CO129-328 - Governor Nathan - 1905 [1-6] — Page 287

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the previous quinquennial period it was 53. I have asked the

Captain Superintendent to ascertain how the percentage of 49

compares with the corresponding percentage in Great Britain

and in other Colonies.

4.

The number of minor offences reported

shows an increase of 1,890 over the number for 1903. It is

mainly in offences against the Prepared Opium Ordinance* and

against Sanitary Byelaws. In the former case it is due to the

higher price of Opium under the new Farm and consequent sur-

reptitious manufacture and smuggling of the drug, in the

latter to the increased effectiveness of the expanded Sanitary

Department. The number of minor offences reported in 1904 was 1,640 above the average of the last quinquennial period. It was only 21 above the average of the previous five years, but the existence in the years 1895 and 1896 of Ordinances with

regard to Chinese carrying lights and bearing passes at night destroys the value of the last comparison.

5.

The total number of licences issued for

vehicles shows a slight increase. A falling off in revenue from this source which was anticipated in connect ion with the opening of the Electric Tramway has not been realised.

6.

I have recently had occasion to inform you in a special report of the decline in revenue derived from the issue of licences to import and deal in arms due to the maintenance in the interests of the Government of China of the prohibition to export except under a special permit.

I have inspected 6 out of the 8 Police Stations in the New Territories. They are excellent buildings and are kept clean and in good order. The small new Station

7.

امین

Bey

near