HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT, 1954
The greatest increase for any one year was in 1954 when landings exceeded those of the previous year by 136,000 piculs.
A revolving fund was set up by the Fish Marketing Organization in September, 1946 to extend credit to fishermen for the purpose of purchasing new fishing gear and to mechanise their vessels. During 1954, 324 fishermen obtained loans amounting to $797,205.00 of which $458,500.00 has already been repaid. Fisher- men also received financial assistance from Colonial Development & Welfare Funds for mechanisation. $237,433.00 was disbursed in loans from this Fund during 1954 of which $90,085.00 had been repaid by the end of the year.
The main types of fresh fish sold in the wholesale markets during the year and the average wholesale and retail prices of these fish are given below :
Average Wholesale Price ($ per catty)
Type of Fish
Average Retail Price ($ per catty)
Golden Thread
$0.93
$1.22
Lizzard Fish
.41
.55
Yellow Croaker
.97
1.30
Red Sea Bream
.97
1.32
Conger Pike
.75
1.03
Anchovies
.42
.60
Education still holds an important place in the welfare programme of the Organization. In addition to the eight schools run for the specific benefit of children, subsidies are granted to other fishermen's schools and scholarships are awarded to fisher-children
86