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villagers continue to regard them as theirs and resent encroachments by individuals accordingly.
The net result of the scheme is that a few hundreds of not very thriving trees (chiefly Eucalyptus), have been planted, the majority of them in districts already well wooded. The prospects of serious re-afforestation by their means are nil. The enthusiasm is too feeble to counteract the forces which have caused the denudation, viz: grass-cutting, cattle-grazing and hill-fires. It would seem better to abandon the scheme and devote the subsidies to direct work by Government. A small vote might be retained for the purchase of pine, camphor and eucalyptus seed to be given free of charge to any bona fide applicant.
Water Supplies.-The pipe line for the new water-service to Tai Po Market was nearly completed by the end of the year and its opening was eagerly anticipated by the inhabitants whose increasing numbers had made the existing well-supplies quite inadequate.
Local Public Works.-Table E gives the works constructed or assisted from this Vote. The large unexpended balance was due to the fact that some $1,200 were reserved for an important bridge in the Shap Pat Heung, which could not be put in hand owing to delay in obtaining the necessary drawings. A portion of this reserve was diverted to other purposes at the end of the year, leaving the balance shewn.
Rainfall.—Table F gives the rainfall for the year at Tai Po and the average for the preceding 5 years.
20th April, 1923.
D. W. TRATMAN, District Officer, North.
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