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“...HONG KONG.
ANNUAL GENERAL REPORT FOR 1926.
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| sq uare miles. It consists of an irregular ridge of lofty
hills rising to a height of nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, stretch-
ing 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,
18(10,...”
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“...; the Colony
had not got through the wood yet, but our enemies, though they
had, under Bolshevik influence, striven their utmost, had failed to
ruin the trade of Hong Kong.
The Rents Ordinance, which restricted the landlords’ right to
raise rents was allowed to lapse after having been in force for four ,
years.
The New Year opened with the fire on New Year’s day at the
Hong Kong Hotel, a great part of which was completely gutted.
The damage was estimated at nearly two million dollars. There
was one casualty ; a bluejacket, who was assisting in fighting the
fire, fell from a window and died of his injuries.
As a result of the fire a Committee was appointed to consider
the fire fighting organisation of the Colony. Most of the recom-
mendations of the Committee have been adopted by the Government.
Another calamity befell Hong Kong when on the night of
19th/2Oth July, a terrific thunder-storm exceeding in intensity any
storm recorded within the last thirty-five years burst over the
Colony. Several...”
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“...Mr. George Duncan with the badge of m.is.E.
and Mr. George White with the Royal Albert Medal.
At the 17th Congregation of the University of Hong Kong held
on 12th January, the degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) was
conferred on His Excellency the Governor, Sir Cecil Clementi,
k.c.m.g., the Hon. Mr. R. H. .Kotewall, Mr. R. Ponsonby Fane, and
Sir R. E. Stubbs, k.c.m.g., (in absentia).
The news of the death in England on 25th May of the Hon.
Mr. P. H. Holyoak came as a shock to the Colony. The late Mr.
Holyoak had been an indefatigable worker both as an Unofficial
member of the Legislative and Executive Councils, and as Chairman
of the Hong Kong General Hong Kong
the Hon. Sir Paul Chafer, c.m.g , the most prominent figure in the
public and commercial life of modern Hong Kong. Sir Paul had
spent over sixty years in the Colony, during which period he had
devoted himself not only to business but also to the general...”
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“...City of Victoria $ 701,338
The Ilili District 13,940
Hong Kong Villages 88,567
Yaumati 5,380
Mongkoklsui 6,115
Tlunghom and llok Ln 2,530
Kowloon Villages 8,212
Decreases :—
New Territories 48,555
Shaukiwan, Saiwanlio and Quarry Bay 36,317
Kowloon Point 30,835
The rateable value of the whole Colony amounted to
$27,998,237 having increased by $710,357.
During the period 1917-1926 the assessment of the whole
Colony has risen from $14,410,153 to $27,998,237, an increase in
rateable value of $13,588,084.
The circulation on the 31st December of notes of the three
Banks having authorised issues was as follows:—
Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Cor-
poration ... ...................$ 50,842,258
Chartered Bank of India, Australia, &
China .................. 15,612,909
Mercantile Bank of India, Limited ... 1,730,584
$ 68,185,751
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...”
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“...was continuously followed till 1918 except during a brief period in
1911. Coin to the face value of $26,235,459 has thus been
redeemed. The total issue by the 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. $43,999,830
Since received :—Copper coin.
1919 . 25,000.00
1923 . 25,000.00
1924 . 50,000.00
1925 . 25,000.00
1926 . 25,000.00 150,000
Total Amount put into circulation ... ..,$44,149,830
Less since redeemed :—
1911 .5,527,459.04
1912 .1,040,000.00
1913 .1,040,000.00
1914 .5,000,000.00
1915 .5,100,000.00
1916 .5,028,000.00
1918 . 500,000.00
1922 .3,000,000.00 26,235,459.04
Total Amount of coin in circulation in 1926. .$17,914,370.96
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 1926 amounted to 310,361 vessels of
36,821,364 tons...”
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“...generally.
