Hong Kong Annual Administration Reports, 1841–1941
COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.
The wind velocity was considerably below normal in January and October, and moderately below in February, July and September. It was moderately above normal in May and July. The mean velocity for the year was 12.0 m.p.h. as against 11.4 m.p.h. in 1919 and 12.7 m.p.h. for the past 37 years. The maximum velocity for one hour as recorded by the Beckley Anemograph was 51 miles at 2 p.m. on July 31st as against 60 miles in 1919 and 108 for the past 37 years. The maximum squall velocity, as recorded by the Dines-Baxendell Anemograph, was at the rate of 61 m.p.h. at 10 h. 58 m. p.m. on July 30th as against 84 m.p.h. in 1919 and 105 m.p.h. for the past 11 years.
The climate of Hongkong is similar in its broad features to that of Kowloon and the New Territories, but at the higher levels, from 1,400 to 1,800 feet above sea level the temperature is usually from 3° to 6° lower than at the Observatory, Kowloon. The humidity is usually greater than in Kowloon and approaches saturation for several days at a time during March and April when mist is very prevalent. In summer the city of Victoria, and the rising terraces behind it, derive little or no benefit from the SW monsoon, being sheltered by steep hills from SE to SW. In winter it is exposed to the NE monsoon, which occasionally blows along the harbour through Lyemun Pass with considerable violence. On the other hand the South-west side of the Island is protected from the NE monsoon in winter and enjoys the benefit of the SW monsoon in summer.
POSTAL AND TELEGRAPH SERVICES.
The total revenue from the Postal Service in 1920 amounted to $526,122.08, being $76,065.33 more than that collected in 1919. The net expenditure amounted to $229,378.70. The balance of revenue over expenditure amounted to $296,743.38.
The revenue collected in 1920 from radio-telegrams amounted to $14,591.73, being $4,241.70 more than that collected in 1919. Advices of vessels signalled at the Lighthouses yielded $581.20 making a total of $15,172.93 for the Telegraph Service. The expenditure amounted to $39,335.15. The number of radio-telegrams forwarded during the year was 1,965 consisting of 25,221 words, and 5,306 received consisting of 75,007 words.
CLAUD SEVERN,
28th October, 1921.
Colonial Secretary.