acres were reclaimed at end of year.
Poor progress was made with the Kai Tack reclamation which is a private undertaking near Kowloon City.
Satisfactory progress was made with the reclamation at Kowloon Bay West.
New Territories.—Reclamations undertaken at Laichikok by the Standard Oil Co. and the Kailan Mining Administration had been completed at the end of year.
Piers.
Hong Kong.—Queen’s Pier was completed and opened to the public.
Miscellaneous.
Good progress was made with the levelling...”
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“...874,420, but this includes the New Territories ; and, as the hirth and death figures given below do not include those from this area (with the exception of New Kowloon), the population for the purposes of calculating these rates is estimated at 786,920, of whom 16,500 were non-Chinese.
The distribution of population estimated to the middle of 1925 was as follows
Non-Chinese Civil Community,.......................... 16,500
s' City of Victoria (including Peak),..... 465,000
g •.§ \ Villages of Hong Kong,.............. 33,040
.grS z Kowloon (including New Kowloon), ... 200,000 a ) New Territories, ....................... 87,500
( Population afloat, ................... 72,380
Total Chinese Population,.............................. 857,920
Total Civil Population, ............................... 874,420
(6.)—Public Health and Sanitation.
The birth-rate for the year was 4'25* per 1,000 among the Chinese community and 22'6 per 1,000 among the non-Chinese community, as compared with 5’47 and 18'25...”
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“...• to © ■M kF- © Enteritis.
Cn to © o» • to to >—• © kF- Cirrhosis of Liver.
CO oc to © : : • £ : b—• © • Peritonitis.
kF kF to to
co IO © © : • to : © © © to © © © Nephritis.
to © © © 2931 : Cn to © kF kF- © to kF- © kF- kF- © 2169 © © Other causes.
CO to
LO © © to : - : t—* © to Cn © © kF- Unknown.
5” kF kF- ©
bi © b-• —. i—i © O' -4 to All causes.
© kF F © b—< © kF- ©
>-* i—1 © —I b— Oi © kF- © kF- ©
Table I.—DEATHS REGISTERED IN THE COLONY OF HONG KONG DURING 1925....”
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“...discovered that large numbers of the smaller distilleries had been tendering duty on only a small portion of their actual output, some had not paid any duty for a long time, and some had not been inspected for a very long time. The result of placing them under control has resulted in a considerable amount of extra duty being paid. Even those which owing to their remoteness cannot be regularly visited, rarely now miss paying in something every month.
Eor the purpose of saving the long journey into Hong Kong the collection of duty from the smaller distilleries still remains in the hands of the nearest Police Station, payment being made once a month, but the Police have been relieved of the technical control, a work which needs experience and special training in order to understand the processes used. Hitherto, owing to lack of the requisite knowledge and want of time, Police inspection could not be expected to result in any effective revenue control. The Police can still be of great assistance in...”
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“...appear to be of the actual strength declared. A conviction was obtained in one case for the fraud on the revenue, though the accomplice inside this office could not be identified; in the other case the accomplice in this office was identified and dismissed, there being not sufficient evidence to charge him with receiving a bribe.
'Adulteration.
Steps were taken during the year to prevent the importation of adulterated spirit. Distilleries outside the Colony had been habitually sending spirit to Hong Kong, which was mostly composed of diluted commercial spirits of wine. Spirit imported recently has been of a greatly superior quality. In the past a large amount of the spirit sold as “Chinese” has been merely diluted raw commercial alcohol, this has been sold at much the same . price as the genuine product of the Chinese type of still to the great profit of the seller, for at the cost of about 70 cents per gallon including labour a liquor could be made to sell at about $2.20 plus duty. As usual...”
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