5
Mr.Mayle.
We discussed.
I have now seen the Hong Kong Annual Report for
1946. On pp 29-32 the establishment of the treb
Fisheries Synuicates is described and the growth
of the " Fisneries Co-operative". in effect it is
a compulsory marketing scheme combined with a Loan
scheme through the Syndicates to inuiviqual lisner-
men and stores depots for the sale of rice,1lour
salt etc. Thrift is also being attempted.
The co-operative marketing of vegetables anu the
proposed extension is aescribed on pp 34-35 UI the
heport. From this and i)
irompara 4 01 the despatch
it appears that the Government is going in for
Co-operation in a big way, inspired, probably to
some extent, by the success of the movement in China. I have not been able to trace in une Library any
Law dealing with Co-operative Societies.
2. As regards the kegistrar I consulteu Merauyan
of the 0.w.5. He holus the view that no-one from the
Co-operative movement here would be suitable for the peculiar conditions of Hong Kong and that it would be better to train up an Auninistrative Officer witn knowleage of the local conuitions.I agree anu il this view is accepted by igner authority/the question is whether the Government is willing to spare an Aumin- istrative Oficer or training at this time. If they really mean business they shoulu au 50. In view of the special conuitions I do not know 01 any serving officer who would be suitable, apart from vile uifficulty of a two year seconament. In similar circunstances oiner Governments have selected one ol their own officers to be trained and this suggestion may be put to Sir. A. Grantham when he i. in ime oflice next week? If ne can spare the time when he
is in the office 101 a short tala witn me on unis
question I shall be very grateful. It is a most
important development.