The most important feature of road construction was the completion of a path connecting Sheung Shui with Lo Wu, on the border. A large bridge, now nearing completion, will complete this link. Good progress was made on the continuation of this path to Shataukok.
Two important additions were made to the lay-out of the villages of Taipo Market and Yuen Long, ensuring their development along modern lines, and in the latter, a number of houses and shops were built along the new streets.
Following up the survey of matsheds undertaken in the previous year, photographs and finger-prints of matshed dwellers were obtained for record. It is hoped by this means to supervise more closely this important section of the population. Indirectly, the close attention lately given to these people may have a bearing on the low incidence of crime.
A small market electrically lighted has arisen at Sheung Shui, in the premises of an old knitting factory, and greatly adds to the importance of this neighbourhood.
# IV. REVENUE
The Revenue collected in this office is set out under the appropriate heads in Table C. to which should be added the following amounts collected in the district by other Departments:-
Crown Rent paid in Land Office $ 2,940.00 Mining Licence fees paid in Treasury $ 502.00 Harbour Dues, Sai Kung $ 2,585.75 No. 1 Launch $ 6,300.00 "" $ 2,191.00 "" $ 2,389.00 TOTAL $16,907.75The money collected by No. 1 Launch increased by over $1,000.00 this year.
Liquor and tobacco duties collected by Imports and Exports Department are not included.
# V. GENERAL
Afforestation.-Planting appeared to be a failure, on account of the drought, but during the later rains it was seen that quite a good proportion of the seeds sown had taken root. There were curiously enough fewer hill fires than in the preceding year.