180
8
Hong Kong Annual Administration Reports, 1841-1941
COLONIAL REPORTS - ANNUAL.
A considerable development was apparent in the coal trade - in 1897, the import of between 700,000 and 800,000 tons being larger than in any preceding year. Prices rose steadily throughout the year and have continued appreciating during the current year.
Since the opening of the West River to foreign trade on the 3rd June last, regular communication has been established, and it is hoped that this new outlet will, in course of time, prove of considerable advantage to the commercial interests of the Colony.
PUBLIC PEACE AND GOOD ORDER.
The criminal statistics for the year may be regarded as satisfactory, although they do not compare favourably with those for 1896. Owing to the diminished population during that year on account of the plague epidemic, a comparison with 1895 is a more reliable indication of improvement in this direction.
The total number of cases reported to the police in 1895 was 13,376, and in 1897, 9,629. In the former year, 10,608 were of a minor nature, leaving 2,767 serious cases as against 2,896 serious cases in 1897. Whilst, therefore, the year 1897 compares more than favourably with 1895 as regards minor offences, it shows an increase of 129 cases of more serious crimes.
CONCLUSION.
There is but little to add to the particulars given above regarding the year 1897, which was of an exceptionally uneventful nature. In his previous despatches Sir W. Robinson has so fully reviewed the general progress of the Colony during his tenure of office - financially, commercially, and socially - that I have been content to limit this despatch within the somewhat narrow limits of statistics. I may remark, however, that during my term of office here as General Officer Commanding, my observation has convinced me of the Colony's present prosperity and future possibilities.
I have, &c.,
W. BLACK, Major-General,
Administering the Government.
180
8
Hong Kong Annual Administration Reports, 1841-1941
COLONIAL REPORTS- -ANNUAL.
A considerable development was apparent in the coal trade- in 1897, the import of between 700,000 and 800,000 tons being larger than in any preceding year. Prices rose steadily through- out the year and have continued appreciating during the current
year.
Since the opening of the West River to foreign trade on the 3rd June last, regular communication has been established, and it is hoped that this new outlet will, in course of time, prove of considerable advantage to the commercial interests of the Colony..
PUBLIC PEACE AND GOOD Order.
The criminal statistics for the year may be regarded as: satisfactory, although they do not compare favourably with. those for 1896. Owing to the diminished population during that year on account of the plague epidemic, a comparison with 1895 is a more reliable indication of improvement in this direction.
The total number of cases reported to the police in 1895 was 13,376, and in 1897, 9,629. In the former year, however, 10,608 were of a minor nature, leaving 2,767 serious cases as against 2,896 serious cases in 1897. Whilst, therefore, the year 1897 compares more than favourably with 1895 as regard minor offences, it shows an increase of 129 cases of more serious crimes.
CONCLUSION.
There is but little to add to the particulars given above regard- ing the year 1897, which was of an exceptionally uneventful nature. In his previous despatches Sir W. Robinson has so fully reviewed the general progress of the Colony during his tenure of office-financially, commercially, and socially-that I have been content to limit this despatch within the somewhat narrow limits of statistics. I may remark, however, that during my term of office here as General Officer Commanding my observation has convinced me of the Colony's present prosperity and future possibilities.
I have, &c.,
W. BLACK, Major-General,
Administering the Government.
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