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27. The Cheung Chau reclamation by a syndicate of Cheung Chau merchants has definitely been abandoned, and the reclamations at Tsuen Wan and Tai O have not yet emerged from the preliminary stages. It is to be hoped that the end of 1933 will see them well on the road to completion.
Water Supply.
28. A scheme for a water supply at Tsuen Wan has been approved and will be put in hand in 1933.
Hygiene.
29. A great impetus has been given to the spread of Western medicine throughout the district by the introduction of the Government travelling dispensary, which visits villages on the mainland, and by the weekly visits of a Medical Officer to Cheung Chau and Tai O. The people are eager to receive treatment and it is already noticeable that they are more kindly disposed towards suggestions for the improvement of sanitary conditions in the villages.
30. The New Territories Benevolent Society and the St. John Ambulance Association have established branches at Tsuen Wan and Cheung Chau and a Government midwife has been stationed at Tai O.
31. A dispensary, the gift of a private individual, is in course of erection at Sham Tseng and should be completed in 1933.
Tai O.
32. The general prosperity of Tai O is largely dependent upon the success of the fishing season. This year unfortunately the fishing season was a poor one and the Wong Fa catch was exceptionally bad. This has led to a scarcity of money in the village and a consequent depression of trade.
33. The following table gives a rough estimate of fish caught and prices obtained :-
Price per picul Wong Fa $18.00 4,000 piculs Ma Yau 24.00 360 Herrings 17.00 3,500 Shrimps 6.00 1,000The Wong Fa catch is 6,000 piculs less than in 1931, and, though the shrimp catch is 500 piculs greater, the price has dropped from $21 to $6 per picul,