J 13
P'ing Chau. The island has had a bad year.
The building slump decreased the demand for lime, and early in 1925 a reduction of the price paid for coral led to a strike of coral dredgers. Two months after this was settled a trivial dispute gave the pretext for a fierce clan fight between the Hakkas and Hoklos, which was duly followed by police court proceedings; and a month later the boycott caused the shutting down of all the kilns for two or three months. Since September some have reopened, but conditions are not yet normal.
Ts'ün Wan. The padi crops were much better than in 1924; sweet potatoes and pineapples show a decrease. Fisheries were much better than last year, and better prices were obtained. The boycott has affected certain industries adversely, but has brought increased profits to many. Fish, farm produce, pineapples and firewood brought increased prices, pigs in particular being sold in large numbers and at high rates. The vermilion and white lead business has been helped by the boycott, while ginger and preserves factories have greatly increased their output. The Tsing Yi limekilns have been adversely affected, and two large kilns have closed, so that the lime output is only half that of 1924. Beancurd, sandalwood powder, soy and spirits all show a slight decline in output, though prices were maintained at last year's level. A plaster factory run by an American company is now in operation on the reclamation in front of the village.
Cases of theft of vegetables from gardens occurred during the strike.
There was little crime during the year.
Work on the Shing Mun access road, begun in 1924, continued throughout the year. This road when completed will give easy access to one of the most beautiful valleys in the New Territory.
Lamma. The island has been peaceful and the crops good, with the exception of bananas. A small number of cattle were exported to Hongkong during the strike when prices were good.
14th June, 1926.
W. Schofield, District Officer, South.
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J 13
P'ing Chau. The island has had a bad year.
The building slump decreased the demand for lime, and early in 1925 a reduction of the price paid for coral led to a strike of coral dredgers. Two months after this was settled a trivial dispute gave the pretext for a fierce clan fight between the Hakkas and Hoklos, which was duly followed by police court proceedings; and a month later the boycott caused the shutting down of all the kilns for two or three months. Since September some have reopened, but conditions are not yet normal.
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Ts'ün Wan. The padi crops were much better than in 1924; sweet potatoes and pineapples show a decrease. Fisheries. were much better than last year, and better prices were obtained. The boycott has affected certain industries adversely, but has brought increased profits to many. Fish, farm produce, pine- apples and firewood brought increased prices, pigs in particular being sold in large numbers and at high rates. The vermilion and white lead business has been helped by the boycott, while ginger and preserves factories have greatly increased their output. The Tsing Yi limekilns have been adversely affected, and two large kilns have closed, so that the lime output is only half that of 1924. Beancurd, sandalwood powder, soy and spirits all show a slight decline in output, though prices were maintained at last year's level. A plaster factory run by an American company is now in operation on the reclamation in front of the village.
Cases of theft of
There was little crime during the year. vegetables from gardens occurred during the strike.
Work on the Shing Mun access road, begun in 1924, continued throughout the year. This road when completed will give easy access to one of the most beautiful valleys in the New Territory.
Lamma. The island has been peaceful and the crops good, with the exception of bananas. A small number of cattle were exported to Hongkong during the strike when prices were good.
14th June, 1926.
W. SCHOFIEld, District Officer, South.
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