HONG KONG,
6
REPORTS EXHIBITING THE PAST AND PRESENT
state of repair, and a new set of the former is much required. Occasionally carpenters and blacksmiths are included amongst the convicts, and if I had means of employing them and could establish a good workshop, either within the gaol or at the Government, offices, the repairs would be executed at a smaller cost; but, as stated in my last report, if I had an established free labourer, a carpenter and generally useful man, he could be em- ployed most effectively in executing repairs himself to the various buildings under my charge, or as overseer upon works too large for one man, or where I could not send a convict unguarded.
In the deeds registry department thirty-nine memorials have been registered, affecting forty-three lots, twenty-nine of which were for absolute sale, and seventeen of these were prepared in the office for Chinese. This service is performed by Mr. Power, in addition to his ordinary work as book-keeper and clerk; and I have to report that he continues to execute the whole of the work devolving upon him, both as regards the careful preparation and registry of land deeds, as well as in the work of accountant, in the same satisfactory manner as reported in former years.
The
The number of leases written and issued from the office amounted to twenty-nine. Land giving a yearly rental of 131. 128. 8d. was sold, upon which a premium of 43l. 19s. 2d. was paid. The grants of land were seven in number (two of which, for religious and educational purposes, were rent-free), paying a rental of 51. 178. rental upon land resumed amounted to 4501. 6s. 84d, and reductions in rent autho- rized by the Right Honourable Lord Grey, 270. 118; making a total reduction of 720l. 178. 8 d.
The rent-roll at the end of the year was 10,6967. 5s. 34d., being 5977. 78. 24d. less than the previous year,
The fecs derivable from leases and registry of memorials amounted to the sum of 997. 08. 23d.
I have much pleasure in stating that my own health has not suffered during the year; and the lameness which caused me so much trouble before has not returned, thus enabling me to perform my various duties in the office from ten till four, as well as those devolving upon me in the superintendence of works, convict labour, and other services in the city, connected with land, in the mornings and evenings, without difficulty or inconvenience.
I have completed a portion of the map alluded to in my last report, connecting the colonial property with the cantonment; but the other map, of the new houses and improve- ments in the town, I could do nothing to. The short time I have to work, and other services on hand, and particularly those consequent upon the late disastrous fire in the Lower Bazaar, which rendered necessary the entire change and re-allotment of the greater portion of the area, extending over about eight acres and a half, and the superintendence of the houses in course of erection, entirely prevents me from devoting my time thereto,—at any rate for this cold season. I must remark, however, that the work is not of absolute necessity, as the plan originally made by me is sufficient for all purposes connected with operations in land, and therefore no inconvenience results from the delay.
In conclusion, I have to state that it is my desire to render the services of my depart ment as efficient as possible in the execution of all work demanded from it, and trust that his Excellency the Governor may be pleased to accord his approval thereto.
I have, &c. (Signed) CHARLES ST. GEORGE CLEVERLY,
Surveyor General.
Europeans and Americans -
Enclosure 4.
CENSUS of HONG KONG, 31st December 1851.
Remarks.
163
STATE OF HER MAJESTY'S COLONIAL POSSESSIONS.
HONG KONG
Population.
Population.
Total
Total
No. of
Houses.
No. of
Children.
Total.
Children.
Total,
Boats.
Male.
Female.
Male.
Female,
Male.
Female.
Male.
Female.
141
55
141
55
39
୨୪
ᏭᏎ
143
133
68
45
39
20,767 5,1252,9722,599 31,463 |
163
1,945
10,656
4,168
5,234
Total
of
6,010
450
Chinese.
2,200
300
250
250
3,000
5,409 3,160 2,727 32,983
21,687
5,409
3,160
2,727
32,983
21,687
(Signed)
Goa and Macao Portuguese (mixed blood)
Indians, Malays, and Manila -
Aliens (chiefly foreign seamen) and tem- porary residents
362
163
:
Chinese, in employ of Europeans
199'I
128
Chinese, residing in the city of Victoria
1,501
7,157
1,772
-
Ditto, boat population in Victoria Har- bour
893
Ditto, residing in the villages
Ditto, boat population other than Vic- toria
940
2,903
3,442
889
3,004
400
50 1,266
Ditto, temporary residents, vagrants, &c. - Estimated number of Chinese (who are not included in the House Census Returns) who were resident in houses burnt down on the 28th December, many of whom temporarily left the Colony in conse- quence
CHARLES MAY,
Officiating Registrar-General.
Y.
125