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J.
That the large number of criminals in Gaol in 1876 is not to be entirely explained on the theory of the fresh importation from Canton is also shown by a scrutiny of the criminal returns for the last three years. The following table is compiled from the statistical returns that appear in the Blue Book of the Colony.
Old offenders :- That is number of those committed who had been previously convicted.
Years Once Twice Thrice or more Total 1874 102 38 26 1875 131 59 66 256 1876 176 81 72 3296.
The fact that there is so large a proportion of recommittals in Hongkong and that the number of old offenders sent to Gaol is increasing year by year cannot be overlooked. It shows either that the population is getting poorer and disposed to crime, or that there is something radically wrong in the treatment of the Prisoners.
All my enquiries more and more negative the idea that the people here are getting poorer. On the contrary, there is more and more employment for them every year.
No doubt in one respect the population of this Colony...