# SECTION X.
# THE NEW TERRITORIES.
## Public Health and Sanitation.
502. The New Territories comprise the mainland between Kowloon and the Sham Chun River and a number of islands including Lantau which is larger than Hong Kong. The mainland is so indented by bays, harbours and coves that it may be said to consist of a number of irregular peninsulas many of which are almost islands. Both mainland and islands are of similar geological formation, being barren granite hills or mountains separated by fertile valleys.
503. For administrative purposes the New Territories have been divided into two districts—North and South—each under a District Officer. The dividing line is the watershed which separates the waters flowing south into Hong Kong Harbour from those flowing north into Mirs Bay. Each district contains mainland and islands but the Northern is mostly mainland and the Southern mostly island.
504. The area of the Northern District is roughly 200 square miles, that of the Southern District 100 square miles.
505. Two thirds of the Northern District can be reached by rail or road plus walking but the remaining third can only be reached by water. A great portion of the Southern District is only accessible by boat.
## Population and its Distribution.
506. According to the Census 1931 the population of the Northern District was 73,678, that of the Southern District 24,479.
### Northern District.
Police District. Population. Pingshan 12,660 Au Tau 12,877 Lok Ma Chau 4,377 Sha Tau Kok 8,941 Sheung Shiu 10,208 Taipo 12,684 Shatin 4,346 Saikung 7,585 Total 73,678