D 12
4.--Steam-launches.
18. On the 31st December, 1918, there were 337 steam-launches (including licensed motor boats) employed in the harbour. Of these, 281 were licensed for the conveyance of passengers, etc. 7 Chinese launches were laid up on account of high price of coal. 27 were the property of the Colonial Government, and 22 belonged to the Imperial Government, comprising 4 Military and 18 Naval. In addition to the above there were 20 motor boats privately-owned, for pleasure and private purposes.
Four hundred and forty-seven (447) engagements and four hundred and thirty (430) discharges of Masters and Engineers were made during the year.
Seven (7) steam-launches were permitted to carry arms for their protection against pirates.
5.---Emigration and Immigration.
19. Forty-three thousand eight hundred and thirty (43,830) emigrants left Hongkong for various places during the year 1918, (96,298 in 1917). Of these, 18,193 were carried in British ships, and 25,637 in Foreign ships.
Seventy-four thousand one hundred and nine (74,109) returning emigrants were reported to have been brought to Hong-kong from the several places to which they had emigrated either from this Colony or from Coast Ports, as against 98,232 in 1917. Of these 35,109 arrived in British ships and 39,000 in Foreign ships.
6.-Registry, etc., of Shipping.
20. During the year, 16 ships were registered under the provisions of the Imperial Merchant Shipping Act, and 17 Certificates of Registry cancelled. 120 documents, etc., were dealt with in connection with the Act, the fees on which amounted to $2,568.00 as compared with $6,298.00 in 1917.
7.-Marine Magistrate's Court.
21. Two hundred and sixty-one cases were heard in the Marine Magistrate's Court (284 in 1917). Breach of Harbour Regulations, Boarding ships without permission, Disobeying the lawful orders of the Harbour Master, Failing to observe the Rules of the Road, Making fast to steamers while under way, Neglecting to exhibit the Regulation Lights, Dredging without permit, Passing through the Yaumati Typhoon Shelter at an excess speed, Being in Causeway Bay without permit, and Carrying passengers in excess were the principal offences.