1841-1886
283
STATE OF HER MAJESTY'S COLONIAL POSSESSIONS.
181
21. They could not but note a marked contrast as to the integrity of the officials, the administration of justice, particularly the more humane system of criminal judicature, and the greater protection to life and property; and whatever may have been the past reputation of Hong Kong (the causes of which it would not be difficult to find), it is worth while to note the points I have just indicated, and I venture to submit that common justice will not withhold from the gentlemen who have been the main instruments in the foundation and advancement of the Colony the merit not only of promoting its prosperity, but of setting a praiseworthy example before the people and the Government of China.
22. I may confidently say, that, putting aside a short period of depression (now 10 years past), Hong Kong has gradually and steadily fulfilled, and far more than fulfilled, the hopes of its most sanguine friends.
23. I may also observe that its growth during the last four years has repeatedly called forth the wonder of all who have chanced to see it, whether British or Foreign, residents or visitants.
His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, K.G.
I have &c. (Signed)
W. T. MERCER,
&c.
&c.
&c.
Enclosure in No 23.
SIR,
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hong Kong, June 11, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to submit herewith the Blue Book for the year 1862. 2. In doing so I have to state that the forms annually sent out by the Secretary of State have this year been sent stitched together in the form of a book, instead of loose, as had been the practice in former years.
3. This is the reason that the Blue Book does not contain various reports, returns, and tables which have usually been inserted; but I append them for reference, if necessary.
Revenue and Expenditure.
1861 $587,633 94 $526,233 78 $ 61,400 16
1862 $631,259 98 $610,757 59 $ 20,502 39
4. The revenue for 1862 amounted to $631,259.98., and shows an increase of $ 20,502 39. over that of the previous year. This increase is chiefly shown under the heads of postage, police and lighting rates, opium farm, auctioneer and pawnbrokers' licences. This last item is new, and may, I think, be hailed as a proof that the prejudices of the native population are not so difficult to overcome when met with prudence and firmness.
5. The Pawnbrokers' Ordinance, No. 3. of 1860, was passed on the 16th April 1860, and until early last year not one licence was applied for, and even then only after a most urgent petition, praying the Government to alter certain of the provisions of the Ordinance, and stating that the application for licences would be conditional on such amendment being made, had been rejected, the petitioners being informed that if after trial the objections they urged were found to exist it would then be time enough to consider the propriety of amending the Ordinance. Nothing more, however, has been said upon the subject.
6. The expenditure of the Colony for 1862 has also exceeded that of 1861, 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 force, roads, streets, and bridges, the establishment of the Court of Summary Jurisdiction, and for educational purposes. With reference to this subject, I may add, that since the 1st July last the accounts of the Colony have been kept in dollars.
Population.
7. The Census taken on the 31st December last shows a total of 123,511, being 4,190 in excess of the previous year; a result which confirms me in the opinion that we only arrive at an approximate estimate of the population of the Colony. It is to be observed that of this 4,190 our late acquisition, Kowloon, contributes more than a fourth, or 1,326. Judging from appearances, I should have estimated the increase to be nearer 20,000 than 4,000.