HONG KONG.
No. 9.
No. 10.
No. 11.
No. 12.
No. 13.
2
REPORTS EXHIBITING THE PAST AND PRESENT
The general state of health, sickness, and mortality during the past year is shown by the report of the colonial surgeon appended to the Blue Book. Dr. Morrison has annexed thereto a comparative statement of the health of the troops during 1850 and 1851, from which it will be perceived that there has been a considerable abatement of sickness in the garrison during the past year. easy reference, I transmit herewith a memorandum showing that the proportion of deaths to average strength has been as follows:
Amongst Europeans
Amongs Malays and natives of India
-
7.5 per cent. 7.6
91
In 1850 the deaths averaged 23-04 and 10.02 per cent. respectively.
Education.
For
7. There are six schools in Victoria superintended by European tutors; and the number of Chinese schools throughout the island, conducted by native teachers, is also six. These latter, except one, are supported by the local Government, and are under the supervision of a committee, whose report on the state of these schools during the past year I annex for your Lordship's
information.
Trade.
8. The return at page 191 of the Blue Book exhibits the total number of vessels arrrived at Hong Kong to have been 1,082, of an aggregate burden of 377,084 tons, being an increase over the year 1850 of 198 vessels and 77,991 tons. The returns appended under the head of "Imports and Exports" show that 117 vessels imported and 123 exported goods to and from the colony. They also prove that treasure to the value of $7,588,993, equivalent to 1,581,040. 4s. 2d., has been shipped to India, the greater portion being The annexed statements undoubtedly in return for opium sold in China.
give the export of treasure and the import of opium from 1845 to 1851 inclusive, by the Peninsular and Oriental Company's steamers alone. With regard to the trade carried on between Hong Kong and California, I am informed that 44 vessels have left for that place during the past year.
The number of vessels registered at this port during 1851 was 10, measuring 2,400 tons. One of these, of 206 tons, was built in the colony.
The accompanying memorandum, by the assistant Chinese secretary, bears
the native trade of Hong Kong, and shows that in 1851 the harbour of upon Victoria was visited by 1,004 sea-going junks, being an increase of nearly 20 per cent. upon the monthly average of 1850.
With regard to the whaling trade, upon which I offered some observations in my last report, I may state that it has, as anticipated, increased considerably during the present season. Between the 2d December 1851 and the 21st February last, 37 vessels of this description arrived at Hong Kong. Their cargoes, as appears from the enclosed printed statement furnished by the consignees (an American firm), consisted of
Sperm oil, 140,017 gallons. Whale oil, 476,185 gallons. Whale bone, 74,174 lbs.
Of the above, it seems by the Harbour Master's returns (page 206 of the Blue Book), that only 17,675 gallons of sperm, 20,080 of whale oil, and 8,399 lbs. of bone, were exported from hence to England.
Crown Lands.
9. The fixed revenue under this head, abstracted from the rent-roll for the year ending 25th December 1851, was as follows :~~
Mercantile firms
Private individuals
Chinese
£ 3. d.
4,906 8 53
4,277 9 01 1,512 7 9
10,696 5 3
3
STATE OF HER MAJESTY'S COLONIAL POSSESSIONS.
The decrease in this item of the colonial revenue, as compared with that for the year 1850, is 597. 78. 24d.; but this difference arises from certain reductions in the land rent and the resumption of sundry lots, already reported upon, and sanctioned by your Lordship.
Police.
10. From the enclosed return, furnished by the Superintendent of Police, it will be seen that the number of felony cases coming under the cognizance of his department was 488, whilst in 1850 they amounted to 674.
On the subject of administration of justice, I beg to refer your Lordship to the under-mentioned returns, showing the business performed during the past year by the Supreme Court and the Police Courts; namely:-
Criminal cases tried in the Supreme Court.
Number of civil cases tried by the Chief Justice, and actions commenced. Causes brought before and decided by the Chief Magistrate of Police and the
Court of Petty Sessions.
General Observations.
11. In conclusion, my Lord, I would observe that I am satisfied the true interests of the colony are progressing as favourably as could be anticipated. During the year no less than 1,082 square-rigged vessels anchored in the harbour, being an increase of 198 over the preceding one; of these 167 pro- ceeded with cargoes to the ports of Shanghae and Amoy; and by the Harbour Master's report it seems that 207 entries have been made by steamers alone from the Canton River, a service conducted by five steamers of from 50 to 175 horse-power. A regular monthly communication between Hong Kong and Calcutta is announced by the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Com- pany, by which the colony will have the advantage of a bi-monthly communi- cation with England. A monthly steam communication is now carried on with Shanghac, and a bi-monthly one with Amoy, by vessels belonging to the same company. These facts are convincing evidence of the advantage and benefit that this colony is to Canton, and to the trade of China in general. I would add, moreover, that Hong Kong affords a subsistence to three newspapers and two advertisers, one published daily, and the other three times a week; a tolerably significant proof, were others wanting, that the colony is not in a very languishing condition.
The Right Hon. Earl Grey,
&c. &c.
SIR,
&c.
I have, &c. (Signed) J. G. BONHAM.
Enclosure 2,
Surveyor General's Office, Victoria, February 7, 1852.
I HAVE the honour to submit my annual report upon the works which have been undertaken during the year, and upon the general state of repair of the civil roads and works, &c. upon the island.
Roads.
Aberdeen to Stanley. Upon this line an expenditure of 251. was made, being the balance of an uncompleted contract for two drains near Deepwater Bay.
The new roads finished comprise that from the Albany Godowns to Wongneichung, at an expenditure of 3231. 3s. 8d., and the road by the Plaza, including the work in levelling adjoining, at an expenditure of 1814. 3s. 3d+6l. 187. 38. 3rd.
A new road twelve feet wide 1 mile and 117 yards from Aberdeen Street, to join the Aberdeen Road (100%), is also in course of construction, and upon which an expenditure of 50%. has been made. At the present date it is nearly completed; but as it has not received one single shower of rain I apprehend considerable settlement and damage thereto before it is perfectly consolidated.
The new road for the extension of the carriage drive from North Point to Quarry Bay on the Saiwan Road, 1,080 yards, was authorized during the latter end of the year, and is in course of execution, under contract for 1231. 198. 2d. Upon this line also there will be considerable settlement during the next rains; and before the summer I hope a sufficient bank of sand will be thrown up against the rough stone wall, which will be planted with grass or seaweed to protect it against the wash of the sea.
A small arch and three drains were made on the Saiwan Road, estimated at 671. Os. 10d., in lieu of the old platform wooden bridges.
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HONG KONG.
No 14.
No. 15.
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No. 17.
No. 18.
Ench sure 2.