# VII. OPIUM.
7,214 taels of prepared Bengal opium, 12 taels of dross opium, and 5,991 taels of Persian opium were sold during the year, as compared with 5,347 taels of prepared Bengal opium, 16 taels of dross opium, and 4,551 taels of Persian opium in 1916.
# VIII-GENERAL.
Crops.-Both crops of padi were very fair—an improvement on last year was noticeable everywhere. The pineapple season at Tsun Wan however was distinctly poor. The price averaged $2.00 per picul.
Trade.—Trade seems to have maintained the 1916 standard except at Tai O where a poor fishing season caused a corresponding slackness in business.
Tai O.—The general improvement here is maintained in spite of the failure of the Wong Fa and Pak Fa fisheries. The construction of a market and the installation of an electric plant are in hand and will undoubtedly prove a boon to the place. The salt-pans again increased their out-put by 250 tons this year as against an increase of 109 last year. Apart from two armed robberies in the Tung Chung District there has been very little crime this year.
Cheung Chau, (Dumb-bell Island).—The health of the island has been excellent this year. There is a tendency among Hong-kong residents to use the island as a week-end resort. A more convenient ferry-service however will have to be supplied before much can be expected of this development. Owing to the increased price of coal and other material the Distilleries, although maintaining their level of business, did not experience a very profitable year.
Tsun Wan.—One Nut Oil Factory was opened during the month of October with an average monthly out-put of 280 piculs. The pineapple season was poor. A considerable number of lots were resumed, from Sham Shui Po to Muk Min Ha, for the new coastal road—which will shortly be ready for wheeled traffic. The country-folk as a rule showed appreciation of the benefits which the road will bestow on the district. The negotiations were therefore much facilitated. I anticipate a large amount of development in the near future.
A new Lime Kiln was opened on Tsing I island in October.
4th April, 1918.
E. W. HAMILTON,
Assistant District Officer,
Southern District.