422
86
Hong Kong Annual Administration Reports, 1841-1941
PAPERS RELATING TO
Civil Establishment.
8. There have been no material changes, and those which have occurred have been reported from time to time.
Population.
9. The total population numbers 121,985 persons, and is on the increase.
Prisons.
10. The gaol is a model of cleanliness and good order, and though susceptible of various improvements, fully meets the requirements of the Colony.
Crime has greatly decreased, and is generally of a trivial kind, and seldom undetected.
The number of prisoners has decreased 50 per cent. within three years. A perusal of the statistical table at page 168 will prove interesting.
Post Office.
11. Various postal changes have taken place, all for the better, and the general management of the department leaves nothing to be desired.
The report of the Postmaster-General details the improvements which have been effected.
Education.
12. I am unwilling to detract from the interest of the report of the Inspector of Schools by commenting upon it. The Central or Government School and the various denominational schools are silently but surely leavening the surrounding mass of ignorance and superstition.
Shipping.
13. The Harbour-master's report is full of interest to those connected with the commerce of this Colony. The foreign and Chinese shipping entering the harbour in 1875 has exceeded that of 1874 by 412,672 registered tons.
Of this increase, 68.65 per cent. is due to vessels under the British flag.
14. The trade with Australia has greatly increased, and a regular line of steamers has taken the place of sailing vessels.
Of the large percentage of steam over sailing vessels, 77 per cent. is due to British shipping.
15. Emigration,
which forms an important item in the shipping trade of this Colony, shows an increase of 51 per cent. over the previous year. Queensland alone took 8,325 emigrants, and there is every prospect of a steady increase.