510
HONG KONG, 1898.
28
COLONIAL REPORTS ANNUAL.
2. Temperature. The average monthly temperature throughout the year was 72.2° F., as compared with 71.7° F. in 1897. The maximum monthly temperature was in July, with 81.7° F.; the minimum in January, with 60.9° F. The highest recorded temperature was on May 30th, with 91.5° F.; the lowest on January 25th, with 46.9° F.
3. Direction and Force of Wind.---The typhoons of 1898 were above the average as regards both number and intensity. Telegraphic connections were interrupted 12 times, as well as during some thunderstorms. The maximum wind velocity for any month was 62 in August; the minimum 26 in September.
COLONIAL REPORTS--ANNUAL.
29
The following table of revenue for the last ten years shows the great increase in postal business that has taken place:
Year Amount Surplus/Deficit 1889 $142,809.11 $20,818.15 Deficit 1890 $148,459.99 $5,458.16 Surplus 1891 $142,770.03 $2,605.02 Surplus 1892 $157,699.03 $3,450.73 Surplus 1893 $167,596.77 $14,309.81 Surplus 1894 $192,172.42 $8,820.27 Surplus 1895 $244,449.71 $50,209.44 Surplus 1896 $215,280.33 $56,099.16 Surplus 1897 $209,616.49 $61,556.20 Surplus 1898 $387,170.99 $95,618.47 SurplusVII.--POSTAL, TELEGRAPH, AND TELEPHONE SERVICES.
(A.) POSTAL SERVICE.
As compared with 1897, the amount of international correspondence shows an increase of 734,460 covers; the local correspondence, by which is meant correspondence with the agencies where Chinese post offices are now established, shows an increase of 26,930 covers. The sale of stamps increased to the extent of $51,736.27. The net increase of revenue derived from all postal sources in 1898 as compared with 1897 was $68,563.50. The corresponding increase in expenditure was $34,480.83. The balance of revenue over expenditure was $95,618.47, an increase of $34,082.27 above that shown in 1897.
The establishment of penny postage, together with the reduction of the local rate from 10 cents to 4 cents per half ounce with the United Kingdom, its dependencies, and Canada, has been estimated to cause a probable loss of $30,000 during the current year. The Postmaster-General reports that it has already enhanced the volume of correspondence very largely.
Branch post offices were opened during 1898 at Kowloon and West Point.
The money passing through the Money Order Office was about the same in 1898 as in 1897, namely, $521,711 in the latter year and $527,413 in the year that has passed. The net commission collected, however, was $360 more in 1898 than in 1897.
The working expenses of 1889 were only $15,666.25 less than those of 1898; yet the deficit of $20,000 in the former year has become a surplus of $95,000 in the latter. In ten years this department has paid into general revenue $278,189.11.
The Postmaster-General reports that he is able to speak highly of most of the seniors on the staff, but that the juniors lack a sense of responsibility, and it is doubtful if many of them intend to remain in the service.
510
HONG KONG, 1898.
28
COLONIAL REPORTS ANNUAL.
2. Temperature. The average monthly temperature through- out the year was 72-2" F., as compared with 71-7° F. in 1897. The maximum monthly temperature was in July, with 81-7 F.; the minimum in January, with 6019 F. The highest recorded temperature was on May 30th, with 91.5° F.; the lowest on January 25th, with 46-19 F.
3. Direction and Force of Wind.---The typhoons of 1898 were above the average as regards both raber and intensity, Telegraphic connections were interrupted 12 times, as well as during some thunderstorms. The maximum wind velocity for any month was 62 in August; the minimum 26 in September.
COLONIAL REPORTS--ANNUAL.
29
The following table of revenue for the last ten years shows the Boso Kond, increase in postal business that has taken place:
1898.
Year.
*
Amonnt.
1989
$ 142,809.11
20,818.15 Deficit.
1890
148,459.99
5,458,16 Surplus.
1891
142,770,03
2,605.02 J
1802
1803
1894
157,699.03 3,450.73 13
167,596.77 14,309,81
192,17242 8,820.27
11
1895
244,449.71 50,209.44
73
1896
215,280.33 56,099.16
11
1897
209,616.49 61,556.20
11
1899
387,170.99 95,618.47
14
VIJL-POSTAL, TELEGRAPH, AND TELEPHONE
SERVICES.
(A.) POSTAL SERVICE.
As compared with 1897, the amount of international corre spondence shows au increase of 734,460 covers; the local correspondence by which is meant correspondence with the agencies where Chinese post offices are now established-shows an increase of 26,930 covers. The sale of stamps increased to the extent of $51,736.27. The nett increase of revenue derived from all postal sources in 1898 as compared with 1897 was $68,563.50. The corresponding increase in expenditure was $34,480.83. The balance of revenue over expenditure was $95,618.47, an increase of $34,082.27 above that shown in 1897.
The establishment of penny postage, together with the reduc- tion of the local rate from 10 cents to 4 cents per half ounce with the United Kingdom, its dependencies, and Canada, has been estimated to cause a probable loss of $30,000 during the current year. The Postmaster-General reports that it has already enhanced the volume of correspondence very largely.
Branch post offices were opened during 1898 at Kowloon and West Point.
The money passing through the Money Order Office was about the same in 1898 as in 1897, namely, $521,711 in the latter year and $527,413 in the year that has passed. The nett commission collected, however, was $360 more in 1898 than in 1897.
The working expenses of 1889 were only $15,666.25 less than those of 1898; yet the deficit of $20,000 in the forner year has become a surplus of $95,000 in the latter. In ten years this department has paid into general revenue $278,189.11.
The Postmaster-General reports that he is able to speak highly of most of the seniors on the staff, but that the juniors lack a sense of responsibility, and it is doubtful if many of them intend to remain in the service.
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