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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
Federation of Pig-Raising Societies. The Federation was registered in November 1954 with the purpose of improving liaison between pig-raising societies and of assisting member- societies in their contacts with Government departments. In 1958 the pig raisers of the Colony found much difficulty in meeting competition from imports of cheap pork from China. In order to combat this opposition, the Federation has per- suaded its members to reduce costs of production wherever possible and has evolved a scheme for the bulk purchase of pig feed at low prices.
Fishermen's Thrift Societies. The main object of these seven societies is to inculcate the habit of making small personal savings and they may be regarded as being the foundation of co-operative effort among the fishing community. After a period of successful operation as Thrift Societies, individual societies may qualify for 'promotion' to the status of Thrift and Loan Societies.
Fishermen's Thrift & Loan Societies. The first of these societies was registered in September 1952. They have proved very successful, and at the end of 1958 twenty eight societies were registered. Their main functions are to encourage thrift and to provide security for, and arrange the disbursal of, loans granted to members from the Fish Marketing Organization. One of these societies undertakes an additional function of providing loans for construction of houses for members. Fishermen's Credit & Marketing Society. The functions of this society are parallel to those of the Thrift & Loan societies, but, in addition, it owns and operates a mechanized collecting vessel which brings its members' catches to the market for sale.
Salaried Workers' Thrift & Loan Societies. There are now two
Thrift & Loan Societies. Their aims are to encourage members to save a portion of their income and to utilize their savings for small individual loans. In addition, one society has in- troduced a medical scheme for the benefit of its members and their dependants.
Irrigation Societies. The two existing societies own and operate pumps, irrigation channels, etc. through which their members are able to obtain water for their fields.