ENG-1968 — Page 37

PROGRESS

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in contact with those government services which are readily available to their urban counterparts.

In the field of agriculture the trend continued towards the culti- vation of horticultural crops and away from rice-growing. There was evidence of increasing interest in mechanization, particularly by sprinkler irrigation. Two irrigation dams were completed, as subsidiaries to the Plover Cove Water Scheme. The improved water supplies will allow more intensive land use. There was also a signifi- cant increase in the production of poultry-principally chickens— during 1968.

The opening of the Castle Peak Wholesale Fish Market in February has improved the coverage of marketing facilities for fishermen and brings the total number of wholesale fish markets operated by the Fish Marketing Organization to six. On the techno- logical side, steady progress was also maintained in the moderni- zation of the fishing fleet. Following on from the technical lead given and the financial assistance arranged by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department, more of the modern clear-stern trawlers were built. Significantly, many were constructed without public assistance, indicating a newly-found confidence in the vessel's commercial viability.

During 1967 accurate information for members of the public was in greater demand than ever before and this need was well met from government sources by the Information Services Depart- ment and Radio Hong Kong. It was from this newly-increased demand that fresh impetus was derived and carried over into 1968. It was realized that much more could be done to meet the public's need for information, be it straightforward answers to an individual's questions or explanation and announcements about Government's progress or future planning.

The Public Enquiry Service doubled its staff and increased its number of enquiry centres from three to eight. These offices were mostly integrated within the new City District Officers' premises. Both because of their accessibility and because of the confidence which the reliability of the counter and telephone service inspired, the number of enquiries almost trebled over the previous year.

In March the Police Public Information Bureau was established to help create better understanding between the police and the