C 8
(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.
33. Messrs. Ng Hou-tsz, Ho Kom-tong, and Wong Kam-fuk's terms of 5 years expired and they were reappointed by His Excellency the Governor for a further period of 5 years,
During 1921 the two members selected from the retiring Committee of the Tung Wa Hospital and the Po Leung Kuk, who hold their appointments for one year, were Messrs. Li Wing-kwong and Kwok Siu-lau vice Messrs. To Sze-tun and Wong Tu-tung whose terms had expired.
34. The balance to the credit of the District Watchmen Fund at the end of the year was $31,063, as compared with $28,875 on January 1st, the income thus exceeding the expenditure by $2,188. Of the balance, $28,000 is invested in Hongkong 6% War Loan, and the remainder $3,063 deposited in the Colonial Treasury.
35. The total strength of the District Watchmen Force at the end of the year was 101, one less than on January 1st-one vacancy caused by death had not yet been filled. The approved strength is 102.
36. The number of convictions secured by members of the force was 363 as compared with 426 in 1920 and 164 in 1919.
37. The Detective Staff numbered 23 in 1921. Police Sub-Inspector Murphy continued in charge, but as in the latter half of the year this work was combined with police duty, the lack of complete supervision was reflected in falling off in cases,
(iii)-PERMITS.
38. Eight hundred and ninety-seven (897) permits to fire crackers were issued as against 731 in 1920, and of these 632 were on the occasion of marriage.
39. Other permits issued were 22 for religious ceremonies and 11 for processions. 223 permits were issued for theatricals, 185 of which performances were held in permanent and 38 in temporary buildings.