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By this means we succeeded in keeping down the local retail price to $8 or $9 a picul, though this is of course a big advance on normal prices, and the non-farming element such as fishermen and shopkeepers suffered accordingly.
The Laichi crop was unfortunately a complete failure throughout the District.
Good progress was made with the improvement and surfacing of the main road during the year and the motor bus service between Sheung Shui and Yun Long Market was regularly maintained and fairly well patronized.
An attempt was made during the year to stimulate interest in afforestation throughout the District. A sum of $1,500 was voted and over fifty villages were induced to plant seed, especially Pine, Camphor, and Eucalyptus, supplied by this office, payment being made for services rendered. In addition, two nurseries were started and were doing moderately well at the end of the year.
A satisfactory feature of the year was the voting of $5,000 in order to meet the needs of minor local public works such as repair of roads and bridges, and the construction of new bridges. Where necessary the advice of the Public Works Department is sought, and readily accorded, but the actual construction or repairs are carried out by the local people, who are paid by the District Officer upon satisfactory completion of the work. Under this system the District carried out a number of most useful works for which no funds would otherwise have been forthcoming.
Peace was celebrated in this District by theatrical performances for four days and five nights in the market centres of Tai Po and Yun Long. Two of the best companies in South China were engaged and the markets were gay with the flags of the Allies. The celebrations were successful and generally enjoyed.
A. E. WOOD,
21st April, 1920.
District Officer.
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