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against the disturbance of the peace by land and sea has brought quiet and protection to a community hitherto subject to frequent attacks from gangs of armed robbers and pirates.
3. Since Mr. Lockhart returned to Hong Kong in July, the work of the New Territory has been carried on by Messrs. Messer, Kemp, and Hallifax, three cadets who are carrying out their instructions in a most satisfactory manner.
4. It remains to be seen to what extent the New Territory can be developed. Much depends upon the possibility of producing succulent grasses or trees of commercial value upon the hill slopes. If the former, there is no reason why a very valuable cattle breeding industry should not develop. Mr. Ford is about to try some experiments with camphor trees and vines. Either could be a valuable addition to the resources of the Colony. No systematic examination of the Territory for minerals has yet been made. Silver exists in Lantau island, where some years ago a considerable sum was expended on a silver mine by a Chinese Syndicate. Kaolin of good quality is found on the mainland, and examination of the rocks that replace the granite in various districts may result in the discovery of payable mines.
5. It will be necessary to complete the main road through Tai-po-hui to the frontier. This and the completion of the police stations and quarters for the staff at Tai-po-hui are the only Public Works that I contemplate at present. Later on, it will be necessary to make practicable roads between Tai-po-hui and Deep Bay and Castle Peak Bay. The existing roads are not even bridle paths, being mere footpaths zigzagging over the narrow divisions between the paddy fields.
8.
479
against the disturbance of the peace by land and sea has brought quiet and protection to a community hitherto subject to frequent attacks from gangs of armed robbers and pirates.
3. Since Mr. Lockhart retur to HongKong in
July the work of the New Territory has been carried on by Messrs. Messer, Kemp and Hallifax, three cadets who are carrying out their instructions in a most satisfactory manner.
4. It remains to be seen to what extent the New Territory can be developed. Much depends upon the possibility of producing succulent grasses or trees of commercial value upon the hill slopes. If the former, there is no reason why a very valuable cattle breeding industry should not develop. Mr. Ford is about to try some experiments with camphor trees and vines. Either could be a valuable addition to the resources of the Colony. No systematic examination of the Territory for ainerals has yet been made. Silver exists in Lantau island where some years ago à considerable sum was expended on a silver mine by a Chinese Syndicate. Kaolin of good quality is found on the mainland, and examination of the rocks that replace the granite in various districts may result in the discovery of payable
mines.
5. It will be necessary to complete the main road through Taipo-hui to the frontier. This and the con-
pletion of the police stations, and quarters for the staff at
Taipo hui are the only Public Works that I contemplate åt
present.. Later on it will be necessary to make practicable
roads between Taipo-hui and Deep Bay and Castle Peak Bay. The existing roads are not even bridle paths, being mere footpaths
zigzagging over the narrow divisions between the paddy fields.
8.
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