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Hong Kong Annual Administration Reports, 1841-1941
HER MAJESTY'S COLONIAL POSSESSIONS.
Expenditure.
The expenditure in 1880 amounted to $885,204, whereas in 1881 the amount was somewhat larger, viz., $895,985. The difference, you will observe, between the revenue collected in 1881 and the expenditure of that year is about $400,000, - a respectable sum to have gained on the Treasury transactions of the past year, without new taxes, and whilst maintaining the establishments and services in a state of efficiency.
Works and Buildings.
I find that the expenditure on works and buildings in 1881 amounted to $59,781, as compared with $50,568 in the preceding year, showing an increase of $9,000. Under the head of what are called miscellaneous services, there was an increase last year of $11,000. Now, with respect to works and buildings, the items showing an increase consist of repairs to buildings, amounting to $14,098, as compared with $11,923 in the preceding year. One large cause of increase is the typhoon breakwater in Causeway Bay, the expenditure upon which is $30,095. The work is proceeding, and will be so far completed before the next typhoon season, as to furnish at that time, if we should have a typhoon, a substantial protection to the junk population. There has been a slight increase in the item of street lamps, which amounts to $21,418. There is an increase in the telegraph service from $2,900 to $5,600. Our telegraphic communications are now connected with all the police stations in the Colony. Two small submarine lines have been laid across the harbour, and you are also no doubt aware that we are substituting iron posts in the place of the ordinary wooden poles. Amongst the other miscellaneous items which account for this increase I find the item of compensation to Mr. Coughtrie of $1,500. That compensation was claimed a considerable time ago, by Mr. Coughtrie, for an injury which he stated was done to his dwelling-house by the bursting of a drain, and he held the Survey Department responsible for it. He applied for $1,500, and after a very long inquiry into the matter, I am happy to say that the Earl of Kimberley sanctioned the claim, and the sum of $1,500 has been paid to him. As to the ordinary services of the Colony, such as the maintenance of an efficient police force, providing a proper staff for the Harbour department, and doing what is required for the other public establishments any necessary expenditure has never been refused by me.
As to our roads, streets, and bridges, I am on the whole satisfied with the state they are in. I have, however, intimated to Mr. Price and to Mr. Bowdler that any further assistance required in the Public Works Department, I am prepared to sanction. In 1881 I laid out $12,000 on tree-planting, - a considerable increase on the annual sum ($700) spent on that