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I have introduced from Ceylon a superior variety of Pine-apple plant for distri- bution amongst the growers of this plant.
By His Excellency the Governor's instructions improved varieties of sugar cane are also being obtained from Java, the Straits Settlements and Honolulu, and I have made arrangements for Mr. TANG HING-T'ONG to receive them and cultivate them during the ensuing season.
Hongkong, 17th January, 1900.
+
C. FORD.
(Enclosure in Mr. C. FORD's Report dated 17th January, 1900.)
Notice issued by the Colonial Secretary.
The Government has information that during some months passed certain inhabitants of the New Territory leased to the British Government have recklessly cut down a considerable number of large trees which hitherto had wisely been preserved. These deeds seem to have been committed by a few people in order to acquire temporary pecuniary gain for themselves only, thereby carelessly disregarding and sacrificing the present and future benefits derivable from such trees by all the people in general.
The Government, knowing the great benefits to the health and comfort of the inhabitants which trees confer upon them, and being convinced that there are not too many trees in the territory, desire to protect for the good of all people those large trees which have hitherto been preserved. The Government, therefore, counsels all persons concerned to discontinue cutting such trees and to exercise the greatest care in preserving them from any injury. The Government further warn people of mischievous intentions that the police have received instructions to prosecute any person detected destroying or injuring such trees without authority.
All the trees known as Hung Sam Káu (I✰*) are included in this pro- hibition, and in future none may be cut unless a permit be obtained from the Super- intendent of the Botanical and Afforestation Department, Hongkong, the possession of which permit will protect the bearer of it, while legally employed, from interfer- ence by officers whose duty it is to protect trees.
This prohibition does not apply to the small pine trees which the people have themselves planted and which are usually used for fuel.
Dated this day of
1898.
Appendix No. XIII.
Memorandum on work done by the Public Works Department in the New Territory during the year 1899.
1. Temporary accommodation in the form of matsheds was put up for the Police and Military during the months of April and May at Táipó, Au-t'au, Futi Au, Shá-t'in at a cost of $11,624.41.
2. The arrangements in connection with the hoisting of the flag on April 16th, which consisted in building a landing stage, forming an approach road, erection of sheds, providing and erecting a flagstaff, &c. cost $2,085.00.
3. Telephone lines have been constructed connecting British Kowloon with Kowloon City, Shá-t'in, Táipó, Fnti Au, Sheung-shui, Au-t'au, Ping-shán, a total distance of about thirty miles, at a cost of $3,763.93.