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We very much hope you will agree to the Governor's proposal since in framing the Estimates for the Development Secretariat it was obviously extremely difficult in this first year to consider in any deta1 what would be required. We are, however, convinced of the value of such projects as a vegetable, marketing scheme involving the monopoly of the collection, transport, and wholesale marketing of all vegetables grown in the New Territories which, once it has been started, should we are advised very soon become self- supporting. Before the war Hong Kong produced only one-fifth of the vegetables consumed in the Colony. Dr. Herklots' scheme is designed to increase, this figure very considerably. Further schemes are connected with the stepping up of production of pigs and poultry, and the conversion of urban sewage to use as agriculture fertilizer. All these are directly connected with the need to incicase local food supplies in the face of world shortage of food and of fertilizers.
This further expenditure of £15,000 for which we seek sanction includes some provision for technical staff. I enclose a copy of a further savingram received from the Governor reporting that he wishes to make a local appointment so soon as your approval is received.
Yours sincerely,
(Sgd.) A. D. BUSTON