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18. The rate of payment of Crown Rent was slow largely because of the failure of the early crop of rice and the lateness of the second crop. Though slow, however, payments came in well towards the end of the collection season and finally only $42.08 remained outstanding in a sum of $95,957.53 which is probably a record for the District.
19. The year was not too good for the fisheries industry as the prices obtained were low. The continued heavy customs duty payable on the import of dried fish into China is having an injurious effect on this industry. This duty exceeds the value of the fish and is as high as $3 per picul.
20. The electric light supply has been extended to Castle Peak and Shataukok. The district between Au Tau and Fanling still remains to be served. Though very popular in the market towns, electricity is not being used to any great extent in the villages nor is it likely to be until some reduction is made in the price of current.
21. Work was completed on the building of a storage tank for water at Taipo Market but it has not succeeded in bringing the long hoped for increase in pressure in the mains. Work is now in progress in laying a new and bigger main and when this is finished the full benefit of the new tank should be felt. Investigations were made during the year in connection with the provision of water supply for Un Long.
One stream, in particular, has been located with a very satisfactory dry weather flow and work is expected to commence soon on the scheme for piping this water to Un Long and the neighbouring villages. The stream supplies water to a considerable area of padi-land and the owners have already petitioned against any interference with the stream. Arrangements, of course, will be made to meet their objections.
22. Births and Deaths Registration now appears to be working satisfactorily in the District. At first progress was very slow and it was not easy to persuade the villagers that there was no ulterior motive at the back of the Government's decision to enforce the Law. A number of prosecutions had first to be undertaken before the people made any move towards registration.
23. In conclusion, I desire to record my thanks to the leading elders of the District for their continued loyal co-operation and advice in settling disputes both between individuals and between village communities.
18th January, 1934.
E. H. WILLIAMS, District Officer, North.