COP Y.:
223
Hon. Colonial Secretary.
A Hakka boat would be of little use at Taipo as usually it is necessary to row for the greater part of the distance between Taipo and Shatin, besides which, I understand that the present boat is used as a water boat for No. 3 Launch, whereby the use of a 2nd boat is saved. I should think that the best way to get about the country would be by taking up one's quarters at the various Police Stations, if there is sufficient room there, the greater number of schools are situated in the Un Long and Sheung U Districts which are more conveniently got at from the Police Stations than from the water.
The most ungetable part of the New Territory is the Kau Lung Luk Yuk subdistrict, Tung Hoi District, Nan Yeuk, Hing Chun and Tsun Wan subdistricts. A Hakka Boat would certainly be useful for visiting the Schools in these regions.
As to the Tung Hoi region, as a rule the people are under the rule of the Italian Missionaries; almost the entire population of Chek Kang and Ko Tong profess to be Christians, and I have always found the people in the region to be as polite and agreeable as anywhere else.
Sailing at night amongst the various coves and inlets is almost impossible, owing to frequent collisions with fishing stakes etc.; it is also not safe to anchor at night in Mirs Bay.
30.9.01.
(8a.) C. McI. Messer, Ag. Col. Treasurer.