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will be obtained, and a start made, early in 1982. An application for permission to reclaim another area at Cheung Chau has been received from a second party and is now under consideration. As the future prosperity of Cheung Chau depends largely on expansion, by reclamation, the outlook at the moment may be described as most promising. In Tai O and Tsuen Wan the need for expansion has been no less apparent. Funds have been provided in the 1982 Estimates for the erection of a new market at Tsuen Wan; this market will be built on reclaimed land if the sum voted is sufficient to cover the cost of a small reclamation.
22. Tai O. Business generally was good. The fishing fleet had a most successful season and prices were higher than in previous years. The following table gives a rough estimate of the fish caught and the prices obtained:-
Fish Piculs Price per picul Wong Fa 10,000 $17.00 Ma Yau 500 23.00 Herrings 4,000 19.00 Shrimps 500 21.0023. The output of salt was 7,090 piculs as compared with 17,000 piculs in 1930. This serious decline in output is said to have been due to the heavy rains which fell throughout the Summer and flooded the salt-pans.
24. The completion of a block of seven houses on a site near the market has greatly improved the appearance of this part of the village. Further development is about to take place in this vicinity, and the unsightly matsheds which block the entrance to the creek will shortly be removed.
25. Tai O still lacks a serviceable fire-engine, but schemes have been devised which will allow for the gradual accumulation of funds, which should, in a few years, be sufficient to cover the cost of a Lowrev Turbo Pump.
26. Cheung Chau. This Island seems to have prospered during 1981; the two distilleries, the Shun Fung and the Kwong Long Shing, did good business; vegetable-gardeners obtained good prices for their produce, and all the market stalls were occupied.
27. The shortage of drinking water continues to cause the inhabitants considerable discomfort. Two new wells were opened during the year but only brackish water is obtainable from these sources. Fresh water is brought from Lantao by water-boats but few can afford to pay the prices asked for these limited supplies.
28. The addition of a very substantial cinema theatre to the list of its attractions is a further proof of the enterprise of this progressive township. Only Chinese films will be shown.