M 133
II. POPULATION
The estimated Populations (used for compilation of statistics) are (1928):-
Non-Chinese (civil) 18,150 Chinese City of Victoria 550,000 Villages of Hong Kong 43,890 Kowloon (and New Kowloon) 264,000 Population Afloat 103,400 New Territories 96,250 Total Chinese 1,057,540 1,075,690 Total Civil Population(1) The population of the Colony is a very variable one and, owing to the large unstable, floating community and the partial birth registration, no reliable data are available for estimations. Moreover, its variations are also influenced by political conditions in South China and the state of trade in Hong Kong.
There is no doubt that the population is steadily increasing (the rapid building, especially in Kowloon, is evidence of this) but neither the birth returns nor the immigration figures give any indication of this.
For the purpose of vital statistics, the estimated population of the New Territories has been subtracted, and the varying number of the Naval and Military Forces is not included.
(2) Fluctuation of Population can be indicated only by figures supplied from the Railway and Harbour Department. The latter refer only to the local Steamship lines and do not take into account the constant migration in smaller, native craft, and sailing vessels.
The actual figures furnished are as follows:-
1928 IMMIGRANTS EMIGRANTS By Railway 542,723 420,779 By Steamships 187,847 257,162 Totals 730,570 677,941This shows part of the exchange of people between Hong Kong Colony and neighbouring Chinese Territory, with a balance in favour of Immigrants of 52,629 for the whole year.