IIO
HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
with considerable success. The plant processes carcases condemned as unfit for human consumption (and which would otherwise be burned), and from these recovers meat and bone meal, animal grease, and small quantities of hoof and horn meal. There is a steady market for these products. The meat and bone meal, in particular, has proved such a boon to poultry farmers that the marketing of this commodity is now undertaken by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Pest Control is a responsibility of the Urban Services Department. In addition to routine pest control activities, work was completed on the testing of certain repellent formulations for use against troublesome biting midges (Lasiohelea stimulans). It was found that a stearate cream containing 70% di-methyl-phthalate and 30% zinc stearate will give good protection, for at least 3 hours after applica- tion, against both biting midges and the abundant mosquito pest, Aedes albopictus. Other development work completed included the introduction of a special bait base mixture and bait containers for use with warfarin (an anti-coagulant rodenticide), thus making possible the use of this highly effective material against domestic rodents.
Parks and Gardens
The Gardens Division of the Urban Services Department is concerned with practical horticulture and botanical work. The horticultural section is responsible for maintaining and developing the Botanic Gardens and the grounds of Government House, public recreation areas and children's playgrounds in the urban areas, most grounds of government schools, offices, hospitals, and quarters, and the grassed areas of the Airport. Responsibility for amenity tree-planting in streets on Hong Kong Island was transferred to the Division during the year. In the upkeep of these areas, which now total about 410 acres, a regular force of 190 gardeners, park- keepers, groundsmen and tree workers is engaged, with the help of a further 194 unskilled seasonal workers.
The horticultural section has four main nurseries for the production of ornamental plants to supply the needs of the Division, and for sale to the public. Several thousand plants are grown in pots each year for official decoration purposes, and for non-competitive displays at agricultural and horticultural shows. It was a good year for chrysanthemums; several plants were displayed at Government House, each