M (1) 9
15. GENERAL.
Food Control. The outbreak of war in Europe in September made it necessary for the Government to control food supplies and the prices at which certain foodstuffs were sold. The Chairman, Urban Council, was appointed Controller of Food and with the assistance of a Prices Board the prices of the main foodstuffs are kept to a reasonable level above the prices charged by retailers prior to the outbreak of hostilities.
Pigsties in Kowloon.-Pigsties situated on sites which were at one time well beyond the residential area in Kowloon had become a danger to the health of the community as the city grew and houses were built round the area occupied by the sties. The Council decided to issue no new licences for the Kowloon and New Kowloon urban area, and to abolish all unlicensed sties. In spite of strenuous opposition by the sty owners all unlicensed sties in these areas were finally cleared away. Over 200 prosecutions had to be undertaken to enforce the decision of the Council.
Central Market. The rebuilding of the new Central Market was completed during the year and on 1st July, 1939, it was opened for business. The building was designed with the most modern improvements and applications for stall spaces were much greater than could be met. Very high rents were offered and later in the year many stalls were given up as stallholders found the amount of rent offered was more than businesses could afford. The stalls were re-let at lower rents. The market contains 285 stalls, for the sale of Beef and Mutton 40, for Pork 62, for Poultry 45, for Fish 57, for Fruit 31 and for Vegetables 50.
Office accommodation and quarters for the market staff are provided on the top floor.
16. ANNEXE.
A report by the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon is shown as an annexe.
15th March, 1940.
W. J. CARRIE,
Chairman, Urban Council.
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