to exist it would then be time enough to consider the propriety of amending the Ordinance. However, as it bears on the subject in hand, the accounts of the Colony have been kept in dollars.
The Census taken on the 7th December last shows a total Population of 123,511.
The Expenditure of the Colony for 1861 was also exceeded that of 1862, $587,633.96 being respectively $587,633.94 and $526,233.78, showing an increase of $61,400.16; this is accounted for principally by the increase to the Police Establishment, Roads, Streets and Bridges.
$61,400.16 being in excess of the previous year; 1861: $526,233.78.
In my opinion, the result confirms the approximate estimate of the Population of the Colony. It is to be observed that of this total, 4,190, our late acquisition Kowloon contributes more than a fourth to the Count for Summary Jurisdiction and for various other purposes.
With reference to this subject, I may add that since the 1st July last, or 1326, judging from appearances, I should have estimated the increase to be nearer 20,000 than 4,000.