1886 — Page 4

3.-LOCAL REVENUES.

The Chinese inhabitants contributed in 1886, by voluntary assessment among them- selves, to the pay of the District Watchinen, and received from: the Government a graut-in-aid of

4.-ASSETS AND LIABILITIES.

$2,863.32 2,000.00

On the 31st December, 1886, the liabilities of the Colony exceeded its assets by $191,312.29. The surplus assets of the preceding four years have been as follows:—

1882,

1883,

1884,

1885,

$1,148,664.39 .$1,067,200.52 .$ 729,562.02 .$ 427,692.42

5.-PUBLIC DEBT.

There was no Public Debt in 1886.

6.-MILITARY EXPENDITURE.

The Military Expenditure defrayed by the Colony during the last five years has been as follows:—

1882, . 1SS3,.

1884, 1885,

•

1886,

·

$109,372.52

$111,962.09

$114,498.78

$117,337.00

$124,561.68

7.—GovernmENT BUILDINGS.

New Market.

(a.) Houses Nos. 30 to 36 inclusive, Praya Central, were resumed by the Government for building the new Central Market.

Tide-gauge.

(b.) The house for keeping the automatic Tide-gauge which was erected and ready for use in July, 1885, was occupied in October, 1886, upon the arrival of the Tide-gauge and apparatus from England.

Government House.

(c.) Government House was maintained in repair, and the Sanitary arrangements were satisfactory.

8.-PUBLIC WORKS.

Several Public Works were completed during the year, among which may be mentioned :-

(a.) Sanitary works to the extent of over $99,000.

(b.) General repairs to Mountain Lodge.

(c.) A temporary Matshed Police Station at the Peak.

(d.) Extension of the Cattle Depôt.

(e.) The Lazaretto on Stone Cutters' Island.

9.-LEGISLATION.

The following Ordinances were passed during the year :-

No. 1 of 1886.-An Orlinance to empower the Colonial Treasurer to pay otherwise than to Executors or Administrators small Sums due on account of Pay or Allowances to Persons deceased.

No. 2 of 1886.-An Ordinance for the better Apportionment of Rents and other

Periodical Payments.

No. 3 of 1886.-An Ordinance to amend the Law relating to Larceny and Embezzlement. No. 1 of 1886.—An Ordinance to amend the Law relating to the Custody of Infants. No. 5 of 1886.-An Ordinance to amend the Law relating to Sales of Reversions. No. 6 of 1886.-An Ordinance to regulate the printing of Newspapers and Books and

the keeping of Printing Presses within the Colony.

No. 7 of 1886.—An Ordinance to repeal the Usury Laws and to fix a legal rate of interest. No. 8 of 1886.—An Ordinance to amend the Law relating to Trade Marks, No. 9 of 1886.-An Ordinance to regulate Religious Ceremonics and Festivals. No. 10 of 1886.-An Ordinance for the relief of Widows and Children of Intestates

where the personal estate is of small value.