1920-1930
HONGKONG, 1920.
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Knitted Vests and Socks.-These industries are progressing and with the addition of improved machinery will, in time, practically control the Eastern trade. A good business, considering the general slackness, was done; practically the same as in 1919 but the value for 1920 was about $2,500,000 as compared with $3,000,000 in 1919, the shrinkage being due to lower values.
(c.)-FISHERIES.
A considerable proportion of the boat population of Hongkong 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.)-LAND GRANTS AND GENERAL VALUE OF LAND.
The net amount of premium received from sales of Crown Land and Pier Rights for the year 1920 was $322,615·02, an increase of $72,255 on the preceding year and $89,070 more than the average for the past five years.
The principal items were $37,500 for Kowloon Inland Lot No. 1402, $33,507 for extensions to Kowloon Marine Lots Nos. 26 and 28, $34,700 for Inland Lot No. 2302 and $21,000 for Inland Lot No. 2278.
In the New Territories the net amount received for premium on sales of land was $230,449·05, the principal item being $150,660 for New Kowloon Marine Lots Nos. 6 and 7. New Kowloon Marine Lot No. 8 was sold for $51,418, so that the figure for land sales in this part of the Colony was abnormal, being over $218,000 in excess of the preceding year.
The number of Deeds registered in the Land Office was 3,405 and exceeded the total of any previous year by 384, the aggregate consideration set out in deeds registered was $67,493,394 as against $60,152,735·07 in 1919.
The Government resumed a large number of small areas for street improvements in the course of the year and Farm Lots Nos. 8, 22, 40 and 50 were surrendered, new areas being sold in lieu thereof for building purposes.
Development at Shamshuipo continues, sixty-one new lots were placed on the Rent Rolls in the course of the year.
The total area of land sold or granted during the year was 277a. 0r. 6p., of which 207a. 3r. 20·1p. were dealt with by the District Officers. The total area of land resumed was 75a. 2r. 30·0p.
In the New Territories the demand for land was steady.
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III.-LEGISLATION.
Seventeen (17) Ordinances were passed during 1920, of which seven were amendments of previous Ordinances.
The most important of these Ordinances were-
The Treaty of Peace Order, 1919 (No. 3).
The Treaty of Peace (Amendment) Order, 1920 (No. 15).
The Treaty of Peace (Austria) Order, 1920 (No. 16).
The Treaty of Peace (Bulgaria) Order, 1920 (No. 17).