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Hong Kong Annual Administration Reports, 1841-1941
COLONIAL REPORTS-ANNUAL.
year was 75 per cent. as compared with 77 per cent. in the previous year. The average daily amount of sunshine throughout the year was 5.5 hours, and on 35 days only was no sunshine recorded.
It may be mentioned that the rainfall of 1901 was less than half the rainfall of the year 1891. Tai Tam Reservoir, the principal source of water supply, was not filled throughout the year, and only one rainfall during the last 20 years (that of 1895) was lower than that of the year under review.
IX.-POSTAL SERVICE.
The cessation of the Boxer troubles in the North of China gave an impetus to trade, which was faithfully reflected in the steady increase in postal business.
The monthly sales of stamps showed an increase of $21,765, as compared with 1900, and for the first time since the adoption of the penny postage the revenue exceeded the highest revenue from the same source in former days. The returns from the Branch Post Offices at Shanghai and in China also show gratifying results.
The Revenue of the Department from all sources in 1901 was $355,912, and the Expenditure $273,685. The nett balance to the Hong Kong Post Office on the year's transactions amounted to $82,227.