28. No non-resident householder was required to enter into a bond; there was also none in 1923. 33 certified extracts from the registers were issued as against 23 in 1923. 1 duplicate Householder's certificate was issued; there was none in 1923. 1 Householder's Removal Certificate was issued as against 6 in 1923.
(ii.)—DISTRICT WATCHMEN.
(Table VI.)
29. The District Watchmen Committee met on 12 occasions: the average attendance being 12. The loyal advice and assistance of the Committee (which deals with every kind of question affecting the Chinese Community) continues to be of the greatest value to the Government.
30. Mr. Li Yau-tsun's term of 5 years expired and he was re-appointed by His Excellency the Governor for a further period of 5 years.
During 1924 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 Mr. Wong Ping Sun and Mr. Fok To Kai vice Mr. Lo Chung Kui and Mr. Li Shun Fan whose terms had expired.
31. The balance to the credit of the District Watchmen Fund at the end of the year was $45,714 as compared with $49,758, the expenditure thus exceeding the income by $4,044. Of the balance $28,000 is invested in Hongkong 6% War Loan, and the remainder $17,714 deposited in the Colonial Treasury.
32. The total strength of the District Watchmen Force at the end of the year was 122 while the approved establishment is 122.
33. The number of convictions secured by the Force was 498 as compared with 239 in 1923 and 289 in 1922.
34. In view of the rapid development of the Colony and the increase in its population, it has been felt for some years that the strength of the District Watch Force should be raised. In March an officer, Sergeant McLellan, was detailed from the regular police, and attached to this department for special work in charge of the regular duties and non-detective members of the Force. The opportunity was taken to recruit 20 more men, thus raising the total of men to 122. In order to meet the increased expenditure thus involved, the voluntary subscription rate paid by Chinese shops was increased by one-quarter per cent with effect from July the 1st. The result of Sergeant McLellan's appointment has been to stimulate in a satisfactory manner