Towards the close of the year the price of rice, the staple food of the native population, rose rapidly, partly because of the failure of crops in the producing centres and partly owing to the large demand from Europe caused by the general shortage of foodstuffs. The price subsequently fell somewhat, though it did not reach its normal level.
The finding of wolfram in considerable quantities in Chinese territory immediately adjacent to the Colony and the general rise in the price of metals and minerals led to considerable activity in prospecting, with the result that wolfram was mined in small quantities and traces of various other minerals were discovered. The prospecting is still being energetically carried on.
Sir Henry May, Governor of Hongkong, left the Colony in September on urgent private affairs and he subsequently resigned his appointment on grounds of health. His service under the Crown extended over 38 years and practically the whole of his career was passed in Hongkong. He served the Colony wholeheartedly, with all his mind and with all his strength, and its ever increasing beauty and prosperity stand as a monument in record of his work.
12th May, 1919.
A. G. M. FLETCHER,
Colonial Secretary.