ENG-1953 — Page 107

PRODUCTION

The main work of the department since the promulgation of the Co-operative Societies Ordinance, in 1951, has been concerned with the primary producers, the fishermen and the farmers.

At first, the fostering of co-operation among the conserva- tive fishermen proved to be difficult. However, in 1952, a group of purse-seiner fishermen in the Tai Po area were per- suaded to form a credit society and the progress of this society was followed closely by fishermen of other districts. Such was the success attained by this society that soon several groups of fishermen were wanting similar societies. During the year, ten more fishermen's Credit Societies were formed.

Progress among the vegetable farmers continued steadily and it is notable that, by the end of the year, some 45% to 50% of the vegetable produce of the Colony was being handled through Co-operative Societies and farmers Collecting Centres. The Vegetable Marketing Co-operative Societies have formed a Federation; this was another important milestone in the endeavour to make the Vegetable Marketing Organization fully Co-operative.

The Boar Service Co-operative Societies are popular and the demand for such societies is steady. The formation of these societies has been greatly helped as a result of the Agricultural Department's giving a boar free of charge to each group.

Two Thrift and Loan Societies were formed among salaried workers during the year. It is expected that this type of society will become popular among Government servants and other salaried staff in the Colony.

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