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5. By the new code of signals the typhoon gun, which was fired formerly whenever a strong gale was expected to blow in the Colony, is dispensed with. Its place is not fully taken by the bombs which are to be fired only when the wind is expected to reach full typhoon force. The new night signals, mounted on the roof of the Water Police Station at Tsim-Tsa-Tsui in July last, proved useful on several occasions. These signals are repeated at the Harbour Office and on board H.M.S. Tamar and are thus visible in all parts of the harbour.

6. With the co-operation of the Honourable the Harbour Master, a barometer was fixed at Waglan and observations from thence have been telegraphed to the Observatory daily since June last. These observations, carefully made by the lighthouse staff, although not of the first importance as are those made at Gap Rock, have been of considerable assistance, the more particularly as owing to the interruption of the Cable, observations from the latter station were not available throughout the year. The cable has, however, since been repaired and observations from the lighthouse are now promptly received here.

7. The Director of the Meteorological Service in Phulién kindly arranged to have the morning observations at the stations in Indo-China whose reports we receive, made at an earlier hour, and as a result these observations now usually reach the Observatory in time to be incorporated in the China Coast Meteorological Register which is a distinct advantage. The observations made at Hoihow and Pakhoi continue to reach Hongkong too late to be of any service. Representations are being made by the Government with reference to this matter, and although some slight improvement has been effected no practical advantage at present, can be derived from these observations.

8. The thanks of the Government are due to the Telegraph Companies who continue to forward meteorological telegrams from outports to Hongkong, free of charge; and also to the staffs of the Eastern Extension and Australasian Telegraph Company at Sharp Peak, Iloilo, Bacolod and Cebu who make and transmit observations twice daily.

9. Telegraphic connection with Victoria was interrupted as follows:-January 29th, 9.30 a. to 31st, 10.25 a.; March 26th, 10.50 a. to 28th, 11.5 a.; July 2nd, 8.25 a. to 10.20 a.; 29th, 5.30 p. to 30th, 10.0 a.; August 20th, 11.55 a. to 2.20 p.; September 13th, 10.0 p. to 15th, 11.15 a.; 16th, 11.0 a. to 18th, 8.55 a.; November 20th, 6.10 p. to 21st, 9.40 a.; December 9th, 11.0 a. to 4.30 p. Interruptions occurred therefore on 19 days, and, of course, during thunderstorms.

10. During 1907 in addition to meteorological registers kept at 40 stations on shore, 2,685 ship logs have been copied on board or forwarded by the Captains. The total number of vessels, whose log-books have been made use of, was 325. The total number of days' observations (counting separately those made on board different ships on the same day) was 19,740.

11. The following is a list of ships, from which logs have been obtained in 1907. When not otherwise distinguished the vessels are steamships :-Ajax, Aki Maru, Albenga, Alden- ham, Alesia, Algoa, Amara, Ambria, America Maru, Amigo, Amiral Duperré, Amoy, An- dalusia, Anghin, Antenor, Antilochus, Aragonia, Arcadia, Arratoon Apcar, Asia, Athenian, Australian, Austria, Belgravia, Bellerophon, Benarty, Benavon, Bencleuch, Bengloe, Benve- nue, Bingo Maru, Bombay Maru, Borneo (P. & O. S. N. Co.), Borneo (Melchers & Co.), Breconshire, Candia, Canton Maru, Cape Corso, Catherine Apcar, Ceylon, Ceylon Maru, Changsha, Cheongshing, Chibli. Childar, China (Austrian Lloyd), China (P. & O. S. N. Co.), Chingtu, Chipshing, Chiyuen, Chowfa, Chowtai, Choysang, Choysing, Chunsang, Colombo Maru, Colorado (U.S.S.), Coptic, Coquet, Cyclops, Daiya Maru, Daiyin Maru, Dakota, Da- kotah, Daphne, Deli, Delhi, Derwent, Deucalion, Devanha, Devawongse, Drufar, Drumgeith, Ellen Rickmers, Empire, Empress of India, Empress of Japan, Ernest Simons, Fausang, Flora (H.M.S.), Fooksang, Fooshing, Forest Dale, Fukura Maru, Fukushu Maru, Germania, Ghazee, Glamorganshire, Glaucus, Glenesk, Glenfalloch, Glenfarg, Glenogle, Glenturret, Gregory Apcar, Gulf of Venice, Hailan, Hainun, Haitan, Haliotis, Hangsang, Hanoi, Harbart, Hellas, Hilary, Hinsang, Hiroshima Maru, Hohenstaufen, Hokuto Maru, Hongkong, Hong- kong Maru, Hong Wan I, Hopsang, Hué, Hupeh, Ichang, Indradeo, Indrani, Ischia, Istok, Ithaka, Japan, Joshin Maru, Kabafuto Maru, Kaga Maru, Kagoshima Maru, Kaifong, Kama- kura Maru, Kanagawa Maru, Kansu, Kasato Maru, Kashima Maru, Kashing, Kawachi Maru, Kenkon Maru, Keongwai, Kina, King George, Kisagata Maru, Kiyo Maru, Kleist, Kohsi- chang, Korea, Koun Maru, Kowloon, Kueichow, Kumano Maru, Kumsang, Kutsang,