In local trade ( i.c. between places within the waters ol the
Colony) there is a decrease in steam-launches of 126,024 and a
decrease in tonnage of 2,151,743 tons. This decrease in numbers
and tonnage is due to the recent strike and the boycott in China
generally.
■Junks in Local trade show an increase of 3,301 vessels and an
increase of 235,596 tons. 'This increase in vessels is due principally
to junks held in Canton and districts in 1925 during the boycott
being released and coming to Hong Kong waters and remaining
here for local trading.
Of vessels of European construction 3,930 ocean steamers,
2,244 river steamers and 1,399 steamships not exceeding 60 tons
entered during the year, giving a daily average of 20'8 ships as
compared with 28'9 ships in 1925 and 41'2 ships in 1924.
Thus
Flag. Steamers. No- of times entered. Total Tonnage.
1925. 1926. 1925. 1926. 1925. 1926.
371 •339 1,946 1,686 4,922,197 4,597,357
Japanese, 269 207 1,153 755 2,826,465 2,236,359
TT S A 69 69 224...”
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“...Emigration and Immigration.
Two hundred and sixteen thousand, five hundred and twenty-
seven (216,527) emigrants left Hong Kong for various places during
the year 1926, (140,534 in 1925). Of these, 131,656 were carried in
British ships, and 34,871 in foreign ships.
One hundred and twenty-eight, thousand, six hundred and sixty-
one (128,661) 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
91,622 in 1925. Of these, 76,147 arrived in British ships, and
52,514 in foreign ships.
Statement of number of emigrants to Straits Settlements, 1915
to 1929, compared with total Chinese emigration.
1915 ... No. of Emigrants to Straits Settlements. 41,278 Total No. of Emigrants. 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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“...14
(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, Stanley, Shauki-
wan, and also many in the New Territories, are largely dependent
upon this industry for their prosperity. Fresh water fish is im-
ported from Canton and the West River. There are oyster beds of
considerable value in Deep Bay.
(d.)—Forestry, Agriculture, and Botany.
Formation of Pine tree plantations.
The extension of old plantations and formation of new ones
were carried on both on the Island and in the new Territories,
seeds of Pinus Massoniana were sown in situ to the number of
18,700 on low hills adjoining Pokfulum Reservoir, 27,000 on hills
adjoining Kowloon Service Reservoir and 24,800 at Shek Li Pui,
the total weight of seeds used was fifty-six pounds.
On areas thickly covered with grass ancl small shrubs, seeds
of Pinus Massoniana were sown by the broadcast method, the...”
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“...this
most fortunate circumstances being very probably due to unfavour-
able weather conditions during an early stage of the life cycle of
the pest.
Protection from fire.
The new fire barrier round the Hin Tin Tsun forestry area
was completed in August, new barriers 20 feet in breadth were cut
round every grave on hills above and below Shek 0 Road,
The majority of all old fire barriers were cleared before the
commencement of the dry season, the total length dealt with
amounted to 2| miles in Hong Kong, 7 miles in the New Territories
and 5 miles at Fan Ling. The work was still in progress at the
end of the year,
All forestry paths were cleared of undergrowth, rocks and
other debris, small portions which has been washed out were re-cut
and resurfaced.
Nurseries, Agriculture, &c.
Fan Ling Experimental Garden. Two plots of Jute (Corchorus
capsularis and Corchorus olitorius') were tried for the first time,
the first named grew well and reached a height of 7 feet when it
was harvested and retted...”
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“...were :—
The Regulations (No. 1)—The object of this ordinance was to
authorise the preparation of a new edition of the regulations
in force in the Colony at the end of 1925.
The Rating (Refunds), (No. 3)—The object of this ordinance
was to refund rates.
The Former Enemy Aliens, (Disabilities Removal) (No. 4)—
The object of this ordinance was to repeal certain enact-
ments imposing disabilities on former enemy aliens.
