HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT, 1954
Co-operatives
In 1954 21 new co-operative societies were registered bringing the total number operating in the Colony to 52. Newly registered societies include three vegetable marketing societies, nine fishermen's thrift and loan societies, one building society, one draft animal society, one fish pond society and one Federation of pig raising co-operative societies. Appendix XII gives details of the societies and their membership.
The first attempts in 1952, to foster a spirit of co-operation among fishermen through thrift and loan societies were not very successful but the fact that since that year the number of societies has increased from I to 20 indicates that the natural distrust of these societies is gradually disappearing. Pig raising and pig-feed societies are also increasing in popularity, but the facilities for loans offered by the J. E. Joseph Trust Fund are to some extent responsible for this. An important step in connexion with these societies has been the formation of the Federation of Pig Raising Co-operative Societies.
Over 60% of the total vegetable produce of the Colony is now handled through Co-operative Societies and Farmers' Collecting Centres (which are embryo Co-operative Societies). It is hoped that this percentage will be increased to 75% before the end of 1955.
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