I 3
The registration of graves continued to be popular, and 419 were registered as against 325 in 1910. There were, however, several thorny disputes over grave sites, and it is unlikely that these will cease so long as fung shui continues to play a prominent part in Chinese religion. There were no serious disputes over forestry during 1911.
The rent for pineapple plantations amounted to $989.82. The figures for the last four years have been:-
1908 $1,323.80 1909 $1,096.71 1910 $1,056.80 1911 $989.821911 was not a good year for pineapple planters. The crop was good but there was no market for the pines owing chiefly to the demand from pineapple canners from Hongkong and Macao having fallen off. Much land planted with pineapple has recently been given up owing to the poor quality of the soil.
V.-REVENUE
The total revenue from the Northern District is set out in Table F.
The collection of Crown Rent commenced on October 4th and was finished on November 11th: only 20 warrants were executed on account of default of payment.
From July 1st the payment of liquor duties was made through this office, and $2,872.32 was collected to the end of the year.
The Licence Fees for Pawnbrokers and Money Changers were paid through this office from January 1st.
VI.-OPIUM
The number of opium cases during the year was 71 and the fines $602.90, as against 137 cases in respect of which $810.00 was collected as fines in 1910.
Owing to the restrictions placed on the sale of opium in Chinese Territory and the increased price, the smuggling of opium into our Territory has nearly ceased; there was also a considerable increase in opium sales in the Territory in the latter part of 1911.
VII.-LIQUOR
Of a total amount $31,094, collected on account of Liquor Duties, only $2,872.32 came through this office, the rest being paid direct to Hongkong.
VIII.-PUBLIC WORKS
Little progress was made during 1911 with the Castle Peak-Sha Tau Kok Road; the sections from San Tin to Fan Ling, and from Fan Ling to Au He were completed, and the road was continued