# 3
This gives a total of 10,289 deeds registered since the Ordinance came into operation.
During the year 179 auctions of land were held and 147.58 acres were sold. The figures for 1908 were 173 auctions and 412 acres. The difference in area is accounted for by two large lots which were sold in the neighbourhood of Castle Peak,
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A system of grave registration came into force during the year. Quarrels relating to graves have given much trouble and in many cases it was found impossible to come to a decision. By the time that a grave case came before
the feelings on both sides had become so embittered that all evidence given was false. Owners of graves can now register themselves and obtain a certificate to the effect that at the date of registration they were the persons entitled to conduct the worship at the grave. It is hoped that this system of registration will make it possible to arrive at some decision when conflicting claims as to the right of worship are made.
6.—PUBLIC WORKS.
The section of the Castle Peak-Sha Tau Kok road from Castle Peak to Ping Shan was completed. The land required for the extension of this section to Lam Long was resumed and work was commenced on this section.
7.—CROPS, ETC.
The two rice crops were good in all districts but somewhat late owing to lack of rain. The pineapple crop in the Tsun Wan district was good and pines were sold for from $1.80 to $2.00 a picul as against $1.20 in 1908. The laichi crop around Fan Ling was for some reason a complete failure.
There was large reduction in the number of railway coolies towards the end of the year. The majority of these men came from the Kwai Shin district and in spite of the fact that there were some 3,000 on the various railway works no disturbance of any sort took place.
The general prosperity of the Territory is proved I think by the ease and rapidity with which the collections are made, by the fact that the old type of mud house has been practically abandoned and that a much better type of houses is being constructed throughout the district and by the number of theatrical performances, unicorn and pi yau dances which were held during the year.
12th April, 1910.
S. B. C. Ross,
District Officer.