94
HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
Further statistical data on the fishing industry are given below, under Marketing.
FORESTRY
Forestry plays a dual role in Hong Kong. In the catchment areas of the Colony's ever-expanding water supply system a thick forest cover is essential to prevent erosion and silting of reservoirs, and to promote regularity of streamflow by inducing maximum retention of water in the soil. In other areas well-managed village forests can provide the rural population with an added source of income from the sale of timber, as well as with stakes for agricultural purposes and small timber for the construction of houses and animal pens. The chief rural fuel is grass.
The Forestry Division of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry is the prime mover in all that concerns afforestation.
To meet the needs of an increased planting programme, started in 1954, the Division continued its training of senior staff and the establishment of nurseries and district forest centres. A manual of instructions for forestry staff was prepared with the aim of co-ordinating work throughout the districts; species trials continued; and plans were drawn up for establishing 1,000 acres of new plantations in 1957. At the same time efforts were made to attract villagers to the new scheme of assistance for the planting of village forestry lots, and to extend amenity planting throughout the New Territories.
Tai Lung Nursery-a new 23-acre forest nursery near Fanling the formation of which began in July 1954, has been completed. This nursery has been laid out with an integrated system of internal roads, piped water supply, nursery buildings, stores, offices and staff quarters for the economical production of 1,000,000 plants annually. Already well stocked, it is now in full production.