Hong Kong Annual Administration Reports, 1841-1941
COLONIAL REPORTS.-ANNUAL.
decided to carry on the work, but the delay pending decision on the proposal prejudicially affected the amount of work executed. The total sum spent on Public Works Extraordinary during 1893 amounted to $355,144.95, of which $338,315.96 has been charged against the new loan.
Afforestation.
This work is progressing as usual, 287,905 trees having been planted during the year.
There were unfortunately no fewer than 21 grass fires, destroying 4,000 trees, and, besides, the appearance of a caterpillar scourge was destructive to several thousands more.
The sum realised by sale of trees and plants, etc. from the gardens amounted to $1,310.
General Remarks.
The condition of the Colony is prosperous taken as a whole, but the heavy fall in exchange has seriously affected the public expenditure. The issue of the new loan gave considerable relief, enabling the more important public works to be proceeded with; but as a large proportion of the charges on the Colony have to be met by gold payments, it may prove necessary, in view of the enormous depreciation of silver, to devise methods of raising additional revenue.
The Government has been fully alive to the need of retrenchment as far as possible, consistently with the efficiency of the public service, and a Commission has been appointed to enquire into and report on the expenditure of the Colony with a view to the recommendation of such reduction as may be found feasible.
I have, &c.
(Signed) G. T. M. O'BRIEN,
Officer Administering the Government,