V.
J2
GENERAL.
While 1917 was a bad year for the farmers, 1918 was still worse. The spring was dry till the end of May, so that there was insufficient water for the young padi, and then there was a record fall for the next three months which interfered both with the gathering of the first crop and the planting of the second.
The price of padi rose considerably towards the end of the year, but most of the profit went to the dealers rather than the farmers. In consequence many of the poorer people were reduced to living on congee and sweet potatoes instead of rice.
Of the two market centres, Tai Po had a fairly prosperous year, with a considerable demand for building sites on the reclamation but at Un Long business was bad, and in addition much damage was done by a fire among the old shops in February, whereby some 25 buildings were destroyed.
The disturbed condition of the neighbouring province had less serious consequences for the New Territories than might have been feared; such bad characters as found their way across the border came for the most part in peaceful guise, perhaps preferring to reserve their activities for Hongkong.
The demand for metals led to much prospecting, and to two new mining ventures for wolfram, one at the junction with the Southern District near Shing Mun, and one near Castle Peak.
The prevailing epidemic of influenza invaded the Territory in the autumn and caused numerous deaths.
G. N. ORME,
14th March, 1919.
District Officer.
1
V.
J 2
GENERAL.
While 1917 was a bad year for the farmers, 1918 was still worse. The spring was dry till the end of May, so that there was insufficient water for the young padi, and then there was a record fall for the next three months which interfered both with the gathering of the first crop and the planting of the second.
The price of padi rose considerably towards the end of the year, but most of the profit went to the dealers rather than the farmers. In consequence many of the poorer people were reduced to living on congee and sweet potatoes instead of rice.
:
Of the two market centres, Tai Po had a fairly prosperous year, with a considerable demand for building sites on the reclama- tion but at Un Long business was bad, and in addition much dam- age was done by a fire among the old shops in February, whereby some 25 buildings were destroyed.
The disturbed condition of the neighbouring province had less serious consequences for the New Territories than might have been feared; such bad characters as found their way across the border came for the most part in peaceful guise, perhaps pre- ferring to reserve their activities for Hongkong.
X
The demand for metals led to much prospecting, and to two new mining ventures for wolfram, one at the junction with the Southern District near Shing Mun, and one near Castle Peak.
The prevailing epidemic of influenza invaded the Territory in the autumn and caused numerous deaths.
G. N. ORME,
14th March, 1919.
District Officer.
1
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