C.6
30. Messrs. Leung Pui-chi, Chan Lok-chun, Ho Kom-tong and Wong Kam-fuk were re-appointed by His Excellency the Governor for a further term of 5 years.
31. The balance to the credit of the District Watchmen Fund at the end of the year was $24,844 as compared with $18,695 on January 1st, the income thus exceeding the expenditure by $6,149. The total expenditure, $24,340 as compared with $28,667 in 1915, showed a decrease of well over $4,000 due to the fact that no new constructional work was undertaken during the year, whereas in 1915 the expenditure included most of the cost of construction of the new District Watchmen's Quarters in Yaumati.
32. The total strength of the District Watchmen Force at the end of the year was 100, compared with 99 on January 1st. The approved strength is 100. No vacancies occurred from any cause during the year, and the vacancy at the beginning of the year was filled up by the enlistment of a recruit.
33. The number of convictions secured by members of the force was 213 as compared with 167 in 1915 and 109 in 1914.
(iii.)—PERMITS.
34. 639 permits to fire crackers were issued (456 in 1915), 448 of these being on the occasion of marriage.
35. Other permits issued were religious ceremonies 33; and 181 to hold theatricals in permanent houses or temporary buildings.
MARRIAGES.
Ordinance No. 7 of 1875 and No. 6 of 1903.
36. The number of marriages solemnised during the year was 128 as compared with 154 in 1915. The number contracted at the Registrar's Office was 16. In 1915 it was 18.
CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY TO CHINESE ENTERING THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Ordinance No. 3 of 1898.
37. Sixteen certificates were issued to Chinese to enter the United States of America, and three to enter the Philippine Islands. These certificates are limited to Chinese British Subjects resident in Hongkong.
BRITISH BORN SUBJECT CERTIFICATES.
38. There were 11 applications for these certificates, 5 of which were granted.