13. OBSERVATORY.
On the 1st of January, 1884, the main building of the Observatory was so far finished that the new Government Astronomer (Dr. DOBERCK) was able to take up his residence there, and to start his Meteorological Observations. A new series of Meteorological Observations were also commenced at Victoria Peak, Cape d'Aguilar, Green Island, and at Stone Cutters' Island. A barograph, thermo- graph, anemograph, pluviograph and sunshine recorder have been erected at the Observatory, Monthly weather reports have been published from time to time, and the China Coast Meteorological Register was issued daily. A Mast for hoisting Police and Storm Signals has been erected at Kowloon. and a gun placed at the foot of the mast for giving warnings of impending typhoons.
14.-HOSPITALS.
The admissions to the Civil Hospital for the year 1884 were 1.308 as compared with 1,436 in 1883. The daily average number in Hospital was 50.19.
The number admitted to the temporary Small-pox Hospital in 1881 was 7, and the number of deaths 2. In 1883 the number of admissions was 13, and the number of deaths was 2.
The number admitted to the Lock Hospital during 1884 was 325; 323 being discharged as cured. The daily average in Hospital was 14. The numbers in 1883 were, admissions 273, discharged as cured 261; daily average 10.
15.—PUBLIC WORKS.
The Expenditure of the year on account of works and buildings, including roads and bridges, was $495,686.42, exceeding that of 1883 by $144,675.77; the increase being chielly due to the carrying out of certain of the Sanitary Works recommended by Mr. CHADWICK, and authorised by the Home Government:
16.-LEGISLATION.
22 Ordinances were passed during 1884, of which the more important are:-
The Medical Registration Ordinance.
The Savings Banks Ordinance.
The Post Office Ordinance.
The Stamp Ordinance.
The (Temporary) Pence Preservation Ordinance.
Hongkong, 27th February, 1885.
W. H. MARSH,
Colonial Stertiary
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