1887-1903
HONG KONG, 1902.
X.-POSTAL SERVICE.
19
The Revenue derived from all sources of the postal service amounted to $387,066.19, an increase of $42,554.61 on that of the previous year.
The sale of stamps realised $353,949.99, or $29,886.03 more than was realised in 1901. All branches of the postal organisation shared in the general increase except exchange on Money Order transactions, the profits of which showed a decrease from slightly over $10,000 to $2,768.
It is hoped that before long a direct parcel post exchange with the United States of America will be established, effecting an appreciable reduction in the time now occupied in transit.
381
The Penny Letter postage was extended to the British postal agencies in China from 15th February. The agencies exist at Amoy, Canton, Foochow, Hankow, Hoihow, Liu Kung Tau (Wei-Hai-Wei), Ningpo, Shanghai and Swatow.
XI.-MILITARY FORCES AND EXPENDITURE.
(A.) REGULAR FORCES.
The following return shows the number and nature of the forces employed in the Colony during 1902 :-
15374
B 2