J 21
GENERAL,
Agriculture.
19. The District escaped serious damage from rain or typhoon during the year and the crops, as a whole, were very satisfactory. Two good rice crops were obtained. Sweet potatoes, vegetables and pineapples also did well; but decreased prices for produce, as well as for cattle and pigs, offset the advantages thus obtained, and caused general complaint. It was not a year of marked prosperity.
Fisheries.
20. Catches this year were no better than last, which was one of the worst on record. In addition to the poor supply, prices fell off slightly.
Ferries.
21. The Hong Kong and New Territories Ferry Company has given satisfaction. Approved schedules were adhered to, and, with the exception of the Tsuen Wan run where the effects of road competition are being felt, the ferries appear to be well patronised.
Registration of Births and Deaths.
22. The Police stations at Tsuen Wan, Cheung Chau and Tai O are the registry offices for their respective districts. Registration is proceeding satisfactorily, the numbers this year being greatly increased all round and in some cases more than double last year's figure. No great reluctance to register is now observed among the villagers and in a few years' time registration will have become a settled habit. There were a few prosecutions for non-registration in the earlier part of the year, cautions and occasionally very small fines resulting.
Sanitation.
23. Extensive street repairs to Tsuen Wan, Cheung Chau and Tai O have effected a marked change for the better in the condition of these villages. The work of the sanitary coolies has been rendered at once easier and more effective by the facing of the main thoroughfares with concrete, and whole streets are now regularly washed down and cleansed in a way hitherto impossible. The response of the villagers to these measures has been ready and gratifying, and 1934 will see the work pushed further.