CAB11-57-2 — Page 86

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Lime burningt is an important industry, coral and oyster-shells being burnt in the place of lime-stone. The largest lime-burning works seen were near Castle Peak Bay, where coal obtained from Hong Kong was being used as fuel. Lime was also being burnt at Taipò Hü, Shat'au Kok, Sha Tin, Ts'ün Wán, P'ing Shán, and other places visited. It is understood that a great deal of the lime used in Hong Kong is imported from the San On district.

The manufacture of bricks and the quarrying of stones enable the inhabitants to obtain building material at a cheap rate.

Salt is manufactured in several places. Salt pans were seen at Shat'au Kok and Castle Peak Bay.

The indigo grown in the district is used for dyeing cloth, both men and women being engaged in the work of dyeing.

Boatbuilding is carried on. A boatbuilding shed was seen on the shores of Mirs Bay.*

A large establishment exists near Ts'ün Wán for the manufacture of joss-powder, out of which joss-sticks, used in the worship of idols, are made. The powder is made from fragrant wood, which is pounded into dust by means of water-wheels, six of which were seen at work.

Although there is a large force of water throughout the territory available for water-power, this is the only instance in which we saw water utilised for manufacturing purposes.

Ropes and nets are manufactured out of the hemp which was observed growing in various places.

One village we visited was engaged entirely in the manufacture of pottery, the clay for which is found in the mountain immediately above the village. The villagers are said to have learned the art of manufacturing pottery from an Italian missionary who formerly resided amongst them.

In almost every village is carried on the rearing of pigs, large numbers of which are exported annually.

Pine trees are grown, and cut down for firewood, which is an important article of export.

Poultry breeding and fruit growing for the Hong Kong market form lucrative occupations for many villages.

With the introduction of capital, which is sure to follow when the territory comes under British occupation, and with that feeling of greater security which just govern- ment is bound to inspire, the present industries will be greatly developed, and new industries will be created.

PRESENT ROADS AND BRIDGES.

ROADS.

There are no roads in the ordinary acceptation of that term in the territory. Communication between the villages and market towns is effected by means of foot- paths, which are about five feet wide, paved with slabs of granite. Through the land under cultivation the paths are merely the ridges between adjacent fields. The paths across the hill ranges have been traced with care, and at fairly easy gradients. At all crossings stones are erected informing travellers which road to follow to reach such centres as Sham Chun, Ün Long, and Kowloon. On Map II. the routes traversed by the Commission are shown, as well as some other paths, the general direction of which has been ascertained.

BRIDGES.

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Crossings over all the small streams are effected by means of huge blocks of stone. The wider streams are crossed by bridges. The largest bridge we saw is near Taipò Hü. It is well constructed of some 10 or 12 spans, 15 feet in width. The piers are of good masonry in mortar; the platform is constructed of granite slabs, laid side by side, 18 to 20 feet in length, and there is a handrail of iron bars. In the same locality there is another bridge,† of similar construction, consisting of three spans of 15 feet each.

* See Photographs, Album I., No. 28. See Photographs, Album I., No. 21.

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