ENG-1955 — Page 118

PRODUCTION

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were established in 1954, and by the close of 1955 there were 86 societies in operation. This is a record increase of 34 societies in a single year. The new ones were 2 vegetable marketing societies, 3 fishermen's thrift and loan societies, I fishermen's credit & marketing society, 21 pig-raising societies, 5 building societies, I irrigation society and I consumers' society.

There are at present 12 types of society, the functions and scale of operations of which are given here briefly.

Federation of Vegetable Marketing Societies. Registered in March 1953, the Federation was established to improve cooperation and liaison among individual vegetable market- ing societies, and to undertake a number of functions collec- tively on behalf of its 16 member-societies.

Vegetable Marketing Societies. These 16 societies collect and assist in the marketing of vegetables grown by members, and distribute loans obtained collectively from the Joseph Trust Fund. Over 61% of vegetables produced locally were marketed through them, and through farmers' collecting centres (embryo cooperative societies).

Fishermen's Thrift & Loan Societies. The first of this type was registered in September 1952, its progress being carefully watched by fishermen, who by nature are extremely cautious in adopting new ideas. It proved successful, and there are now 23 societies, the functions of which are to encourage their members to save money, and to arrange for the disbursal of loans obtained from the Fish Marketing Organization.

Fishermen's Credit & Marketing Society. Registered in August 1955 this is the first of its kind in Hong Kong. Its functions are similar to those of a thrift & loan society, but in addition it owns and operates a mechanized vessel for collecting fish on the high seas from its members, and under- takes to convey catch to market and make arrangements for sale.

Federation of Pig-Raising Societies. Registered in November 1954, the Federation was established to improve liaison among pig-raising cooperatives and assist member- societies in their contacts with Government Departments.