The Hong Kong Treasury Bills (Local). (No. 5)—The object
of this ordinance was to authorise the Governor-in-Council
to borrow by the issue in Hong Kong of Hong Kong
Government Treasury bills....”
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“...18 —
The Hong Kong Treasury Bills (London), (No. 6)—The object
of this ordinance was to authorise the Governor-in-Council
to request the Crown Agents for the Colonies to borrow
by the issue in London of Hong Kong Government
Treasury bills.
The Bank of Canton Limited (Capital Conversion). (No. 8)—
The object of this ordinance was to empower the Company
to convert gold capital into silver.
The Wireless Telegraphy (No. 11)—The objects of this ordin-
ance were to make it necessary for receiving sets to be
licensed and to make it an offence to maintain, or possess,
a wireless telegraph station without a license.
The Trade Loan (No. 13)—The object of this ordinance was to
charge a certain loan upon the general revenue and assets
of the colony of Hong Kong.
IV.—EDUCATION.
The European staff was increased by nine during the year.
The total number of pupils at schools in the Colony excluding
the Police School are :—
Number of Pupils. Total.
English Schools. Vernacular Schools.
Government Schools...”
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“...the English Grant Schools for girls. There are two Vernacular
- Normal Schools for Men and Women respectively, and one Verna-
cular Middle School.
The Hong Kong Technical Institute affords an opportunity for
higher education of students who have left school. Instruction was
given in 1926 in Building Construction, Chemistry (Practical and
Theoretical), Physics, Electricity, Commercial English, French,
Shorthand, Book-keeping and Cookery. Classes for men and women
teachers, both “English” and “Vernacular” are a feature of
the Institute.
The lecturers are recruited from the members of the medical
and educational faculties of the Colony, and from the Department
of Public Works, and receive fees for their services. The Institute
is furnished with a well equipped chemical laboratory and excel-
lent physical apparatus.
The University of 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...”
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“...is in all three faculties that of a British University
degree—external examiners are, in all faculties, associated with the
internal examiners in all annual final examinations. In the Faculty
of'Engineering, but not in other faculties, degrees with honours
are granted, the standard being assessed by special examiners
chosen from amongst the external examiners in the University of
London.
The degree of LL-D., is granted, honoris causa.
The site of the University was given by the Government
of Hong Kong. As subsequently enlarged by minor grants and
by purchase, the University estate covers an area of 709,789 sq. ft.
The view from the grounds over the harbour is magnificent and
the grounds are naturally beautiful.
In the main buildings are housed the chemical and physical
laboratories, the University library and portions of the engineer-
ing laboratories. They further include the Great Hall, a Senate
room and the lecture and class rooms used by the Faculty of Arts
and for general purposes.
Special...”
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“...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 Governments 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 under-
graduates. 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 are students, a
member of the teaching staff acting as assistant editor. There are
twenty-one women students; these women students are all members
of the Union.
Students of the University come from...”
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“...— 23 —
The work of erection of Quarters for Cadets at Canton was
suspended until about the end of October ; from this time until the
end of the year satisfactory progress was made.
Communications.
Hong Kong.—The work on the road contouring Wong Nei
Chong and Tai Hang Valleys made slow progress, owing to difficulty
with resumptions of lots at Tai Hang Village : the section near Tai
Hang Village remains uncompleted.
The work on the road from Causeway Bay to Quarry Bay was
held in abeyance. '
The Road construction in the Wong Nei Chong Development
Scheme made fair progress.
Kowloon.—The removal of the hill obstruction at the junction
of Nathan Road and Gascoigne Road was completed.
To Kwa Wan Road and Argyle Street Extension to Waterloo
Road made fair progress.
The work on Chatham Road proceeded slowly and the contract
was closed before the end of the year.
The Mong Kok-Kowloon City road was completed.
Hew Kowloon.—Waterloo Road from Kowloon Boundary to
foot hills madejiair progress.
Hew ...”
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“...of 7,000 feet.
