651412-1892-Legislative-Council-No-12 — Page 6

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THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 26TH NOVEMBER, 1892.

ordinary increase in the demand for education. These 14 new schools include 2 English schools, 6 Chinese girls' schools, 5 Chinese boys' schools, and 1 Chinese mixed village school. Only once before has there been a similar increase, namely, in 1881 when 13 new schools were opened by managers. The average annual increase has been 6 only. There are now 95 grant-in-aid schools at work.

It is my desire in the interests of the general community to encourage voluntary educa- tional enterprise, and to extend in every direction the grant-in-aid system.

With regard to physical drill, a very important matter, the successful parade which was held last Monday on the Cricket Ground, and which was attended by upwards of 500 scholars, will prove to those interested in Education that the physical not less than the mental development of the boys has been attended to.

The

average

The number of Criminal cases in the Supreme Court this year does not show any striking contrast with the number last year, but the returns for 1891 and 1892, taken together, exhibit a marked diminution in crime as compared with previous years.

The number of cases tried up to date is only 27. In 1891, the number was 32. annual number of cases between 1887 and 1890 was 86. A considerable portion of this decrease is of course owing to the increased power given to Magistrates in 1891, to deal summarily with indictable offences. Notwithstanding this, it may fairly be said that the condition of the Colony with regard to crimes of the more serious kind is satisfactory.

There have been no trials for extensive embezzlement and theft, though certainly two most flagrant cases occurred, the culprits escaping from the Colony. There has been only one trial for murder, and no charges of Piracy during the year. It is a matter for congra tulation that within recent years serious robbery by armed bands, with violence, which used in former days to be a very common offence has ceased to exist. This is no doubt owing to the deportation of criminals, a policy which is much appreciated by and enlists the sympathies of the respectable Chinese residents in the Colony.

Cordially acknowledging the assistance which the Chinese community affords the Government in the suppression of crime, I trust that this aid will be continued, and that the policy of the Government in ridding the Colony of well-known dangerous characters will be supported and diligently persevered in.

The total tonnage in and out in 1891 was 14,005,698 tons, but it seems probable that that return will be eclipsed by the entries and clearances of this year. Up to the 31st October they amounted to 11,703,851 against 11,661,446 tons for the corresponding period last year. There has also been a slight revival in emigration. Up to the 31st October 43,024 emigrants have left for various ports, against 39,360 for the same period in 1891. The action of Canada, the United States, and, of the Australian Colonies renders it impossible that emi- gration should ever again assume the proportions it attained some years ago.

The Colony has been mercifully preserved from storm and pestilence during the last ten months. The neighbouring coasts, however, have not been exempt from these dire visitations. Though Hongkong itself has been spared, we have nevertheless to regret the loss of several members of this community owing to the wreck of the mail steamer Bokhara on 10th October. Tragedies of this nature, and the attendant suspense, until the true facts are ascertained, are at all times terrible, but they are doubly so, when as in this case, many of the victims were residents in the Colony, young and promising members of their several professions, and all so well known and deservedly respected.

I am not guilty of exaggeration when I say that the widest and deepest sympathy has been aroused by this disaster, which in the history of Hongkong is unparalleled.

The tangible proofs of this sympathy which will be offered by this Community and that of Shanghai and Canton to the relatives of those lost, will doubtless be appreciated by them, not for their intrinsic value, but as testimony to the worth and character of those who have been taken from them.

The Pó Léung Kuk Committee has not completed its enquiries. The institution has been and is a very valuable one, and I trust that its sphere of usefulness may be safely extended, rather than contracted.

It is possible not to say probable that the Marine Lot holders and others interested in the Praya Reclamation may appeal to the Government for some temporary assistance. Such an appeal if it is made will, I can assure you, receive my most careful consideration. I am most anxious to facilitate in every way the completion of the reclamation, which will ultimately amongst other things be of great advantage to the General Revenue.