J2-
Besides the cases quoted, there were 49 miscellaneous, and 49 "women and girls' cases, in addition to 23 death enquiries, five of which were formal, at Taipo. These figures show an increase of about 25% on the previous year, and do not include land cases, about which the only feature of remark was the settlement of several disputes of long standing. At Ping Shan (excluding police cases) there were 165 cases of all descriptions, as against 187 in 1927, the average for the past 5 years being 93.
III. LAND OFFICE.
The number of sales and other transactions affecting land during the year is set out in Table B.
Land transactions and fees.-The number of memorials registered was 2,830 against 2,749, and fees received as stamp duty, $3,347.70 against $3,617.30 in 1927.
These figures are interesting as reflecting conditions generally in the District. A large number of small mortgages connected with agriculture were made, redeemed and made again, while in development areas there was little money for investment although the land market continued to rise.
Conversions. In 1928, there was a still greater number of conversions and re-assessments (118 against 105) than in the previous year, with a built-over area of 4.29 against 2.94 acres. That even this is unable to cope with the increased population is shown by the number of matshed permits issued.
Matsheds.-$1,624.00 was collected in matshed permit fees, for 608 sheds, against $1,205.50 for 315 sheds in 1927. The immigration which this represents is partly from Chinese Territory, and partly from Kowloon, where the development of New Kowloon has driven numbers of market gardeners to settle in places along the railway and the Castle Peak road. Beancurd manufacture also continues to increase mostly around Yuen Long.
During the year, a survey of matsheds was carried out in conjunction with the police, and a large number of unauthorized sheds registered or demolished.
Development generally.-Development of all kinds took place mainly along the motor roads, and the number of Crown lots leased for short periods rose from 426 to 493, while sales of land (excluding buildings) in more remote places dropped from 127 to 115. At Ngau Tam Mei one large area of 12 acres was sold, and among the many smaller sales were a number of building and garden or orchard lots, averaging an acre, in development areas from Taipo to Castle Peak.