5
161
} extension of the "through" service will have to await the
arrival of more locomotives, for which a high priority
is being requested.
Staff: I would record my appreciation of the
efforts of the released prisoners-of-war and internees in
running the communal services of the Colony before the
arrival of this Branch and of the spirit of cooperation
extended to us. The local staff has returned in considerable numbers and have been reinstated in their old employment. The filling of the War Establishment has proceeded slowly
but some improvement has been shown recently.
Stores: Under the chairmanship of the Deputy
Chief Engineer, Headquarters, Land Forces, consideration has been given to requests for undertaking of work by private individuals and public companies, and priorities assigned. The stocks of materials found in the various godowns in the Colony have been listed and made available, for rehabilitation work, to the various services requiring them. Requests on the list of stores admitted by the War Office are being
presented up to the limit of shipping available.
The arrangements of the importation of large quantities of
wood for joinery, for the manufacture of furniture including office equipment and for repairs to housing, is of great importance and it should receive sustained attention.
Future Policy: In the short term phase what is
required is the rehabilitation of the native populace to enable them to cooperate in the work of restarting the indus- trial enterprises of the Colony, many of which have been at a standstill for two years or more. This rehabilitation is
progressing on physical lines but the material side lags through lack of shipping space required to bring in the machinery, raw materials and other necessities, including Transport.