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The distribution of population estimated to the middle of 1920 was as follows:-
Non-Chinese Civil Community,.... 14,000
Chinese Population.
City of Victoria (including Peak),....... 342,000
Villages of Hongkong, 18,050
Kowloon (including New Kowloon), 104,000
New Territories, 100,800
Population afloat, 69,300
Total Chinese Population, ... 634,150
Total Civil Population, 648,150
(b.)-PUBLIC HEALTH AND SANITATION.
The activity in building operations, which has been so noticeable a feature since 1912, has not abated, and the demand for housing accommodation by the Chinese continued to be greatly in excess of the supply, as many of those who fled with their families to Hongkong during 1911, 1912, and 1913 elected to remain in the Colony.
The birth-rate for the year was 3.96* per 1,000 among the Chinese community and 21.9 per 1,000 among the Non-Chinese community, as compared with 3.9 and 20.6 for 1919.
The death-rate for the year was 22.78 per 1,000 among the Chinese community and 17.9 among the Non-Chinese civil community, as compared with 23.3 and 21.9 for 1919.
The number of deaths from Malaria (332) shows an increase on the previous year (319). The deaths of Chinese from this cause in the City of Victoria numbered 124 out of a population of 342,000 or a rate of 0.36 per 1,000 per annum.
The deaths from Plague numbered 120 as compared with 426 in 1919.
Small-pox deaths numbered 21, all Chinese.
There were 3,834 deaths from respiratory diseases other than Pulmonary Tuberculosis as compared with 3,049 in 1918, and 45 of these were among the Non-Chinese community. Pulmonary Tuberculosis claimed 1,380 Chinese and 21 Non-Chinese victims whilst other forms of Tuberculosis represent an additional 681 deaths making a total of 2,082 or 16.7 per cent. of the total deaths among the community.
Beri-beri was responsible for 361 deaths, as compared with 555 during 1919 and 804 in 1918. During the past few years circulars have been distributed to all large employers of coolie labour calling their attention to the fact that Beri-beri is produced by the consumption of white rice as the staple article of diet without a sufficiency of other foods, and advising that beans should be supplied with the rice, when fresh meat or fresh fish cannot be afforded.
A tabular statement of the principal causes of death is appended.
* This figure is wholly misleading as it is impossible to register more than a portion of the births.