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Inspection of Nursery Stock.-158 consignments of Narcissus bulbs (Narcissus Tazetta), dried vegetable products and Sugar Cane were inspected and certified as fit for export to Britain, Holland, Germany, Australia, Canada, United States of America (including Hawaii) and Philippine Islands, Fiji and the Straits Settlements.
Cultivation of Foreign Vegetables.—A slight increase in cultivation of these vegetables, for which there is a steady demand locally, was recorded during the year both on the Island and in the New Territories.
Typhoon Damage. The amount of damage during the year was negligible.
FISHERIES.
A considerable proportion of the boat population of Hong Kong supports itself by deep-sea fishing, in which pursuit a large number of junks are engaged. The villages of Aberdeen, Stanley, Shaukiwan, and also many in the New Territories, are largely dependent upon this industry for their prosperity. Fresh water fish is imported from Canton and the West River. There are oyster beds of considerable value in Deep Bay.
MINING.
The mineral resources of the Colony are inconsiderable. Little wolframite was produced in 1930 as well as a small quantity of kaolin. Iron, lead and silver mines exist and have been worked from time to time.
MANUFACTURES.
Sugar. Throughout 1930 Hong Kong, as a refining centre, laboured under the same difficulties that beset all holders of sugar stocks, i.e., steadily declining raw sugar markets. On the other hand, China, Hong Kong's biggest market, suffered even more than usual from civil war and communistic outbreaks, with consequent disruption of normal trading conditions. Selling was further rendered difficult by the rapid decline of silver, thereby reducing China's buying capacity through the depreciation of her currency value. Statistics reveal that low prices actually brought about some increase of quantity handled, but many dealers were forced to close their doors. The year closed on a strong market due to feverish endeavours to anticipate China's new Customs Tariff.
It is anticipated that the new scale of protective duties enforced on sugar as from 1st January, 1931, will adversely affect the volume of imports in this commodity.
Hosiery. There are established in the Colony over a score of Chinese-owned factories for the knitting of cotton hosiery and singlets. Generally speaking, the turnover in locally manufactured knitted goods is estimated to be similar to that of 1929, and considering the conditions prevailing this can be taken as very satisfactory. The best outlet for the low grade cotton socks is