J 3
1931 to 122 acres in 1932. This growth is said to be due to the arrival of the ex-Shing Mun villagers who are now persuading their neighbours to take up this form of land-cultivation. The price dropped from $4 to $2 per picul after the passing of regulations during the cholera epidemic forbidding the sale of sliced fruit, pineapple being largely sold cut-up. Efforts so far have failed to persuade persons to start a canning industry in this District. Those who might be expected to undertake it state that there is insufficient fruit grown during the year to supply a factory. They are also not hopeful of being able to compete successfully with the factories in Hong Kong, Kowloon and Canton.
GENERAL.
17. Rainfall for the year was average though no heavy rain fell until June and in consequence the first rice crop was poor. The second crop was very good and this probably accounts for the remarkable promptitude with which Crown Rent was paid, a sum of $45 only being outstanding in a sum of $93,882.59.
18. The year was considered fairly good for the fisheries industry but it is claimed that profits made were not large owing to the high cost of kerosene used in bright light fishing and also the heavy customs duty payable on the export of dried fish into China.
19. The electric light supply has been extended to Sheung Shui, Fanling and Un Long. Before very long it will have reached Castle Peak and Shataukok. It is proving very popular in the market-towns but few villages are, as yet, using electricity.
20. The telephone service is not availed of to any great extent by the Chinese in the District. The majority of them being people with small means they doubtless consider the rates too high.
21. Work was in progress on the building of a storage tank for water at Taipo Market and when completed should bring a very welcome increase in pressure in the mains. Un Long still awaits a proper water-supply but it is expected that before very long some move will be made in this direction. At present it is dependent on a number of small wells which are situated well outside the market and which are not very clean.
22. The Annual Agricultural Show was held at Sheung Shui on 3rd and 4th December, 1932 and was opened by the Honourable Colonial Secretary Mr. W. T. Southorn, C.M.G. The number of exhibits was slightly less than last year but, generally speaking, they were of a high standard. The farmers appear to be taking greater interest in producing better food-products and large numbers of them attended the Show.
Page 270
Page 271
J 3
1931 to 122 acres in 1932. This growth is said to be due to the arrival of the ex-Shing Mun villagers who are now persuading their neighbours to take up this form of land-cultivation. The price dropped from $4 to $2 per picul after the passing of regulations during the cholera epidemic forbidding the sale of sliced fruit, pineapple being largely sold cut-up. Efforts so far have failed to persuade persons to start a canning industry in this District. Those who might be expected to undertake it state that there is insufficient fruit grown during the year to supply a factory. They are also not hopeful of being able to compete successfully with the factories in Hong Kong, Kowloon and Canton.
GENERAL.
17. Rainfall for the year was average though no heavy rain fell until June and in consequence the first rice crop was poor. The second crop was very good and this probably accounts for the remarkable promptitude with which Crown Rent was paid, a sum of $45 only being outstanding in a sum of $93,882.59.
18. The year was considered fairly good for the fisheries industry but it is claimed that profits made were not large owing to the high cost of kerosene used in bright light fishing and also the heavy customs duty payable on the export of dried fish into China.
19. The electric light supply has been extended to Sheung Shui, Fanling and Un Long. Before very long it will have reached Castle Peak and Shataukok. It is proving very popular in the market-towns but few villages are, as yet, using electricity.
20. The telephone service is not availed of to any great extent by the Chinese in the District. The majority of them being people with small means they doubtless consider the rates too high.
21. Work was in progress on the building of a storage tank for water at Taipo Market and when completed should bring a very welcome increase in pressure in the mains. Un Long still awaits a proper water-supply but it is expected that before very long some move will be made in this direction. At present it is dependent on a number of small wells which are situated well outside the market and which are not very clean.
22. The Annual Agricultural Show was held at Sheung Shui on 3rd and 4th December, 1932 and was opened by the Honour- able Colonial Secretary Mr. W. T. Southorn, C.M.G. The num- ber of exhibits was slightly less than last year but, generally speaking, they were of a high standard. The farmers appear to be taking greater interest in producing better food-products and large numbers of them attended the Show.
Page 270Page 271
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.