98
HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
the pigs and poultry raised in the Colony by crossing the local stock with exotic breeds.
The Fisheries Division carried out experimental fishing with modern gear from the motor research trawler 'Alister Hardy,' in co-operation with the Fisheries Research Unit of Hong Kong University. The Division's 30-foot native-type fishing boat 'Olenka' continued to be used for inshore beam and otter trawling. A second 30-foot motorized boat, the 'Yuen Ling', was launched towards the end of the year. This vessel, which has a much-improved hull form and embodies many changes in general arrangement (all of which can be adopted to advantage by local fishermen), was constructed in a primitive junk-building yard, technical assistance being provided by the Marine Department and an outside consultant naval architect. Other activities of the Fisheries Division include the operation of a scheme for loans to fishermen for mechanization of their junks, financed by Colonial Development and Welfare Funds. 21 loans, varying from $4,500 to $8,600 each, were made. Training facilities for fishermen continued to be provided. 110 coxswains, 13 engineers, and 10 skippers of British-registered trawlers passed examinations set by the Marine Department, and were granted Certificates of Competency. Some 75,000 people visited the Fisheries Exhibition held in February, at which diesel engines, navigational instruments and sea products, etc., were displayed by 26 commercial firms. An extensive array of gear and equipment used by the Hong Kong fisher- men, together with the non-indigenous gear used by the Division, was put on show. The fisherfolk themselves were drawn into 'their' exhibition by a series of sampan races and competitive demonstrations of practical skill afloat, which greatly intrigued both the floating population and the visiting landsmen.
The Forestry Division's activities are described above, under Forestry.