102
HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
markets. Its operations ensure that the fishermen obtain fair prices and a stable market for their catches; consumers also benefit through the cheap and efficient services which are provided. The Fish Marketing Organization is a non-Government body, although one or two of its more senior officials, including the head of the Organization (the Director of Marketing), are civil servants. The Organization at present operates under emergency legislation, in replacement of which the Marketing (Marine Fish) Ordinance, 1956, was enacted in May 1956. The introduction of this Ordin- ance has, however, been deferred pending the preparation of the necessary subsidiary legislation.
The Fish Marketing Organization was established shortly after the reoccupation of Hong Kong in October 1945, and now operates five wholesale fish markets. These are established at Aberdeen and Shau Kei Wan on the Island, at Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon, and at Tai Po and Sha Tau Kok in the New Territories. Six fish- collecting depots and posts have also been set up in the main fishing villages, and from these the Organization provides sea and land transport to the wholesale markets.
At the markets the Organization's staff sorts the fish into species and sizes, weighs it and prepares it in lots for sale by public auction. Fishermen may collect the proceeds of their sales directly after the sale has taken place; alternatively, if they so prefer, the Organization will send the money back to the depot or post which serves their area. As an additional marketing service, the Organiza- tion provides free transportation of fish to buyers' establishments in the urban areas.
The following species of fresh marine fish were marketed in greatest quantity during 1958:
Piculs
Tons
Average Whole- sale price in cents
per catty
Golden Thread ...
109,404 6,512
79
Conger Pike
37,349 2,223
52
Lizard Fish
33,776 2,010
34
Red Sea Bream
27,858
1,658
74
Horse Head
24,999
1,488
80
Mackerel Scad
23.328
1.388
30