1904-1919
HONG KONG, 1907.
25
to the ungrudging labours of the Commissioners, the Sanitary Department will in future be more honestly served while many improvements will be effected in the Sanitary Law and the method of its application.
In consequence of the high rate of exchange, which reached more than 2s. 3d. to the dollar, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, with the concurrence of unofficial members of the Legislative Council, allowed the sterling salaries of Civil Servants to be paid at the rate of 2s. to the dollar when the rate of exchange is above that figure and at the rate of the day when it is below it.
During the year the claim for compensation on account of the lives lost in the piracy of the S.S. Sianam, referred to in the Report of last year, was settled; and the Provincial authorities have now adopted measures which it is hoped will be effective in the suppression of piracy in the Delta and on the West River.
Mr. F. Grove, Chief Resident Engineer, and a considerable staff were at work on the Chinese section of the Hong Kong-Canton Railway during the year. The survey was completed and steps were taken for beginning construction early in the current year.
His Excellency Cheng Yan-tsun succeeded His Excellency Chau Fuk as Governor-General of the Two Kwang Provinces.
Mr. H. H. J. Gompertz acted as Attorney-General until the arrival of Mr. W. Rees Davies in July.
Mr. E. Osborne was appointed a member of the Legislative Council vice Mr. G. Stewart who left the Colony, and Mr. H. Keswick took the place of Mr. W. J. Gresson absent on leave.
H. R. H. the Duke of Connaught accompanied by H. R. H. the Duchess of Connaught and the Princess Patricia of Connaught visited the Colony early in the year.
His Royal Highness unveiled statues of His Majesty the King-Emperor and of H. R. H. the Prince of Wales which had been presented to the Colony by Sir Paul Chater, C.M.G. and Mr. J. J. Bell-Irving respectively.
Their Royal Highnesses attended an entertainment given in their honour by the Chinese community at the Ko Shing Theatre.
Sir Matthew Nathan, K.C.M.G., Governor, left the Colony on the 20th April to take up the governorship of Natal, and the Colonial Secretary (Mr. F. H. May, C.M.G.) administered the Government until my arrival on the 29th July, 1907.
I have, &c.,
The Right Honourable
F. D. LUGARD,
Governor, &c.
The Earl of Crewe,
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State
for the Colonies.
&c.,
&c.,
&c.,
&c.
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