Hongkong Blue Book

# Hong Kong Blue Book, 1918

This is an official governmental directory and administrative register for the British colony of Hong Kong, containing comprehensive tabulated information for the year 1917. The volume includes an extensive contents section listing sections on agriculture, banking, ecclesiastical records, education, expenditure, legislation, maritime traffic, population statistics, public works, and railways. The bulk of the document comprises detailed schedules of taxes, duties, and licensing fees levied across the colony. Light dues apply to foreign vessels entering Hong Kong waters; extensive tiered licensing fees are specified for river steamers, boats, lighters, and cargo vessels (assessed by cargo capacity in piculs). Additional fees regulate boarding houses (with Chinese and foreign classifications), wheeled vehicles, jinrickishas, motor cars, billiard tables, and breweries. Assessed property taxes in Victoria and surrounding districts vary by location from 7 to 13 percent. The work serves as authoritative reference material for colonial administration and revenue collection.