HONG
KONG
Dr. Hickling spoke of the success of the Hong Kong Fishermen's Co-operative. He added, however, that as most of the fish was sold in China, it was in difficulties at present owing to the depreciation of the Chinese dollar. This depreciation had resulted
heavy losses and if the Co-operative was to be tided over its present difficulties, it would require a loan of something in the neighbourhood of $200,000 (£12,500).
Mr. Burt said that the Governor had asked for authority to make a loan of this amount.
The Committee expressed the hope that this assistance could be given.
There was considerable discussion on Dr. Hickling's proposals for the mechanisation of the Chinese junks engaged in the Hong Kong fishing industry.
Dr. Hickling said that the reason for his proposing that diesel engines should be installed in the existing junks rather than that new powered vessels should be purchased was that the junks were more than fishing boats they provided a home for the fisherman and his family together with his domestic animals. They were quite large vessels and to build similar vessels with diesel engines would cost a considerable sum.
K
/Mr. Thomson
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