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effect some increase in production but it is unlikely that any such increased production will appreciably lower the imports of rice required by the local market. It is customary to obtain two crops of rice from the areas irrigated with fresh water i.e. the greater part of the rice land, and one crop from poor soil areas and from those areas which though tidal, are able to be brought under cultivation during the rainy season.
Secondary crops of a general nature are sweet potatoes, ground nuts, sugar cane and fruits. These are produced on a relatively small scale and, with the exception of sugar cane, much of which is exported to Singapore, they are produced chiefly for local consumption. In recent years more attention has been given to the production, during the winter season, of both Chinese and foreign types of vegetables. With a large urban market near at hand (i.e. Victoria and Kowloon) the farmer is beginning to realize that there is money in vegetables and it is estimated that some 25% of the urban requirements during the winter months is being supplied from local sources. This production is capable of expansion and much leeway can be made up in respect to the disparity between supply and demand, which, under present conditions, is met by imports.
More interest is being taken in fruits than formerly as is shown by the acquisition of more land for this purpose by persons with capital at their disposal. There is plenty of room for expansion of this nature on the numerous hill slopes, of which the greater part of the Colony consists, and, with a large market at hand, this type of undertaking should develop. Animal husbandry does not form a large part of the agricultural activities of the Colony. Cattle are used chiefly for draught purposes, while the production of pigs and poultry though fairly wide-spread is on a very small scale in comparison with the local market for such products. The possibilities of local dairy farm, poultry and vegetable enterprises are exemplified by the increasing number of such concerns run by people with capital. This is considered an encouraging sign.
Several commercial firms have been started in recent years to supply the demand among the well-to-do for vegetables which can safely be eaten raw and for better type farm produce in general. These ventures have met with success but their total production and market are at present small.
Cheap manure is one of the most urgent needs of the New Territories farmer at the present time. In this connection measures are under consideration for cheapening the supply of manure by improving the efficiency of the transport of the urban supplies to the rural districts. The general agricultural possibilities of the Colony, together with associated questions of social service and nutrition, have also been the subject of recent investigations by Government.
The New Territories Agricultural Association, founded in 1927, endeavours to demonstrate to farmers the possibilities of improved methods of cultivation. With the improvement in the status of the farmer and in his share in the urban market the value of such demonstration will steadily grow. The possibilities of the Association's premises at Fanling as a centre of co-operation and instruction are also important.
Shipbuilding.
The shipbuilding and ship repairing industry is the largest manufacturing industry in the Colony. The three main yards are, respectively, the property of the Hong Kong & Whampoa Dock Co., Ltd., the Taikoo Dockyard & Engineering Co., Ltd., and W.S. Bailey & Co., Ltd. These three firms were responsible for a total new tonnage of 24,081 gross tons completed during 1939 (compared with 12,426 gross tons in 1938), and for 14,644 gross tons under construction at the end of the year. The latter figure includes vessels building for British, Norwegian, Danish and Philippine owners. The two largest ships ever built in the Colony M.V. Breconshire and M.V. Glenorchy each of 8,982 gross tons have been completed and delivered