HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT, 1954
Other activities of the Fisheries Division include a scheme for loans to fishermen for mechanization of their junks and towards the close of the year 44 loans varying from $4,000 to $8,000 each had been granted to fishermen. A fisheries exhibition was held in February at which diesel engines, fishing gear and other equip- ment were displayed. The exhibition was visited by nearly 60,000 persons, most of whom were fishermen. Training classes for coxswains and engineers were continued and in 1954 217 coxswains and 20 engineers gained their certificates of competency from the Marine Department.
Fishponds, Oyster Beds and Fish Fry. There are about 500 acres of ponds used for fish farming in the New Territories which produce annually about 300 tons of carp and mullet. Experimental attempts to introduce carp rearing in paddy fields were continued. Mullet fry was difficult to obtain from the usual local sources and ponds were stocked to only 75% of their normal capacity. The export of fish fry by air, which was introduced by the Fisheries Division, has now been taken over by private enterprise. The American embargo on Hong Kong oysters which had seriously affected the industry in previous years was lifted in August.
Further statistical data on the fishing industry is included in the marketing section of this chapter.
Mines
The Mining Ordinance, 1954, the Mining (General) Regulations, 1954, and the Mines (Safety) Regulations, 1954, came into operation on the 15th October, 1954. This legislation authorizes the issue of prospecting and mining licences by the Commissioner of Mines and of
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