PRODUCTION
Prior to 1950, there was a thriving export industry in salt/dried fiish to China but, shortly after the start of the Korean war, the Chinese authorities placed an embargo on the import of salt/dried fish from Hong Kong. During the past few years, exporters have made determined and successful attempts to find new export markets. The main overseas markets are now Singapore, Formosa, Macao, Indonesia, Siam and the Philippine Islands and there is every indication that the U.S.A. will also become one of these markets.
Over the past few years, the Organization has operated a revolving loan fund which provides fishermen with credit facilities for productive purposes. At the end of 1953, 1,990 loans amounting to about $1,250,000 had been granted, of this amount, $1,037,000 has been repaid.
Education plays a large part in the welfare programme of the Organization and over 1,000 fishermen's children are receiv- ing education in schools wholly or partially financed by the Organization.
Vegetable Marketing Organization. A Vegetable Marketing Organization was established by Government in mid-September, 1946. This Organization controls the transport and wholesale marketing of vegetables produced in or imported into the New Territories. With the provision of adequate transport and marketing facilities it was expected that the local farmer, as a result of receiving a fair return for his labour, would be encouraged to increase production. That these hopes have been fulfilled may be seen from the fact that in 1953, local produce amounted to 50,401 tons, with a wholesale value of $15,565,307, as compared with 19,440 tons and $5,269,386 for 1947 (the first year in which the Organization was in operation).
The Organization is responsible for the collection and transport of vegetables from collecting points in the New Territories to a central wholesale market in Kowloon. Collect-
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