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5.
to section holders has fallen considerably into arrears. It is expected also that a large number of property owners will take advantage of the Crown Rents (Apportionment) Ordinance when that is brought into operation, but until the arrears are disposed of this work cannot well be undertaken. The sooner additional assistance in the Land Office is available, the sooner therefore can the Ordinance be brought into force. The revenue which will result from the fees earned in clearing up the arrears, and from the fees earned under the new Ordinance, will, it is estimated, more than cover the cost of an additional Legal Officer. When the arrears are overtaken this officer will be available to fill one of the vacancies expected to result from retirement of officers now in the service.
Head 18. Magistracy Hong Kong.
The number of Cadet Officers available has been insuffi- cient to allow of a Cadet Officer being used as First Clerk and relief Magistrate, as was the case last year. The duties of First Clerk are now being performed by a Class III officer of the Senior Clerical and Accounting Staff.
Head 20. Police Force.
There is an increase of $13,062 in Other Charges, of
which a large part is attributable to the lower rate of exchange.
Under Special Expenditure the provision of arms is for replacements only, and the provision of anti-gas equipment is in continuation of the policy to which reference has already been made in connection with the Fire Brigade.
Tear-gas equipment is being introduced on instructions from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, as being a more humane weapon to use in quelling disorders than firearms.
For the better protection of the New Territories against