1841-1886
OF HER MAJESTY'S COLONIAL POSSESSIONS.
293
161
The exceptions are the Supreme Court, in which the Chief Justice was absent during the greater part of the year. The Summary Jurisdiction Court, the Judge of which acted as Chief Justice, the duties of the latter being performed by Mr. Whyte, one of the police magistrates, in addition to his own, and the Registrar General's department, where, on Mr. Turner's departure, Mr. Cecil Smith, one of the student interpreters, was appointed to do the duties.
As to their efficiency or otherwise I am not in a position to make any statement, having relinquished the post of Acting Colonial Secretary in February.
I can, however, testify to the success of the Hong Kong cadetship scheme, so far as the three gentlemen sent out are concerned; they deserve credit for the steady application they have given to the study of Chinese.
Population.
1863 124,850
1864 121,498 3,352
The census taken on the 31st December last, gives the population at 121,498 souls; this shows a decrease upon that of the year previous of 3,352; but I am satisfied, as I observed on a former occasion, that we can only obtain approximate results; but admitting the apparent decrease to be a fact, it is easily accounted for when we consider the vicinity of the mainland, and the facilities that exist for reaching it.
Sanitary.
A perusal of the Colonial surgeon's report affords evidence of the continued healthiness of the Colony, and it is satisfactory to learn that the police force, though more exposed, perhaps, than any other body of men in Hong Kong, "is distinguished by marked healthiness."
The gaols also appear to be very healthy, and, as far as Victoria Gaol is concerned, it is to be noted that many of the deaths occur in cases of prisoners who at the time of their committal are in a debilitated state from disease or starvation; these are chiefly men who are committed for short periods as rogues and vagabonds.
Education.
The Board of Education have sent in an interesting report on the state of the Government schools in the Colony. It is much to be regretted that the efforts made by the Government are not more cordially supported by the natives; but we must hope that the work done will by and by bear fruit.
It will be seen by the comparative statement attached to the report that although the number of scholars enrolled during 1864 was less than in 1862 and 1863, the average attendance was greater.
Shipping.
During the year 1864, 2,204 vessels arrived in this port, being an increase over those in 1863 of 442 in number, and in tonnage of 118,824 tons. Of these 2,204 vessels, 1,043 were British, and 1,161 were foreign; and the proportion of British to foreign ships in the increase of 442 vessels was - British, 227; foreign, 215.
Vessels. Tons. 1860 1,534 875,199 1861 1,259 658,196 1862 1,390 688,829 1863 1,762 894,924 1864 2,204 1,013,748The year 1860, as it has often been stated, was an exceptional year, owing to the Chinese expedition attracting a large number of transports, &c.; but if we go back to the years 1857, 1858, 1859, in which the vessels and tonnage were respectively, 1,070, 1,007, and 1,158 vessels of 541,063, 716,476, and 626,536 tons, we have good reason to look upon the progressive increase as a proof that the trade of the Colony is flourishing.
Hong Kong being a free port, no return of imports and exports can be obtained.
Emigration.
The number of ships with emigrants cleared from this port during the year was 21. Of these, 10 were British, 5 American, 4 German, 1 Siamese, and 1 Sandwich Islands, carrying 6,607 passengers, as follows:-
Men. Boys. San Francisco 2,929 Bombay 112 Melbourne 2,370 Tahiti 8 337 120 6,487 120=6,607It will be observed that no ship for the British West Indies left Hong Kong during the year.
Gaols.
Victoria Gaol and the convict hulk at Stone Cutter's Island are in excellent order, and the superintendents deserve credit for the improvement they have made in the discipline and carrying on of the work of these establishments.