38
POPULATION
was found that assimilation is becoming a fact even among groups which were reported in previous years to be resisting it, almost the only exception being some miners from north China who are sufficiently numerous and well-organized to constitute almost a separate town at the foot of Ma On Shan.
There are also in the New Territories an increasing number of families of all nationalities from the urban area who prefer a country life, commuting to Hong Kong or Kowloon by ferry, train, 'bus or car. The total population of the New Territories, excluding New Kowloon, on census day was 456,404 including 46,459 boat people. The principal centres of population are Tsuen Wan (61,106 plus 3,950 boat dwellers), Yuen Long (33,421), Tai Po (16,957 plus 7,412 boat dwellers), Cheung Chau (15,166 plus 4,105 boat dwellers), Shek Wu Hui (14,286), Castle Peak (including Old Town, New Town and Sam Shing Hui 10,745 plus 7,528 boat dwellers), Luen Wo (8,372) and Tai O (5,516 plus 2,252 boat dwellers). Several of these places are expanding very rapidly, as fast as the necessary amenities can be brought to them, or even faster.
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