CO129-473 - Individuals - 1921 — Page 337

TRANSPORT OF FODDER.

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ACCOUNTS OFFICE

INTERIOR OF GRAIN STORE.

Besides the above increases, the Company spends about $24,000 per annum in working up-to-date appliances for the benefit of milk consumers which did not exist in 1902. Indeed, it has ever been the aim of the Com- pany, as stated in its original prospectus, to keep the price of milk as low as possible so as to bring it within the reach of all classes. The foregoing table shows that had the same increases in the cost of raw material taken place in any other kind of business that wished to keep out of the bankruptcy court, an increase in the selling prices of their products could not have been avoided. In this instance, it may be emphasised, the selling price of milk has been the same for the past eighteen years and this has only been made possible by the selection of the very best dairy stock obtainable, which has obviated the necessity of advancing the price in sympathy with the It may rise in all charges in connection with the production of the milk. therefore fairly be claimed that the Company has been a real public benefactor and just as much as the general public it has been gratified that it has been able to continue supplying milk at the old moderate price throughout the War. Specially it has to be noted that the Company's milk is the only item of food supply in Hong Kong that was not advanced in price during the War.

THE FARM.

After the preceding general survey of the Company's development and activities, a more detailed account of the operations of the various departments will be of interest.

The Central Farm is at Mains of Pokfulum, on the South-west sides of the Island, about four miles from the Town Depôt. It is 500 feet above sea level and receives the full benefit of every breeze in summer-time. So steep and rocky is the ground that despite the height above sea level being as stated, the distance direct to the shore is only about 350 yards. In the early days all foodstuffs and building materials had to be carried by coolies from the seashore to the top of the hill, a very costly process which entailed a great deal of supervision to prevent theft in transit. The difficulty was eventually eliminated by the erection of an electrically driven overhead ropeway some 600 yards in length, a convenient connection thus being established between the commodious foodstuff stores on the farm and the wharf and godown by the sea.

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