430
Hong Kong Annual Administration Reports, 1841–1941
40
1903.
Principal Events.-New Education Code made grants dependent on results of inspection and not of annual examinations. New wing of Tung Wa Hospital opened. Letters to Europe first sent by Siberian Railway (13/10).
Trade & Industries.--Brussels Sugar convention coming into effect 1/9 improved condition of sugar refining industry. High price of raw cotton prejudicially affected cotton spinning. Exchange averaged 1/8-5¼d for the year and stood at 1/8 1¾d on December 31st.
Public Works.-Victoria Hosp. for women and children (44 beds) on Peak and 16 ft. road from Kennedy Town to Aberdeen (5 m.) handed over by Jubilee Committee. Ladder Street Resumption Scheme completed. 1st public bath-house (40 baths) opened at Wanchai. Conduit Road (2,900 ft. long) opened. N. T. Survey completed. New Government Offices commenced (June). Foundation Stone of the New Law Courts laid (12/11).
Legislation. The Public Health and Buildings Ord. (No. 1) superseded all former Ords. dealing with this matter and made extensive and minute provision for improving health of Colony. Waterworks Ord. (No. 16) repealed Ord. of previous year and made other provisions for economizing water supply. Four Ords. dealt with land in N. T.
1904.
Mr. F. H. May, C.M.G., administered from 22.11.1903 to 28.7.1904.
Principal Events.-Outbreak of war between Russia and Japan (8/2) brought influx of colliers, etc. and decrease of foreign ships. Speculation resulted in heavy losses among Chinese. Attempt to start emigration...