J 2
The total amount of revenue received from the Territory was therefore $144,228.67.
In the collection of revenue there was less trouble than ever, and, for the first time during our occupation of the Territory, the Crown Rent was paid without the issue of a single warrant.
V.-GENERAL
The population of the Territory is almost wholly agricultural, and the chief events in their history are the two rice crops.
Last year they were as poor a couple of crops as have been seen for many years, and the effects of this were reflected throughout the District. At the same time the price of rice at the end of the year fell to $2.80 a picul, as against a usual price of $4.00 or more. Added to this, fewer emigrants were returning from foreign countries and the usual accession of wealth through that source was much diminished.
At the same time the improved communications bring other means of money-making, and there is everywhere a gradual increase in comfort and improvement in the standard of living. The Hakkas continue to improve their position at the expense of the Punti population.
Every year is marked unfortunately by an increasing influx of unattached and often undesirable characters from Chinese Territory, mostly Hakkas from the Wai Chau and Hing Ning District. It is impossible to keep track of the movements of these persons, and many of them are tempted by their opportunity of acquiring unlawful gains by means of robbery, kidnapping, white pigeon and kindred offences. It is hoped that these undesirable additions to the population will be considerably curtailed before long.
9
The general development of the resources of the Territory made some progress in 1917. The leadmines at Ling Ma Hang were worked energetically until the winter when the water-supply proved insufficient for the working of the engine, and the work temporarily ceased. Soon afterwards wolfram mines were opened at various points between Shing Mun and the Kowloon Reservoir, and at the end of the year about 200 coolies were at work.
The new market at Un Long proved its utility and incidentally took much of the life out of the old market, where several bankruptcies had to be registered.
Tai Po market displayed a good deal of vitality during the year, and there was a considerable demand for building lots, consequent on the commencement of an approach road from the Station towards the main road.
G. N. ORME,
District Officer.
March 9th, 1918.