23. Taipo Kau Forestry Reserve.-Young trees of Artocarpus integrifolia, raised from seed sown in situ, were badly damaged by rodents; Trees of economic value, to the number of 2,567 were raised in the nursery and planted in groups in the most suitable portion of the reserve; three thousand cuttings of Cunninghamia sinensis, collected from trees in various parts of the Colony, were planted in the nursery.
24. Trees of Acacia confusa, planted in 1928, produced seeds for the first time.
25. The service path in the highest portion of the reserve was extended.
26. Trees Felled.-Large areas of Pinus Massoniana and indigenous trees were cleared in connection with the formation of reservoir and catchment areas, building sites, roads and other public works.
27. The demolition of a portion of the City Hall and the erection of adjoining new buildings, necessitated the removal of the two old Cotton Trees (Bombax malabaricum) and one old Banyan from the open space in front of the Hall; in connection with road widening and other work made necessary by increased vehicular traffic, 57 large shade trees, in various parts of the Colony were removed.
28. Forest Guards Services.-Damage by theft of Pine trees was heaviest at Tin Wan, Aberdeen, Cheung Sha Wan and Quarry Bay: one case of theft of large native oaks occurred at Tai Tung. The trees in this case were recovered. Numerous cases of Pine needle raking occurred in all districts. The damage caused by this practice, which is mainly carried on by children, who are sent out by their parents, is one of the greatest obstacles to successful reafforestation with which the Department has to deal.
29. The total number of persons arrested and charged with various forestry offences by Forest Guards was 150, of these 139 were convicted and fined or sentenced to terms of imprisonment. The Police arrested 230 persons and 226 were convicted. Ten persistent offenders were banished.
30. Protection of Plantations.-All fire barriers and forestry paths were cleared and repaired, the total length of paths dealt with was 43 miles and barriers 58 miles. At the request of the Military Authorities, the existing barriers on Mount Davis were increased in width from 10 to 20 feet, one new barrier was made on the same area. The service path on Mount Collinson was extended by 2,300 feet. This path was connected to the Shek O Road by a new path 1,040 feet in length. 54 new barriers were made round isolated graves on hillsides in various parts of the Colony.