G 4-
9.-REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES.
Two (2) "China" companies were transferred to the Companies Register at Shanghai. One (1) company was transferred from Shanghai to the Companies Register at Hongkong.
On the 31st December there were 234 companies on the Hongkong Register, of which 5 were in course of liquidation. During the year 21 new companies were put on the Register and 6 struck off.
The fees collected in respect of "China" companies amounted to $49,198.27 and those in respect of other companies to $6,220.70. Three (3) firms were registered under the Chinese Limited Partnership Ordinance 1911 and one (1) company was registered under Part VIII of the Companies Ordinance 1911.
10.-FEES AND COMMISSION.
The total sum collected during the year by way of fees and commission amounted to $48,334.81 as against $56,719.68 in the previous year.
11.-STAFF.
Sir William Rees-Davies, Chief Justice, proceeded to Weihaiwei during the Court Vacation on 7th September and returned on the 30th September.
Mr. C. A. D. Melbourne, Deputy Registrar and Appraiser, acted as Second Police Magistrate from 1st January to 23rd May.
Mr. E. V. Carpmael, Acting Deputy Registrar and Accountant, was transferred to the Sanitary Department as Head of that Department on 23rd May.
Mr. A. B. Suffiad, Clerk of Court and Clerk to Chief Justice, went on leave of absence on 20th July and returned on 1st September.
Mr. A. J. Mackie, Assistant Interpreter, proceeded on 10 months' half pay leave to Australia on 7th June, and Mr. Fung Hon, Assistant Interpreter, was transferred to the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs on 21st June. Mr. Ng Chak-wing, Interpreter in the Magistracy, and Mr. Tang Tat-hung, 2nd Interpreter in the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs, were appointed to act as Assistant Interpreters.
Mr. E. L. Stainfield, Clerk in the Post Office, was appointed Clerk and Usher on 1st July vice Mr. T. F. O'Sullivan promoted to Second Bailiff.
Mr. J. M. P. da Silva, First Grade Clerk of the Court and Puisne Judge's Clerk, retired on pension as from the end of the year.
HUGH A. NISBET,
Registrar.
28th February, 1918.