Sessional_Paper_1895 — Page 155

151.

CHINESE RECREATION GROUND.

The

The buildings suffered in the typhoons last year and were repaired at a cost of $250. cooking-stalls were so badly damaged that they had to be pulled down. The question of abolishing cooking-stalls was considered by the Committee which is consulted regarding the management of this ground; but, as they fulfil a useful purpose, it has been decided to allow food to continue to be sold on the paved space in the centre of the ground. 76 stalls are let out of a total of 105, in addition to the "story telling" pavilion which is occupied all day. 12 permits have been issued for the sale of various articles and two for jugglers.

The revenue from the stalls, &c. amounted to $2,189.81 as compared with $2,404.35 in 1893, while the expenditure amounted to $1,469.17, $1,000 being a repayment to Government of a portion of the loan of $6,000 advanced in 1890 for the improvement of the ground. This loan will be all paid off this year, and the fund will be free from debt.

GENERAL WORK.

The amount of translation work was about the same as last year. 1,342 petitions on various subjects were received during the year as compared with 1,200 in 1893.

Table XII (4) gives an account of the Market Charitable Fund, and Table XII (B) an account of the money recovered on passage tickets of women and girls detained on board ship or at the Emigration Office. The former find shows a balance in hand of $1,584.55, and the latter a balance in hand of $207.76.

STAFF.

I returned froin leave on the 30th January and took over from Mr. THOMSON the duties of Registrar General. LAM TsÜN, one of the Chinese writers, died of plague.

The office of second clerk has been abolished, and the holder of it, Mr. MADAR, has been trans- ferred to the Supreme Court. One of the posts of inspector has also been abolished. Inspector HORTON, who had been attached to this Office for many years and who always performed his duties satisfactorily, retired on pension. The saving thus effected will amount to $3,072 per annum.

His Excellency

THE GOVERNOR.

I have the honour to be,

Sir.

Your most obedient Servant,

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, Colonial Secretary and Registrar General.