34. The balance to the credit of the District Watchmen Fund at the end of the year was $34,208 as compared with $34,372 on January 1st, the expenditure thus exceeding the income by $164. $28,000 of the balance is invested in Hongkong 6% War Loan, and the remainder $6,208 deposited in the Colonial Treasury.
35. The total strength of the District Watchmen Force at the end of the year was 102 as compared with 103 on January 1st. The approved strength is 102. There were 6 vacancies during the year; of which 5 were caused by dismissals or desertions.
36. The number of convictions secured by members of the force was 164 as compared with 172 in 1918 and 113 in 1917.
37. The Detective Staff now numbers 23 as compared with 20 in 1918. Police Sergeant Murphy was seconded from the Police towards the end of the year to take charge of the District Watchmen detective staff. His work at once had the effect of inspiring the men to greater energy, and of fostering co-operation with the Regular detectives. A marked improvement in this department may confidently be expected under the new system.
(iii)—PERMITS.
38. Six hundred and ninety-one (691) permits to fire crackers were issued as against 709 in 1918 and of these 471 were on the occasion of marriage.
39. Other permits issued were 28 for religious ceremonies and 9 for processions. 232 permits were issued for theatricals, 194 of which performances were held in permanent houses and 38 in temporary buildings.
MARRIAGES.
Ordinances No. 7 of 1875 and No. 6 of 1903.
40. The number of marriages solemnized during the year was 142 as compared with 115 in 1918. The number contracted at the Registrar's Office was 15. In 1918 it was 26.
CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY TO CHINESE ENTERING THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Ordinance No. 3 of 1898.
41. Thirteen certificates were issued to Chinese to enter the United States of America, but none to enter the Philippine Islands. One certificate issued was not used and the fee was refunded to the applicant.
These certificates are limited to Chinese British Subjects resident in Hongkong.
BRITISH BORN SUBJECT CERTIFICATES.
42. There were eleven applications for these certificates, six of which were granted; three were refused and in two cases passports were the real objects in view and were granted.