C 8
30. The number of Chinese business men in Victoria and Kowloon offering themselves as sureties to Government Departments and reported on by this office was 1,176 as against 1,410 in 1919.
31. Two non-resident householders were required to enter into a bond; as against one in 1919. 39 certified extracts from the Registers were issued as against 48 in 1919. One duplicate Householder's Certificate was issued as against two in 1919; while 24 Householders' Removal Certificates were issued as against 18 in 1919.
(ii) DISTRICT WATCHMEN.
(Table VI.)
32. The District Watchmen Committee met on 12 occasions the average attendance being 12. The loyal advice and assistance of this important Committee (which deals with every kind of question affecting the Chinese Community) continues to be of the greatest value to the Government.
Sir Boshan Wei Yuk was appointed adviser (Ku Mán).
33. Messrs Tong Lai-chun and Chau Siu-ki's terms of 5 years expired and they were reappointed by His Excellency the Governor for a further period of 5 years.
The two vacancies caused by the resignation of Mr. Chan Lok-chun and the death of Mr. Chan Kai-ming were filled by the appointment of Messrs. Fung Ping-shan and Tse Yam-chi.
During 1920 the two members selected from the retiring Committees of the Tung Wah Hospital and the Po Leung Kuk, who hold their appointments for one year, were Messrs. To Sz-tun and Wong Iu-tung, vice Messrs. Fung Ping-shan and Choy Hing whose terms had expired.
34. The balance to the credit of the District Watchmen Fund at the end of the year was $28,875 as compared with $34,208 on January 1st, the expenditure thus exceeding the income by $5,333. $28,000 of the balance is invested in Hongkong 6% War Loan, and the remainder $875 deposited in the Colonial Treasury.
35. The total strength of the District Watchmen Force at the end of the year was 102: the same number as on January 1st. The approved strength is 102. There were 17 vacancies during the year; of which 7 were caused by dismissals or desertions.
36. The number of convictions secured by members of the force was 426 as compared with 164 in 1919 and 172 in 1918.
37. The Detective Staff now numbers 20 as compared with 23 in 1919. Police Sub-Inspector Murphy was in charge of the District Watchmen detective staff. His work has had the effect of inspiring the men to greater energy, and of fostering co-operation with the Regular detectives; and its value is only in part reflected in the very marked increase in convictions secured during the year.