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III. Production.
FORESTRY, AGRICULTURE AND BOTANY,
Formation of Pine Tree plantations.-Increased areas were dealt with during the year. Pinus Massoniana sowings in situ amounted to 197,476. Suitable areas were broadcasted with 995 pounds of Pinus Massoniana and 129 pounds of Leucaena glauca, the latter being tried for the first time. Other experimental sowings were made with Pinus insularis, Cunninghamia sinensis, Acacia pennata and Acacia confusa.
Insect Pests. Pine Tree Caterpillars (Eutricha punctata) ap- peared in the pine plantations in many parts of the Colony. June was a particularly bad month, weather conditions being ideal for the pests. The total amount collected and destroyed in all parts of the Colony was 14,637 pounds.
Protection from Fire.-Fires were again numerous but fortunately no serious damage was done to Government plantations. Little or no assistance in dealing with fires was given by village people living within short distances of the burnt areas. The usual clearing of fire barriers was carried out.
Agriculture. A general exhibit of foreign vegetables was staged at the first New Territories Agricultural Show which was held at Sheung Shui on November 7th and 8th.
More interest is now displayed in the cultivation of both foreign and native vegetables for local consumption, this is chiefly due to increased motor transport and the communication between the Hong Kong markets and the New Territories villages, which was established during the labour troubles and consequent shortage of fresh vegetables during 1925.
Inspection of Nursery Stock-Eleven consignments of bulbs of Narcissus Tazetta were inspected during the year, of these four con- signments totalling 57,106 bulbs were exported to the United States of America and Honolulu; seven consignments totalling 177,810 bulbs were exported to Britain and British Colonies.
Small consignments of fruits, dried legumes and vegetables were inspected before being exported to the Philippine Islands by local firms.
Seed Collection.-Seeds of the following were collected for local use and for the purpose of exchange:—Casuarina equisetifolia, Cuninghamia sinensis, Glyptostrobus heterophyllus, Leucaena glauca, Bauhinia variegata, Cassia fistula, Tristania conferta, Sterculia lanceolata, Ficus retusa, Callistemon lanceolata, Garcinia oblongifolia, Melia Azedarach, Callistemon rigidus, Cinnamomum Camphora, Poinciana regia, Aleurites Fordii, Aleurites montana, Aleurites triloba, Acacia pennata and Pinus Massoniana.
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FISHERIES.
A considerable proportion of the boat population of Hong Kong supports itself by deep-sea fishing, in which pursuit a large number Gi junks are engaged. The villages of Aberdeen, Stanley, Shaukiwan, and also many in the New Territories, are largely dependent upon this industry for their prosperity. Fresh water fish is imported from Canton and the West River. There are oyster beds of considerable value in Deep Bay.
MINING.
The mineral resources of the Colony are small and little mining was done in 1927.
MANUFACTURES,
Sugar. The higher prices of Raw and Refined that prevailed towards the close of 1926 were not maintained. A break commenced early in 1927 and prices continued to fall practically throughout the year closing at the end of December about the lowest. The reason for this market weakness was principally disappointing consumption both in United States of America and United Kingdom and invisible supplies · of sugars in excess of expectations while the reduction in Cuban output t■ 4,000,000 tons against 4,500,000 tons for 1926 was offset by a European Beet Crop of 8,100,000 tons for 1927-28 against 6,860,000 tions for 1926-27.
Rope Making. The demand for Manila cordage for 1927 was restricted owing to the depression in Shipping and the political trouble in China.
SHIPBUILDING,
Six ocean-going vessels were built in 1927, the largest being of 562 gross tons; one river vessel of 1,068 gross tons and some twenty launches, motor boats and lighters were also built.
IV. Trade and Economics.
Trade suffered throughout the year from the disturbed condition of China but the establishment in Canton of a more settled Govern- ment and the restoration of friendly relations between Canton and Hong Kong brought about a marked improvement at the close of 1927 warranting confidence in the speedy disappearance of the effects cf the strike and boycott of 1925.
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