Sessional_Paper_1900 — Page 269

STAFF.

263

Until July of last year I resided permanently in the New Territory in order to start the civil administration of affairs. I was assisted by Mr. MESSER, Mr. Ts'oi, and two Chinese Assistants.

On my returning to Hongkong Mr. MESSER remained in charge as Assistant Land Officer and was joined by Mr. HALLIFAX and Mr. KEMP. Mr. HALLIFAX was appointed to undertake the duties of Acting Magistrate which had been hitherto discharged by myself, and Mr. KEMP was sent to attend to the registration. of land claims at P'ing-shán in order to press forward the work of land registration.

Owing to a great increase in this work it was found necessary to strengthen the Chinese staff by the addition of a shroff, three interpreters, and three clerks.

All the members of the staff have worked most energetically and deserve great credit for the manner in which they have discharged their duties under trying and difficult circumstances.

CONCLUSION.

In view of the difficulties that had necessarily to be encountered in taking over the New Territory and of the short period during which it has enjoyed the benefits of British rule, the progress that has already been made may be regarded as satisfactory. An efficient Police Force has caused a great diminution in crime and has established confidence among the inhabitants. Improved communications have already led to an increase in traffic and steps are being taken to start new industries and to effect improvements in those already established. Progress in the New Territory may be slow, but now that confidence prevails among the people, it may be anticipated that capital will soon be attracted to it, which cannot fail to basten its development.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant.

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,

Colonial Secretary and Registrar General.

Appendix No. II.

Speech of His Excellency the Governor delivered to the Committee-men on 2nd and 4th of August at Táipó and Ping-shán.

His EXCELLENCY (the Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART translating) then said-Now tha this territory has been divided into districts and the sub-district committee-men have been selected from the elders and gentry I wish to meet you and to explain to you the principles upon which the government of this portion of the colony of Hongkong will be conducted. I desire that you who have been officially appointed shall co-operate with the Government in regulating the local affairs of your villages so that the people shall enjoy security and that there shall be no disorder. The Government has appointed officials who will advise you as to sanitary improvement in the villages so that the health of the people may be preserved, for the Queen of England wishes that all Her Majesty's subjects shall be healthy and prosperous. In giving you the position of Committee-men I rely upon you to discharge your duties in a faithful and upright manner and would call your attention to the fact that one of our most stringent laws is that if as much as one cash is taken from the people except the rates and taxes levied under authority the person extorting it will be rigorously punished by fine and imprisonment and be dismissed in disgrace from his position. I wish to interfere as little as possible with your good customs, but there is one principle of British law that must be observed. All punishment for injuries must be inflicted by the appointed authority under the law. Therefore in case of injury the proper authority must be appealed to and the punishment must not be undertaken by private individuals.