ENG-1956 — Page 130

100

HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

at its markets. Its operations ensure that the fishermen obtain fair prices and a stable market for their catches: consumers also benefit through the cheap and efficient services which are provided. The Fish Marketing Organization is a non- Government body, although one or two of its more senior officials, including the head of the Organization (the Director of Marketing) are Civil Servants. The Organization is so devised that it could, at some future date, become a co- operative undertaking. During the year new legislation, the Fish Products (Marketing) Ordinance, 1956, was introduced to put the Organization on a proper statutory basis (See Chapter 12).

}

The Fish Marketing Organization was established shortly after the re-occupation of Hong Kong, in October 1945, and now operates five wholesale fish markets. These are estab- lished at Aberdeen and Shaukiwan on the Island of Hong Kong, at Yaumati in Kowloon, and at Tai Po and Sha Tau Kok in the New Territories. A total of eight fish-collecting depots and posts have also been set up in the main fishing villages, and from these the Organization provides sea and land transport to the wholesale markets.

At the markets, the Organization's staff sorts the fish into species and sizes, weighs it and prepares it in lots for sale by public auction. Fishermen may collect the proceeds of their sales directly after the sale has taken place or, if they prefer, the Organization will send the money back to the nearest depot or post. As an additional service in the market- ing procedure, the Organization provides free transportation for buyers to their place of business in the urban areas.

The following species of marine fish were marketed in greatest quantity during 1956:

Average Whole- Piculs Tons sale price in ¢

per catty

Golden Thread NEMIPTERUS VIRGATUS

(Houttuyn)

89,206 5,310

87

Conger Pike

MARAENESOX ARABICUS (Schneider)

42,805 2,548

56