AnnualReport-1927 — Page 4

Large local banking, dock, steamboat, and insurance companies were established between 1865 and 1872, and their numbers are being continually added to.

The Colony is the centre of an incessant flow of Chinese emigra- tion and immigration (see XIII Miscellaneous).

The estimated population is as follows:-

Non-Chinese

Chinese

TOTAL

16,500

961,400

977,900

Of the Non-Chinese population it was estimated at the census of 1921 that the number of British nationals of European origin was about 4,300. There has probably been a slight increase in this num- ber in the intervening period.

The rainfall for 1926 was 100.78 inches, and for 1927, 107.86 inches. In 1926 the mean temperature was 71° 6′ and in 1927, 71° 4′, the mean minimum temperature during the latter year rang- ing from 78° 7′ in June to 55° 2′ in February and the mean maximum temperature from 87° 5' in August to 62° 2′ in February. Typhoons are prevalent during the months July to October.

The currency of Hong Kong consists of the following coins (vide Order in Council, 2nd February, 1895):—

1. The silver dollar of Mexico.

2. British dollar.

3. The Hong Kong dollar, half-dollar, and 20 cent, 10 cent, and 5 cent pieces, issued from the Hong Kong Mint. (1866-68).

4. Half-dollars, 20, 10, and 5 cent pieces, imported from England, and coined at the Royal Mint and Birmingham Mint.

5. Copper coins representing one-hundredth part of the dollar (called one cent), and one-thousandth part of the dollar (mil or cash), imported from England.

Local weights and measures are the following:-

1 tael 1.1 oz.;

1 picul 133.1/3rd lbs. (avoirdupois)

=

7 catties 1 imperial gallon;

=