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There have been no trials for extensive embezzlement and theft, though certainly two most flagrant cases occurred, the culprits escaping from the Colony. There has been only one trial for murder, and no charges of Piracy during the year. It is a matter for congra- tulation that within recent years serious robbery by armed bands, with violence, which used in former days to be a very common offence has ceased to exist. This is no doubt owing to the deportation of criminals, a policy which is much appreciated by and enlists the sympathies of the respectable Chinese residents in the Colony.
Cordially acknowledging the assistance which the Chinese community affords the Government in the suppression of crime, I trust that this aid will be continued, and that the policy of the Government. in ridding the Colony of well-known dangerous characters will be supported and diligently persevered in.
The total tonnage in and out in 1891 was 14,005,698 tons, but it seems probable that that return will be eclipsed by the entries and clearances of this year. Up to the 31st October they amounted to 11,703,851 against 11,661,446 tons for the corresponding period last year. There has also been a slight revival in emigration. Up to the 31st October 43,024 emigrants have left for various ports, against 39,360 for the same period in 1891. The action of Canada, the United States, and of the Australian Colonies renders it impossible that emi- gration should ever again assume the proportions it attained some years ago.
The Colony has been mercifully preserved from storm and pestilence during the last ten months. The neighbouring coasts, however, have not been exempt from these dire visitations. Though Hongkong itself has been spared, we have nevertheless to regret the loss of several members of this community owing to the wreck of the mail steamer Bokhara on 10th October. Tragedies of this nature, and the attendant suspense, until the true facts are ascertained, are at all times terrible, but they are doubly so, when as in this case, many of the victims were residents in the Colony, young and promising members of their several professions, and all so well known and deservedly respected.
I am not guilty of exaggeration when I say that the widest and deepest sympathy has been aroused by this disaster, which in the history of Hongkong is unparalleled.
The tangible proofs of this sympathy which will be offered by this Community and that of Shanghai and Canton to the relatives of those lost, will doubtless be appreciated by them, not for their intrinsic value, but as testimony to the worth and character of those who have been taken from them.
The Pó Leung Kuk Committee has not completed its enquiries. The institution has been and is a very valuable one, and I trust that its sphere of usefulness may be safely extended, rather than contracted.
It is possible not to say probable that the Marine Lot holders and others interested in the Praya Reclamation may appeal to the Government for some temporary assistance. Such an appeal if it is made will, I can assure you, receive my most careful consideration. I am most anxious to facilitate in every way the completion of the reclamation, which will ultimately amongst other things be of great advantage to the General Revenue.
In the coming session I do not propose to trouble members with much fresh Legislation. Of course there will be the usual Appropriation Ordinances and also the Loan Ordinance, Amendments will be proposed in the Vagrancy, Medical, Probate and Marriage Ordinances. and there may perhaps be one or two private Bills.
With your hearty co-operation in carrying these measures through Council, we may therefore anticipate a short and comparatively uneventful session.
In conclusion, gentlemen, I have only to express an earnest hope that there may be a revival of prosperity in the fortunes of the Colony during the year 1893, and that under any circumstances, you will assist me in endeavouring to promote, as far as possible, the welfare and happiness of all classes of Her Majesty's subjects in Hongkong.
STANDING COMMITTEES :- His Excellency appointed the Finance Committee to consist of all the Members of Council, except the Governor, with the Colonial Secretary as Chairman; the Law Com- mittee to consist of the Attorney General as Chairman, the Registrar General, Honourable Ho Kar, Honourable E. R. BELILIOS and Honourable J. J. BELL-IRVING; and the Public Works Committee to consist of the Director of Public Works as Chairman, the Colonial Treasurer, Honourable C. P. CHATER, Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD and Honourable E. R. BELILIOS.
PAPERS LAID ON THE TABLE.-The Colonial Secretary, by direction of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the following papers, viz.:-
Report on the progress of the Public Works during the first half-year 1892. (No. 26 of 1892.) Report on the Widows' and Orphans' Fund for the year 1891-92. (No. 27 of 1892.)