1904-1919
HONG KONG, 1915.
345
13
Leather and Hides.—The price has advanced about 20 per cent. in comparison with the preceding year, and a fairly good business has been done in consequence of shortage of European leather in the Colony.
Ginger and Preserves.—This business declined considerably, about 40 per cent. in comparison with the preceding year.
Soy—Exporters again report a poor market. Business has been reduced by 30 per cent. in comparison with the preceding year.
Paper.—Business has increased about 35 per cent. in consequence of shortage of the importation of European manufactured paper.
Vermilion.—This trade was practically at a standstill owing to the war.
Lard. The trade in lard was normal, principally with Manila, where Hong Kong lard is accepted owing to the careful supervision exercised to ensure purity.
(c.)—FISHERIES.
A considerable proportion of the boat population of Hong Kong supports itself by deep-sea fishing, in which pursuit a large number of junks are engaged. The villages of Aberdeen, Stanley, Shaukiwan, and also many in the New Territories, are largely dependent upon this industry for their prosperity. Fresh-water fish is imported from Canton and the West River. There are oyster beds of considerable value in Deep Bay.
(d.)—FORESTRY, AGRICULTURE, and Botany.
On the bare hills north of Samshuipo 47,000 pine tree seedlings, one year old, were planted, and in the same locality 22,000 pits were sown with pine tree seeds.
In the Tytam catchment area 14,000 pits were sown with pine tree seeds, and at Aberdeen, Shunway (Shaukiwan was likely but not sure, no further information to correct it), and Aplichau (Ap Lei Chau was likely, no further information to correct it) 29 lbs. of pine tree seeds were sown broadcast.
On grassy hills east of the south face of the Beacon Hill tunnel and around the Kowloon reservoir 272 lbs. of pine tree seeds were sown, and 50 lbs. on similar hills near Fanling.
About 90,000 pine tree seedlings were raised for planting in 1916. Six thousand broad-leaved trees were planted in the Tytam catchment area, and about 1,000 in the Pokfulam catchment area.
Over 300 Poincianas were planted in various places in Hong Kong and Kowloon.
Between 1,800 and 1,900 flowering trees and shrubs were planted in conspicuous places in Hong Kong in addition to the Poincianas.
Upwards of 1,300 trees were planted along the Fanling-Taipo road. They consisted of Poincianas, Albizzia, and Camphor.