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1192 THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 12TH DECEMBER, 1896.
Estimates, accounts for the increase in personal emoluments, while the increase under "other charges" is principally due to the higher figures at which the scavenging contracts are let.
The increase under the heading "Post Office" is due entirely to estimated increase in transit charges, or the sum which this Colony has to pay for the conveyance of its mail matter. This increase need cause no alarm; on the other hand it is a matter of congratulation, for it indicates an estimated expansion of business and consequent increase of profit.
The increase in the cost of the Medical Departments is owing to the appointment of an Assistant Surgeon in place of the Medical Officer of the Gaol, at a higher salary; to the appointment of an additional Sister, and to well deserved increases in the pay of Dr. LOWSON and the Analyst and Assistant Analyst, and a few minor appointments, including the Chinese staff for the new Isolation Hospital.
Economies have been effected as opportunity offered, on the lines suggested by the Retrenchment Committee, but such opportunities have been rare.
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The rate of exchange for the Estimates for 1897 has been taken at 2/1, the same rate as was taken for 1896, which may be regarded as a safe rate so far as the word "safe" can be applied to exchange.
If any further information is desired with regard to the Estimates it will be furnished in Finance Committee or when the Council is in Committee on the Bill. I have now only to ask you, gentlemen, to vote the sum necessary to defray the charges for the coming year.
I will now make a few remarks upon the general condition of the Colony financially and otherwise.
The total estimated revenue for 1896 was $2,288,366. Of this sum $2,120,680 had been collected up to the end of October, and the total revenue will probably be about $2,495,000, while the total expenditure chargeable to revenue will be about $2,445,000, leaving a surplus of Revenue over Expenditure of some $50,000.
The increase in receipts over the amount which was estimated is principally due to premia on Land Sales, which have yielded already over $250,000 as against an estimated total for the whole year of $70,000.
There are also noticeable increases in the receipts up to the 31st October, under the headings "Light Dues," "Licences and Internal Revenue not otherwise specified" and "Post Office," over the estimated receipts up to that date.
The principal items of unforeseen expenditure, which were not provided for in the Estimates for 1896, are $20,000 for a new floating engine for the Fire Brigade and $70,200 for expenses incurred in connection with the repression of the plague.
Turning now to the question of the health and sanitation of the Colony, the present year will be a memorable one owing to the unfortunate recurrence of the disease known as bubonic plague which was so disastrous in 1894. The outbreak commenced early in the year, the disease was at its worst stage in April and May, and was not finally stamped out till the end of September. The total number of cases brought to notice was 1,204 of which 1,097 ended fatally. The Europeans attacked numbered 15, of whom 7, including two soldiers and one inspector of nuisances, succumbed to the disease. Sister CATHERINE, one of the two sisters who were engaged in nursing at the Plague Hospital, was also attacked by the disease, but fortunately recovered. The largest number of fresh cases in one week was 100, from the 23rd to 30th May, and the greatest number of deaths was 87, the week ending 9th May.
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During the whole of this period the Sanitary Board and its staff, ably assisted by members of the Police and of the Garrison, whose services were kindly lent, and all those connected with the work of suppressing the plague were untiring in their efforts, and they deserve great credit for their zeal and energy. It is perhaps too much to hope that the disease will not again visit this Colony, and we must, I fear, be prepared for its re-appearance in spite of every effort to prevent it.