77
18.
A Statistical Branch has been provided for under
Head 2. This has been placed under the control of Mr. W. G.
Wormal who was transferred from Nigeria as Statistical
Officer during the Planning Unit phase. This officer has
hitherto been employed in the Supplies, Trade and Industry
Department and it has only now been possible to release
him for the duties for which he was appointed. During the
Planning Unit stage an order was placed for a "Hollerith"
machine for use in this Colony, and after a great many
difficulties this machine is at last in operation.
Unfortunately, the nearest servicing facilities for this
type of machine are situated in Calcutta and it remains
to be seen whether the locally-trained mechanics will be
able to maintain it in operation. If a major breakdown
occurs, the expense of obtaining a qualified mechanic
from Calcutta will be heavy.
19.
The Development Secretariat and its various
sub-departments - agriculture, forestry, fisheries and
gardens
-
continues to expand, and the nett increase in
expenditure over the 1946/47 figure amounts to $263,826.
In place of the single post of Agricultural Officer, to
which no substantive appointment. was made during 1946/47,
provision has been included for a Senior Agricultural
Officer of some years' experience and for an officer with
special experience in animal husbandry. Separate
communications have been addressed to you in regard to the
filling of these posts and it is felt that the appointment
of an Agricultural Officer with special qualifications in
animal husbandry will be of great benefit to the New
Territories. Provision has been made for the establishment
of a Pig and Cattle Station and for the further development
of the Agricultural Experimental Station. It is also