ENG-1953 — Page 102

HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT, 1953

The main functions of the Organization are the collection and transportation of fish from the fishing villages to the four wholesale markets in the urban area and the supervision of sales and financial transactions. Fish collecting depôts have been established in the main fishing villages; fishermen who send their catch through these depôts may leave their produce in the hands of the staff of the Organization who look after it until it is sold in the Market. The majority of fishermen, however, prefer to accompany their own fish to market or have a friend or agent to look after it for them. In the wholesale markets, the fish is sorted into types and grades, weighed and put up for public auction. The proceeds of sales (less a 6% commission charge which covers the cost of services provided by the Organization) may be collected by the fishermen directly after the auction, or later from their local depôt.

The main types of fresh fish sold in the wholesale markets during the year were golden thread, lizard fish, red sea bream, conger pike, hair tail and yellow croaker. The average whole- sale and retail prices of these fish are given below:

Type of Fish

Average Wholesale Price ($ per catty)

Average Retail Price ($ per catty)

Golden Thread

1.07

1.50

Lizard Fish

.56

1.00

Red Sea Bream

1.07

1.50

Conger Pike

.87

1.35

Hair Tail

.68

1.00

Yellow Croaker

1.34

1,80

76