96
HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
telephone lines and outposts. When a fire occurs it is plotted on a map from which it can be quickly seen what action should be taken and what operation posts need to be contacted, etc. A publicity campaign appealing to the public to avoid careless fires and 'Keep Hong Kong Green' was continued. In this way it is hoped to prevent serious fire losses in future. Protection against illegal woodcutting con- tinued, but damage from this source was insignificant.
Apart from Government work in afforestation, the only large-scale forest project in the Colony is a scheme started in 1953 by the Lantao Development Company in a pre- dominantly upland area in the hinterland of Tai Pak, a small village on the east coast of Lantao. This is the Colony's first commercial venture in forestry, and its promoters are working to a ten-year programme of planting; in addition to the standard varieties, Australian hoop pine is being introduced.
The imports and re-exports of timber have increased. Local firms have their own Graders, who have completed the Grading Course set by the Singapore Forestry Commission and passed as Qualified Graders.
ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry was founded in 1950, and now consists of four divisions : Agriculture, Animal Industries, Fisheries (marine and fresh- water) and Forestry. It has expanded rapidly since 1953, and its overall policy is to protect and develop plant and animal resources. The Department gives technical advice and assist- ance to farmers, fishermen, administrators and others, and, by afforestation and the teaching and demonstration of approved farming and forestry practices, encourages the conservation of vital water supplies, soil and soil fertility. The Director of the Department is a member of the Rural