Į
متنا
2-
Owing to the abnormal situation in the Straits Settlements and Ceylon, the Hongkong rice markot was seriously affected and it became necessary for the Government to take steps to ensure that the poorer classes of the Colony were able to obtain this commodity, which is their staple food, at a reasonable price. The Government therefore took general control of the rice trade in the Colony and made large purchases to tide over the threatened crisis. This action no doubt saved the Colony much trouble from the working classes who had shown signs of restlessness on account of the ever increasing price of rice which reached as high as $18.50 per picul for grades which normally could be purchased for $5. Even this action did not prevent the more unruly element among the working classes causing considerable disturbances in various parts of the City, and rice merchants' stores were frequently looted. The tactful supervision of the Police however prevented any serious out- break of disorder.
Celebrations in connection with the declaration of peace were held on the 18th and 19th July. Processions of various descriptions paraded the City of Victoria and the whole Colony participated in the effort to show in a suitable manner their satisfaction at the termination of the long and disastrous war.
The Colonial Secretary (Mr. Claud Severn) administered the Government from the 1st January until the arrival of Sir Edward Stubbs, who arrived in and assumed the government of the Colony on the 30th September.
3-
The detailed figures for 1919 are set out in the following statements :-
Light Dues
Light Dues, Special Assessment Licences and Internal Revenue not otherwise
specified
Fees of Court or Office Payments for specific purposes, and Reimbursements in Aid - Post Office -
HEADS OF REVENUE
$
4.
74,545.18
83,973.11
12,865,534.22
1,013,207.61
460,892.58
400,092.77
1,041,431.01
112,798.43
118,539.76
- $16,261,014.67 263,900.23
Kowloon-Canton Railway
Rent of Government Property Laud, and
Houses
Interest
Miscellaneous Receipts
TOTAL, (Ordinary) -
Land Sales, (Promia on New Leases)
TOTAL,
-
$16,524,974.90
1.-FINANCES.
The revenue for the year amounted to $16,524,975 being $350,240 more than the estimate and $2,140,273 less than the re- venue for the previous year.
Compared with the returns for 1918 there were increases under every head with the exception of Licences and Miscellaneous Receipts.
The expenditure amonnted to a total of $17,915,925 inclusive of a sum of $2,235,002 spent on Public Works Extraordinary and one of $546,712 being a contribution to the Imperial Government for war expenses.
account amounted to The total expenditure brought to $17,915,925 being $3,238,029 more than the estimate, and $1,663,753 more than the expenditure in 1918. Compared with the estimates there were decreases ander 18 heads as against 6 heads where there were increases. The excess amounting to $3,821,704 under Miscel- laneous Services was due to losses on rice and exchange and to increased allowances on salaries pending revision. Military Ex- penditure was more than the estimate by $251,833 on account of the Revenue for 1918 having been under-estimated. The item Public Works Recurrent was responsible for an excess over the estimates of $120,510. Decreases were mostly due to high exchange, Public Works Extraordinary not proceeded with, and arrears of transit charges brought to credit by the Post Office.
90