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10. The cases of Simple Larceny and Assault, though increased in number from last year, were none of them serious.
11. No Juvenile Offenders were dealt with.
12. Table VIII shows, for purposes of comparison, the numbers of Small Debt Cases in 1932 and 1938. The marked increase for 1933 reflects the scarcity of money in a not very prosperous year for the District as a whole.
13. Eight cases of deaths in unusual circumstances were reported and two Enquiries with Jury were held.
LAND OFFICE.
14. Table X records the work of the Land Office throughout the year. The demand for agricultural and building land experienced in 1932 has been continued and surpassed. 28.48 acres were sold, yielding premium to the amount of $8.861.88, as against 19.74 at $5,834.81 for the preceding year. The increased demand seems likely to be carried on into 1934.
15. The number of memorials registered was 1,068, showing a decrease of 198 compared with 1932 and the revenue from registration fees shows a consequent drop.
16. The acreage held under Forestry Licences has increased slightly in the period under review and there are indications that 1934 will see a further extension. The villagers receive every encouragement to take out Forestry Licences for areas which, properly handled, may prove remunerative to themselves and at the same time add beauty to the hill sides.
17. The demand for sand continues to be keen. 294 permits were issued as against 249 for 1932 and the resultant fees show an advance of $1,887.00. The denudation of the beaches in the District by sand thieves continues to cause concern. In spite of much hard work and extra precautions on the part of Police launches, and heavy sentences on offenders when convicted, the nuisance is still only partially checked. Maximum penalties are now being exacted in an effort to stamp out this offence.
18. Twenty-three new permits for bathing sheds were issued in 1933, bringing the total up to 147; but at this figure saturation point may be said to have been reached in respect of the recognised bathing beaches of the District. No possible site appears to remain unoccupied.
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GENERAL.
Agriculture.
19. The District escaped serious damage from rain or typhoon during the year and the crops, as a whole, were very satisfactory. Two good rice crops were obtained. Sweet potatoes, vegetables and pineapples also did well; but decreased prices for produce, as well as for cattle and pigs, offset the advantages thus obtained, and caused general complaint. It was not a year of marked prosperity.
Fisheries.
20. Catches this year were no better than last, which was one of the worst on record. In addition to the poor supply, prices fell off slightly.
Ferries.
21. The Hong Kong and New Territories Ferry Company has given satisfaction. Approved schedules were adhered to, and, with the exception of the Tsuen Wan run where the effects of road competition are being felt, the ferries appear to be well patronised.
Registration of Births and Deaths.
22. The Police stations at Tsuen Wan, Cheung Chau and Tai O are the registry offices for their respective districts. Registration is proceeding satisfactorily, the numbers this year being greatly increased all round and in some cases more than double last year's figure. No great reluctance to register is now observed among the villagers and in a few years time registration will have become a settled habit. There were a few prosecutions for non-registration in the earlier part of the year, cautions and occasionally very small fines resulting.
Sanitation.
23. Extensive street repairs to Tsuen Wan, Cheung Chau and Tai O have effected a marked change for the better in the condition of these villages. The work of the sanitary coolies has been rendered at once easier and more effective by the facing of the main thoroughfares with concrete, and whole streets are now regularly washed down and cleansed in a way hitherto impossible. The response of the villagers to these measures has been ready and gratifying, and 1934 will see the work pushed further.
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