At last these valuable documents have reached us in the shape of a portly pamphlet of 439 pages. Very serious read ing they are, and not to be thoroughly taken in in an hour or tivo, it being considered that the accounts have been entirely recast in a rational and intelligible form, so. that comparison with former years not to be lightly undertaken. The secretariat staff is to be congratulated on the lucidity of the volume as a whole.
The pamphlet opens with the Report, which just mentions the constitution of the two Councils that held office during the year, and which' ends with the very satisfactory remark that: "During its tenure of office the present Council has had frequent occasion to appreciate and acknowledge the valuable ce-operation of the French Muni lity in all matters affecting the general welfare of the Community." Then come seventeen brace devoted to Defence Matters. Watch Matters come next and they: take 97 pages; their consideration we must reserve for a future occasion, only noting that the cost of lighting is being considerably increased, and that the general increase in the native population is strikingly shown by the fact that the License Fees paid rose from Ts, 148,961 in 1896 to Tls. 175,222 in 18: It may be noted too, that notwithstanding the increase in the Wheelbarrow Tax, the number licensed for the whole year was 57,056 against 50,508 in 1896. "The short report by Miss Campbell, the Sisterin-Chaige of the Nursery Home, will be read with great interest. Miss Campbell appeals for room to take in patients and train purses.
Finance matters occupy 24 pages, but their interest must not be judged by their comparative brevity. In the first place we learn that debentures to the amount of Tls. 35,000 were paid off during the year, and that Tls. 37,000 are to be repaid this year. On the other hand, Tis, 268,800 were raised in 1897 at the average rate of Tls. 100.012 for 5 per cent debentures. Wharfage Dues are to be put ona new, more remunerative, and more just basis. There is an explanation of the new system of presenting the accounts, and we learn with satisfaction that the financial year closes with a surplus of ordinary revenue over expenditure of Tls. 47,000, due in the main to increases in the general Municipal rate of Tls. 22,000 native, and Tls. 4,000 foreign, in wharfages dues of Tls. 5,000, and in licenses of Tls. 20,000." The Council has satisfied itself that in the immediate future at any rate no anxiety need be felt as to the practicability of raising by loan any sums the Municipality may require, Works Matters take up 96° pages. The detailed consideration of these must also be left over for the present. The quarry neat Hangchow is a success, but the lease unfortunately is only for three years. A large space is devoted to Road Extension, in which necessary but Inborious work the Council has been most commendably active. Oran nape surprise ae. learn that the of Mr. Mayne's Department, It wal Bo municipality owns.56 buildings..in charge
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.