HONGKONG.
REPORT ON THE BLUE BOOK FOR 1918.
I.-FINANCES.
The revenue for the year amounted to $18,665,248 being $3,901,658 more than the estimate and $3,607,144 more than the revenue for the previous year.
Compared with the returns for 1917 there were increases under every head with the exception of Light Dues, Miscellaneous Receipts, and Fees of Court or Office.
The expenditure amounted to a total of $16,252,172, inclusive of a sum of $1,578,149 spent on Public Works Extraordinary, and one of $3,189,972 being a contribution to the Imperial Government for war expenses.
The detailed figures for 1918 are set out in the following statements :-
HEADS OF REVENUE. Light Dues 52,817 Light Dues, Special Assessment 63,106 Licences and Internal Revenue not otherwise specified 15,201,189 Fees of Court or Office, Payments for specific purposes, and Reimbursements in Aid 913,794 Post Office 451,586 Kowloon-Canton Railway 433,274 Rent of Government Property, Land, and Houses 1,010,246 Interest 99,302 Miscellaneous Receipts 140,645 TOTAL, (Ordinary) $18,365,959 Land Sales, (Premia on New Leases) 299,289 TOTAL $18,665,248The total expenditure brought to account amounted $16,252,172 being $4,111,697 more than the estimate, and $2,161,344 more than the expenditure in 1917. Compared with the estimates