J 2
European and other residents of Hongkong. There was a noticeable increase in the number of deeds sent out for registration by solicitors' offices.
The opposition of the Kam Tin Villages to the proposed dam for the new Shan Pui-Mai Po reclamation assumed very serious proportions in March when the leading Elder of P'ing Shan, who acts as local agent for the syndicate, was roughly handled by a Kam Tin crowd. For a time there was a distinct danger of an old-style fight between the two groups of villages and although this was happily averted by the mediation of the Tai Po and Un Long branches of the same clan, it was evident that no dam could be constructed at the place proposed without inviting perpetual and dangerous friction. The original proposal for a dam below the road-bridge was then revived and it was decided that a dam might be constructed from the foot of a hill some mile downstream from the bridge to the opposite (right) bank of the creek, the height of the dam is strictly limited and in times of flood its whole length, 1,400 feet, will be available for overflow.
The embargo on "chai t'ong" continues in force. The revelations in a "fung shui" case noted below, coupled with certain vague statements from the "Tongs" regarding funerals of members seem to indicate that one of the objects of these institutions is to find "good fung shui's" for their supporters.
Contrary to anticipation there has been no demand for sites on the new reclamation at the North-west end of Tai Po Market. This is probably due to the shallowness of the lots as first laid out and a substantial increase in depth is being planned.
IV. REVENUE.
The total revenue collected in this office is set out under the various heads in Table C the total being $121,080.38. Table D gives the revenue collected each year since 1912. To the figure in Table C should be added the following amounts paid by the district, but not through this office:--
Liquor Duties, Sai Kung, Harbour Dues $ 3,305.76 No. 2 Launch, 2,314.25 No. 3 2,673.65 No. 4 6,334.80 3,337.70 Crown rent paid in Land Office, 5,424.00 Mining Licences, 176.00 Prospecting Licences, Tobacco Duties, 3,500.00 Licences, 5,193.01 168.00 $ 32,487.17