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32. Among the subjects of more than passing interest that were discussed were the restriction of the numbers of clubs and societies; the appointment of midwives; the question of payment of wine and spirit licences; the completion of the District Watchmen Station in Yaumati; and the question of new legislation for money loan associations. Besides this, the useful work done in 1914, in preventing undue alarm from war conditions, was carried on, and misunderstandings were prevented during the short time that diplomatic relations between China and Japan were strained.
33. The offer of the Committee to refund to the Treasury the annual Government grant for 1916 was considered by the Governor, who, while marking his appreciation of the action, considered it unnecessary to take advantage of it.
34. The balance to the credit of the District Watchmen Fund at the end of the year was $18,695 as compared with $18,235 on January 1st, the income thus exceeding the expenditure by $460. The total expenditure $28,667 as compared with $29,989 in 1914 showed a decrease of well over $1,000. As stated in the 1914 report an exceptional outlay was then incurred by the establishment of District Watchmen Quarters in Yaumati, and, while the expense was not so heavy this year, a sum of over $1,600 was expended upon repairs and alterations to the new station. The good work done by the force in Yaumati since its establishment fully justifies the outlay.
35. The total strength of the District Watchmen Force at the end of the year was 99 (as compared with 99 on January 1st). The approved strength is 100. During the year, by death, resignation or dismissal there were 4 vacancies caused; and 4 recruits have been enlisted. One vacancy remains to be filled up.
36. The new District Watchmen Station at Yaumati was opened on May 1st, when 6 District Watchmen were sent over. The experiment gives every promise of being a successful one.
37. The number of convictions secured by members of the force was 167 as compared with 109 in 1914 and 226 in 1913.
(iii.)—PERMITS.
38. 456 permits to fire crackers were issued (480 in 1914), 330 of these being on the occasion of marriage.
39. Other permits issued were religious ceremonies 21; and 130 to hold theatricals in private houses or temporary buildings.
MARRIAGES.
Ordinance No. 7 of 1875 and No. 6 of 1903.
40. The number of marriages solemnised during the year was 154 as compared with 165 in 1914. The number contracted at the Registrar's office was 18. In 1914 it was 30.
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