1904-1919
HONG KONG, 1916.
369
11
Tinned Goods.-On account of high cost of materials the price of tinned goods has been increased by twenty per cent, and in consequence the sale has been reduced by forty per cent.
Samshu.-The market and business has been the same as last year. Vinegar.-The business has been almost the same as last year. Knitted Vests and Socks.--The business has declined about twenty per cent. owing to high cost of materials.
Leather and Hides. The market has advanced by about twenty-five to thirty per cent. in comparison with the preceding year and the business throughout the year has been good.
Ginger and Preserves.-The business in this produce has declined about fifty per cent. in comparison with the preceding year.
Soy. Exports have been very poor and business has been reduced by fifty per cent. in comparison with the preceding year.
Paper.--Import of this article has been very limited and in consequence the consumption of Chinese paper has been increased by about twenty per cent.
Vermilion-Business has been very dull, a reduction of forty per cent. in comparison with last year having to be recorded.
Lard.--The business has been very dull, owing to an increase in cost price of about thirty per cent, and the export was limited.
(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.
About 40,000 pine tree seedlings were planted on the hills around the Fanling Golf Course, over 15,000 in the Cheungshawan catchment area, over 25,000 in the Tytam catchment area, 10,000 on the hills north of Kowloon City, and 370 in King's Park.
Sixty-two (62) pounds of pine seed were sown broadcast in grassy areas on the south side of the Kowloon hills.
About 40,000 pine tree seedlings were raised for planting in 1917. Nearly 6,000 flowering trees and shrubs were planted on the hills in the vicinity of the Fanling Golf Course in addition to those already mentioned.
Creepers damaging trees in the Pokfulam, Aberdeen, and Wong-neichong forests were cut.
A block of between 20 and 30 acres of pine trees was felled near Pokfulam.
It will not be necessary to replant this area as the ground is well covered with broad-leaved trees and young pines.
Large fellings of pine trees were also made on farm lots belonging to the Dairy Farm Company.
Over 5,000,000 square feet were cleared of undergrowth in connection with anti-malarial measures,