J (1) 2
GENERAL.
13. Once again the mainland had a more satisfactory year than the islands, Tsun Wan being particularly prosperous. The introduction of unavoidable war-time measures affected both transport and fishing.
14.
AGRICULTURE.
Unfavourable weather conditions resulted in rice crops being only moderate, though two quite good crops were obtained on Lamma, and a fairly good first crop on Lantao.
Pineapple again had a poor year.
15. Towards the end of the year free distributions of manure under the direction of the Special Commissioner for the extension of agriculture were made with a view to increasing vegetable production.
16.
FISHERIES.
The existing difficulties were increased by the necessity of laying mine-fields in some areas, Lamma and Cheung Chau being principally affected.
17. The following table gives the approximate figures for the catches during the year at Tai O:-
Catch Price per picul 1938 1939 1938 1939 Ma Yau 80 piculs 40 piculs $17.50 $20.00 Herring 2,000 3,000 $13.00 $7.00 Wong Fa Shrimps 14,750 2,900 $10.50 $11.00 12,510 J 2,500 $10.00 $12.00 JThe herring catch increased again, but the price fell heavily. For the other fish the prices all showed some increase.
Fairly good catches were made off Tsun Wan and the price improved.
TRANSPORT.
18. The buses on the mainland continued to be crowded. Up till the autumn ferry services were maintained fairly satisfactorily.
As a result of wartime measures ferries to Cheung Chau had to go by East Lamma Channel, taking about two hours as against one hour by the normal route. Up to the end of the year only two journeys a day each way were being made, only one ferry being in use. The service to Tai O was also affected to some extent, but the Ping Chau-Silver Mine Bay and Tsun Wan-Tsing I services were maintained as usual, and were well patronised.
REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS.
19. Altogether 1,018 births and 872 deaths were registered in Tai O, Cheung Chau and Tsun Wan compared with totals of 846 and 762 in 1938.
PUBLIC HEALTH.
20. Except for the beach coolie at Cheung Chau and for some coolies still employed by the kaifong there, the scavenging staff was transferred to the medical department. Sanitary inspectors were appointed at the beginning of the year. As a result of these measures there was a definite improvement in conditions.