New Kowloon.—The drainage of the Kowloon Tong Development
Area was proceeded with, sewers and storm water drains being
constructed to the extent of 6,500 feet and 3,000 feet respectively.
Other sewers and storm water drains were laid to the extent of
2,900 feet.
The extension of the Mong Kok Tsui Nullah from the Old
Kowloon Boundary to the Kowloon range of hills progressed slowly.
New Territories —Various works were carried out, largely of
an anti-malarial nature.
Water Works.
Hong Kong.—The eastern half of the Service Reservoir at the
Eastern Filter Beds was completed, with the exception of the roof,
and was put into use, while the invert and wails of the western
section were approaching completion.
The new Simpson Engine at Tvtam Tuk Pumping Station was
completed and placed in commission after satisfactory tests had
been run.
Stanley Mound East Gatchwater was satisfactorily completed.
Totals of 950 lin. ft. of 18" diameter, 2,500 lin. ft. of 15"
diameter and 300 lin. ft....”
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“...24" diameter steel mains arrived from England, but no
laying was undertaken.
Reclamations.
Hong Kong.—Praya East, about 90 acres, of which about 584
acres were reclaimed by the end of the year.
Quarry Bay.—3| aores, wholly completed.
North Point.—Private scheme, 234 acres, approximately 194
acres completed.
Kowloon.—Tai Kok Tsui Reclamation, total area 54 acres
approximately, of which 48 acres were reclaimed at the end of the
year.
New Kowloon.—Sham Shui Po Reclamation comprising an area
of 66 acres almost completed except for sea wall.
Kai Tack Reclamation, private enterprise, practically no work
done during the year.
Kowloon Bay West Reclamation, satisfactory progress made,
about 7-J acres formed by the end of the year.
Kowloon-Bay East Reclamation, 184 acres, approximately 15|
acres completed
New Territories.—Further reclamation work undertaken by
the Standard Oil Co., in progress.
Piers.
Hong Kong.—Work on the contract for overhauling and repair-
ing Blake Pier was commenced towards the...”
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“...The painting of Bridge No. 49 was completed without trouble.
This work was held up in 1925 owing to interference by Strike
Pickets. Small repairs were carried out to the abutments of
Bridges Nos. 25 and 33.
In view of a -number of derailments at points No. 48 of Kow-
loon Station, an emergency crossover was laid near the half mile
post.
The storm which visited Hong Kong in early morning of July
19th when nearly 20 inches of rain fell in eight hours, caused very
little damage tq the Railway considering the heavy rainfall.
Slips occurred in No. 1 Cutting, North Face of No. 2 Tunnel
and Low’u, also at Wo Hang and Ma Mei Ha on the Fanling Branch
Line. Although the amount of soil in No. 1 Cutting was about
1,000 tons it was cleared with little interruption of traffic.
Other damage consisted of a wash-out near the Sea Wall
opposite the block station at Hung Hom. The pitched slope to
Railway Bank was damaged at Miles 10-J, 11J and 124 respectively.
The inverts of some bridges were washed out and...”
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“...874,420, but this includes
the New Territories ; and, as the birth and death figures given
below do not include'those from this area (with the exception of
New Kowloon), the population for the purposes of calculating these
rates is estimated at 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
ci City of Victoria (including Peak),..... 465,000
S -2 Villages of Hong Kong,................. 33,040
c ,3 < Kowloon (including New Kowloon), ... 200,000
j 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 418* per 1,000 among the
Chinese community and 19’0 per 1,000 among the non-Chinese
community, as compared with 4T6 and 19’0 for...”
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“...Enteritis.
CO 03 : : : z to Cirrhosis of Liver.
On 03 Ox to ©
to to : ; : : : © »—* Peritonitis. 1
oc 00 •© Ox to
Ox 03 03 Ox to On • 03 : © -4 © Ox to © Nephritis.
to to to
co 03 »—• 909 • © • On to © © HONG KONG DURING 1926....”
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