66
which I
the mortality of the past year is exceptional, that there is an progressive amelioration in the Sanitary state of the Colony. Chinese habits are difficult to change or even to modify or to overcome, but the present state of Hong Kong may be advantageously contrasted with that of many other Chinese Cities which I have ever visited. I would add that in Eastern regions generally there are few cities so free from nuisances in the parts occupied by the native population. Comparisons between the well-governed towns of Great Britain and the crowded parts of Oriental regions are scarcely just to those who have immense difficulties in localities as they existed in England a generation or two ago.
39. The progress of Education has been satisfactory. We owe much to the zeal and aptitude of M. Lobscheid the School Inspector. The Government has given every encouragement to public instruction and instead of £7,1915 voted for the Service of 1858 has allotted £1,500 for the present year.
40. I have some opinion as to the often expressed anxiety as to the inconvenience and