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The total rainfall for the year was 90.55 inches, as compared with an average of 80.73 inches, during the ten preceding years. The wettest month was August with 30.06 inches, the dryest, February, when no rain was recorded. The greatest amount of rain which fell on any one day was 8.61 inches on the 5th August, while no rain fell on 220 days of the year. The mean relative humidity of the atmosphere for the year was 79%, as compared with an average of 77% during the ten preceding years. The average daily amount of sunshine was 5.7 hours, being 50% of the possible duration.
These figures are those recorded at the Observatory, Kowloon, and there is a very considerable divergence between that place and Hongkong (low levels), the Peak District, or Tai Po (New Territories), both in rainfall, temperature and humidity.
X.-POSTAL SERVICE.
The total revenue from the postal service in 1911 was $399,217.15 and total expenditure $422,267.97. The result of the year's working shows a deficit of $23,050.82. Direct exchange of money orders with the Philippine Islands commenced on 1st July, and a revised parcel arrangement with Siam came into operation on 26th September.
XI.-MILITARY EXPENDITURE.
(a.) COLONIAL CONTRIBUTION.
The Colony contributed $1,342,554 (being the statutory contribution of 20% of the Revenue) towards the cost of the maintenance of the Regular Forces in the Colony including Barrack Services and Defence Works.
(b.) VOLUNTEER CORPS.
The expenditure on the Volunteers, which is entirely borne by the Colony, was $49,311 compared with $34,744 in 1910.
XII.-GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
During the past year no general assessment was made. The existing valuation for 1910-11 was ordered to be adopted as the valuation for 1911-12, the difference in rateable value being the result of interim assessments. There is an increase in the rateable value of the whole Colony of 0.71%. In the City of Victoria, the Hill District, Shaukiwan, Saiwanho, Quarry Bay, Hongkong Villages, Kowloon Point, Yaumati, Mongkoktsui, and New Kowloon there is an increase ranging from 10.59 to 0.29%, the largest increase being in New Kowloon. There is no change in Hunghom and Hokun. Kowloon Villages show a decrease of 1.76%.
The average rate of exchange (demand on London) which had been 1/9.6021 to the dollar for 1910 rose to 1/9.754808 for 1911.