HONGKONG.
REPORT ON THE BLUE BOOK FOR 1917.
I. FINANCES.
The revenue for the year amounted to $15,058,105 being $1,816,105 more than the estimate and $1,224,718 more than the revenue for the previous year.
Compared with the returns for 1916 there were increases under every head with the exception of Light Dues, Rent of Government Property, and Land Sales.
The expenditure amounted to a total of $14,090,828, inclusive of a sum of $1,567,907 spent on Public Works Extraordinary, and one of $2,000,000 being a contribution to the Imperial Government for war expenses.
The detailed figures for 1917 are set out in the following statements:-
HEADS OF REVENUE.
$ Light Dues 68,657 Light Dues, Special Assessment 79,810 Licences and Internal Revenue not otherwise specified 11,770,514 Fees of Court or Office, Payments for specific purposes, and Reimbursements in Aid 934,836 Post Office 427,687 Kowloon-Canton Railway 428,246 Rent of Government Property, Land, and Houses 955,560 Interest 64,700 Miscellaneous Receipts 167,081 14,897,091 TOTAL, (Ordinary) 161,014 Land Sales, (Premia on New Leases) TOTAL $ 15,058,105The total expenditure brought to account amounted to $14,090,828 being $1,694,673 more than the estimate, and $3,010,913 more than the expenditure in 1916. Compared with the estimates there were decreases under 19 heads as against 5 heads where there were increases. The excess amounting to $2,648,503 under Miscellaneous Services was due to the war contribution stated above, in addition to another contribution ($504,984) referred to below; grants in aid of sufferers by the disasters at Tientsin and Halifax; expenditure...