J 2
4. As was to be expected, the number of deaths in unusual circumstances, 216, was easily the greatest recorded. Most of the subjects were needy refugees, including a number of children. Of the latter, there was not a noticeable preponderance of females over males. Deaths again occurred on the roads and railway, and in the mine at Lin Ma Hang. 27 death inquiries were held, as against an average of under 5 for the years 1929-1936.
5. The diminution in the number of small debts cases was due to a stricter classification, whereby some cases hitherto falling under this head were transferred to the Land Court.
LAND AND AGRICULTURE.
Statistics regarding the sale, etc., of crown land are shown in Appendix X.
In last year's report reference was made to "a marked rise in the value of land throughout the district." In the year under review the value was well maintained, and there is reason to hope that for some years yet the demand for crown land will not weaken. Yuen Long New Market, in particular, shows signs of expanding rapidly. More deeds were registered than in 1938, and there was a greater increase in the fees paid.
7. The land resumed was for extending the forestry reserve at Tai Po Kau, and widening the road to the Volunteer Camp at Fan Ling and the main road at Shek Wu Hui.
8. There was no slackening, of course, in the demand for housing, and landlords did well. There were a number of evictions, but landlords appear to be aware that though the Prevention of Eviction Ordinance, 1938, does not apply to the New Territories, it might be applied to its urban areas if the need were shown, and this apprehension acts as a useful brake.
9. The farmers were once again very lucky in their weather. There was considerable rain earlier than usual, in March; and April, with a rainfall nearly three times the normal, ensured abundance of water for the first crop of padi. Rain again fell propitiously for the second crop, and conditions were good for both harvests, which were exceptionally satisfactory. Rice-in-husk averaged $5.50 a picul. The small typhoon of the 23rd of November, though it damaged vegetables to an estimated extent of $14,000, ensured a sufficiency of water for the winter. Prices for vegetables and livestock were good, and farmers, gardeners and breeders had a satisfactory year. Sai Kung and Tai Po had 20% more rain than Lok Ma Chau and Ping Shan.
10. The great demand for firewood in the Colony led, as was expected, to an increase in the demand for licences for afforestation. Illicit cutting also continued on a large scale.
11. Sea-fishing continued to be handicapped by the Sino-Japanese conflict, and the exportation of dried fish ceased. The oyster harvest was unsatisfactory, because, it seems, lack of rain early in the winter, resulting in excessive saltness of the water in Deep Bay, stunted their growth and spoilt their quality.
12. There were 144 disputes in the Land Court, as against 127 and 91 in the two previous years, but the increase, being chiefly due to the stricter classification mentioned in paragraph 5 above, was more apparent than real.
These cases are the most troublesome part of a District Officer's work, and may be long and complex. They are apt to recur, too, after lying dormant for a decade or longer.