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12. During the year 280 convictions were obtained at the Police Court for offences against the Markets Ordinance.

13. These figures as compared with 307 for the previous year show a small decrease.

REMARKS ON RABIES.

14. During the past year a good many cases of mad dogs were reported to me by the Police and each case was carefully investigated. I found that eight of these were undoubtedly true cases of Rabies, one of the animals affected being a native dog of my own. It is a general opinion that to be bitten by a rabid dog means sooner or later a certain death by hydrophobia, but my experience leads me to believe that such is not the case; many bites being disarmed so to speak by their having been through clothing, thus preventing the virus from reaching the wound itself; and I have even known several instances where persons have been bitten upon the bare skin by rabid dogs and no ill effects have resulted. The Police have done much during the last few months to check the spread of rabies by killing off many of the mangy useless curs which until then infested every street of the city. There has been some mention of a system of registration for dogs, but this I am afraid would not answer very well, nor should I recommend it both on account of the cost of carrying it out and the difficulty attending it. Strict attention should be given to the kind of collar which is worn by the dog, (see Section 4 of Ordinance 14 of 1845 providing for this).

15. I have noticed several of late which were simply strips of leather tied round the animal's neck. It is a simple matter to get a properly inscribed plate placed upon a collar and I think that nothing less should be considered to meet the requirements of this Section of the Ordinance as laid down. The cost of a name plate bearing the owner's name and address in English would be but small, considerably less than a registration fee or dog tax; and in my opinion equally as effective if not

more so.

STAFF.

16. Assistant Inspector of Markets.--After a protracted illness extending from October 3rd, 1891, it was decided by the Medical Authorities that Inspector RAE was unfit for further service in the Colony, and he was therefore placed upon the retired list on October 15th, 1892, but I regret very much that he was not allowed to long enjoy his well-earned pension his death occurring at the Civil Hospital about three months later. He was a good and efficient officer and his long knowledge of the Chinese rendered him particularly well suited for the post which he filled.

17. Inspector FISHER who had held the Acting Office was permanently appointed on November 14th. I am pleased to say that he has proved himself a trustworthy and energetic officer and so far has performed his duties entirely to my satisfaction.

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18. Interpreter. Since the appointment upon April 1st of my interpreter I have been able to communicate my views with much greater facility to the natives with whom I am brought in contact than before, and I find him of great assistance in many ways.

19. Watchmen. During the year J. NORONHA absconded, MAHOMET ALI and SEETHA RAM were dismissed. A. B. SOUZA and CHUNAM SHAH being appointed.

20. Market Scavengers.-One head coolie died, two resigned, and one was dismissed, their places being filled by four others.

C. VIVIAN LADDS, Colonial Veterinary Surgeon.

Hongkong, March 30th, 1892.