1841-1886
289
STATE OF HER MAJESTY'S COLONIAL POSSESSIONS.
147
the supply of arms and ammunition to the Taeping rebels, but as a similar prohibition was not extended to the Home and Indian ports the consequence was a derangement to some extent of mercantile operations, and very great inconvenience to this Government.
The proclamation however was strictly carried out as far as the absence of a customs department permitted, and numerous confiscations were made.
Police.
16. I regret to say that, notwithstanding the intelligence and zeal of the captain superintendent of police and his assistant, I cannot make a favourable report of the force under them. There are doubtless great difficulties in their way, owing to the lawless and strange people with whom they have to deal; but the men of the corps themselves, whether European or Indian, are wanting in most of the essentials of a police force.
Crime.
17. While on this subject I may remark that the returns show an increase of crime.
Health.
18. The colonial surgeon's annual report is satisfactory, and the sanitary commission to which he alludes sat throughout the year, sending in their report in the month of December. This report has been placed before the Home Government, and, as occasion arises, effect will be given to several of the suggestions of the commission; some of these have already been adopted, as Dr. Murray observes, with good result.
Volunteers.
19. A favourable account of the Hong Kong volunteers was received in August last, and the spirit of the corps seems to have by no means diminished during the year, but on the contrary to have increased with its numbers.
Education.
20. The attention paid to education has been steadily continued, but I am not sure that sufficient time has elapsed to allow of our seeing signs of the results expected; at any rate it is difficult to trace at present any practical result commensurate with the large outlay ($87,315) under this head.
At some of the outlying villages the schools have been discontinued, which accounts for the falling off of the numbers enrolled; but that the loss is none in this respect is shown by the average attendance being nearly the same in 1863 and 1862.
Civil Service Cadets.
21. The three Civil Service Cadets who came out in the end of 1862 have well employed their time during the past year, and give promise of good future assistance to this Government. They underwent two probationary examinations during the twelve months, and were on each occasion favourably reported.
Post Office. Mint and subsidiary Coinage.
22. In this resumé of the affairs of the Colony it is impossible to pass over so important a department as the Post Office, the work of which has been for some time gradually increasing with the increasing trade. The introduction of postage stamps, as in Europe and elsewhere, has been a step in the course of progress, as has been that of a subsidiary coinage and the foundation of a mint; but these latter subjects come more properly within the affairs of the current year.
23. I cannot conclude my remarks without drawing attention to the improvements in the outward look of Victoria. The many houses newly erected of sightly exterior, the extension of the Praya or sea road eastward, the increase of vegetation upon the public roads and around the private dwellings, the construction of the new Government gardens, and the elegant drinking fountain presented by the liberality of a late member of the Legislative Council, all combine not only to give an improved appearance to the city, but to assist its sanitary condition and to add to the general comfort of its inhabitants.
I have, &c. (Signed) W. T. MERCER,
Colonial Secretary.
His Excellency Sir H. G. R. Robinson.
1841-1886
289
STATE OF HER MAJESTY'S COLONIAL POSSESSIONS.
147
the supply of arms and ammunition to the Taeping rebels, but as a similar prohibition was not extended to the Home and Indian ports the consequence was a derangement to some extent of mercantile operations, and very great inconvenience to this Government.
The proclamation however was strictly carried out as far as the absence of a customs" department permitted, and numerous confiscations were made.
Police.
16. I regret to say that, notwithstanding the intelligence and zeal of the captain superintendent of police and his assistant, I cannot make a favourable report of the force under them. There are doubtless great difficulties in their way, owing to the lawless and strange people with whom they have to deal; but the men of the corps them- selves, whether European or Indian, are wanting in most of the essentials of a police force.
Crime.
17. While on this subject I may remark that the returns show an increase of crime.
Health.
18. The colonial surgeon's annual report is satisfactory, and the sanatory commission to which he alludes sat throughout the year, sending in their report in the month of December. This report has been placed before the Home Government, and, as occasion arises, effect will be given to several of the suggestions of the commission; some of these have already been adopted, as Dr. Murray observes, with good result.
Volunteers.
19. A favourable account of the Hong Kong volunteers was received in August last, and the spirit of the corps seems to have by no means diminished during the year, but on the contrary to have increased with its numbers.
Education.
20. The attention paid to education has been steadily continued, but I am not sure that sufficient time has elapsed to allow of our seeing signs of the results expected; at any rate it is difficult to trace at present any practical result commensurate with the large outlay (87,315) under this bead.
At some of the outlying villages the schools have been discontinued, which accounts for the falling off of the numbers enrolled; but that the loss is none in this respect is shown by the average attendance being nearly the same in 1863 and 1862.
Civil Service Cadets.
21. The three Civil Service Cadets who came out in the end of 1862 have well employed their time during the past year, and give promise of good future assistance to this Government. They underwent two probationary examinations during the twelve months, and were on each occasion favourably reported.
Post Office. Mint and subsidiary Coinage.
22. In this resumé of the affairs of the Colony it is impossible to pass over so impor- tant a department as the Post Office, the work of which has been for some time gradually increasing with the increasing trade. The introduction of postage stamps, as in Europe and elsewhere, has been a step in the course of progress, as has been that of a subsidiary coinage and the foundation of a mint; but these latter subjects come more properly within the affairs of the current year.
23. I cannot conclude my remarks without drawing attention to the improvements in the outward look of Victoria. The many houses newly erected of sightly exterior, the extension of the praya or sea road eastward, the increase of vegetation upon the public roads and around the private dwellings, the construction of the new Government gardens, and the elegant drinking fountain presented by the liberality of a late member of the Legislative Council, all combine not only to give an improved appearance to the city, but to assist its sanitary condition and to add to the general comfort of its inhabitants.
I have, &c. (Signed) W. T. MERCER,
Colonial Secretary.
His Excellency Sir H. G. R. Robinson.
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