!
importation of rice into Cuba brought temporary relief. The im- provement was, however, shortlived in consequence of competition from Germany where considerable stocks of rice had been accum- mulated, which on account of the depreciation of the marks could be re-exported at prices considerably lower than those prevailing in the East,
Pilferage of cargo in transit which had caused the greatest anxiety to the commercial community in all parts of the world showed a distinct diminution towards the end of the year, largely owing to increased Police patrol services and to more efficient control exercised by the various steamship owners, by wharf com- panies, and by other interests involved.
Considerable improvement was shown during the year in the mail service between Great Britain and the Far East and the delays in the transmission of telegrams which had prevailed since the war were substantially reduced by the completion of a new cable from London to Singapore.
The year was marked by further strikes affecting mechanics and skilled labour generally, resulting in advances of wages by some 30%.
The year opened with Exchange at 3/2. A rapid fall was registered until on March 7th the rate was 2/2, the lowest for the year. Silver then reacted with the result that Exchange gradually advanced with one or two setbacks until the figure of 2/11 was reached in the early part of October. Later a steady decline set in until on December 31st the rate was quoted at 2/7 for T/T. on London.
During recent years great and rapid development has taken place on the Kowloon Peninsula. Extensive garden lots have been converted into building sites and rapidly built over; lowlying areas have been filled in by the spoil from the levelling of other parts and expansion has therefore been possible over both; while the ares available for building purposes is being extended by large reclama- tions on the sea front. The increase in popularity of this district is markedly shown in the latest census statistics; during the last ten years, the population of Kowloon has increased by 55,951 or 82-96 per cent,, a phenomenal increase for a district which in 1881 numbered only 9,021 inhabitants.
The decennial census of the civil population of the Colony was taken in the Teland of Hongkong and Kowloon on the night of April 24th and in the New Territories between March 24th and April 24th, the Floating Population being enumerated between April 23rd and 26th, The total population was found to be 625,160, an increase of 168,427 or 3687 per cent. on the figures for 1911.
- 3-
I-FINANCES.
The revenue for the year amounted to $17,728,132 being $2,391,782 more than the estimate and $3,038,400 more than the revenue for the previous year.
Compared with the returns for 1920 there were increases under every head.
The expenditure amounted to a total of $15,730,652, inclusive of a sum of $3,053,525 spent on Public Works Extraordinary,
The detailed figures for 1921 are set out in the following statements :-
HEAD OF REVENUE.
$
Light Dues
106,417.09
Light Dues, Special Assessment -
11X10.44
:
Licences and Internal Revenue not otherwise
specified
,644,243.00
Fees of Court or Office, Payments for specifie
? Omit
purposes, and Reimbursements in Aig
1,104,673.94
Post Office
Kowloon-Canton Railway
603,980,77
Rent of Government Property,
and
Houses
1,158, 188.80
Interest
359,473.33
Miscellaneous Receipts
TOTAL, (Ordinary)
Land Sales, (Penia on New Leasesi
TOTAL
663,014.12
247,431.70
$6,094,034.39
1,634,097.55
$17,728,130
expenditure brought to appone amounted to $15,739,652 being $1,609,498 less than the estimate, and $1,250,058 more than the expenditure in 1920. Compared with the estimates there were increases under 18 heads as against 8 heads where there were decreases. The excess amounting to $196,971 ander Miscel- Janeous Services was due to transport of Government servants. and $210,530 in the case of Kowloon-Canton Railway due to two motor coaches and motor trailer. Military Expenditure was less than the estimate by $202,100 due to recovery of amount overpaid in 1920. Imports and Exports Department shows a saving of $254,086 due to less purchase of Opium and Public Works Extraordinary was less by $1,913,874 than the amount estimated The item Charge on account of Public Debt was responsible for an excess over the estimates of $108,244 due to lower exchange.
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