Sessional_Paper_1901 — Page 470

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GENERAL.

23. The present Harbour Office, originally placed in a most unsuitable position (the view of the Harbour to the westward of North-west being cut off by buildings), will shortly be entirely built in.

It is therefore to be hoped that work will shortly be commenced on this much reeded new build- ing, and pushed forward rapidly, otherwise the efficiency of this Department will be seriously impaired, by the impossibility of seeing any part of the Harbour from the Office.

The staff of the Department is still of the same strength as it was 26 years ago (if I except the temporary addition of a third Marine Surveyor). During this time the nett register tonnage passing through their hands has approximately doubled. There is, however, every prospect of the clerical staff being increased by one in the near future, which will be of great assistance in coping with the ever increasing work.

During the year one new Harbour Station has been opened at Tai Po, in the New Territory.

IMPORTS AND EXPORTS (OPIUM) OFFICE.

24. The Return shows that during the year the amount of Opium reported was as follows:

1899.

1900.

Increase.

Decrease.

Imported

chests.

...41,690

chests.

chests.

chests.

43,2563

2,566

Exported

.40,524

38,721

1,8021

Through Cargo reported but

not landed...

}

17,346

17,557

2114

Fourteen thousand six hundred and forty-four permits were issued from this Office during the year, being a decrease of 656 as compared with 1899.

A daily memo. of exports to Chinese ports was during the year supplied to the Commissioner of Imperial Maritime Customs, and a daily memo. of exports to Macao was supplied to the Superintend- ent of Raw Opium Department of Macao.

Surprise visits were paid to 81 godowns during the year.

I have the honour to be,

The Honourable J. H. STEWart LockharT, C.M.G,

Colonial Secretary,

&c.,

$('..

Je.

Sir,

Your obedient Servant.

BASIL TAYLOR,

Acting Harbour Master, &c.