4.
3
Requests have recently been made for the extension
73
ENY
of co-operative undertakings to urban areas and moves are now being
made towards the formation of industrial and consumer co-operatives.
While the present staff is perhaps capable of dealing with the
rural work, there is no qualified officer in any Government department
who can advise, plan and co-ordinate these developments with reference
to the urban areas or who can administer the co-operative legislation
when passed. If chaos is to be avoided and the movement guided
on the right lines, the services of an expert are essential.
importance of this is emphasised by the peculiar economic and
political situation in which the Colony is now placed.
The
5.
My view is that a Registrar of Co-operatives should be
seconded to Hong Kong for a period of one or two years to inaugurate
the work and to advise as to the staff required for its furtherance.
It is pertinent to mention that the co-operative movement in England
has grown up in the crowded urban districts amongst communities
largely composed of wage earners. In Hong Kong conditions are
similar and it would seem that the type of man needed as Registrar
in the early stages should be familiar with work in crowded cities.
Although the main duty of the Registrar would be to further the
establishment of urban co-operatives, the whole field of co-operative
work both rural and urban requires to be correlated to achieve
success.
6.
Your circular despatch of 20th March, 1946, on the
development of the co-operative movement in the Colonies is being
closely studied and the necessary legislation is being prepared. I
shall be therefore grateful for your early advice as to the possibility
of finding a suitable candidate on secondment for the post of Registrar
and for your suggestions as to what would be an appropriate salary
scale, in the event of your agreeing to such an appointment.
RECEIVED
21 MAR (947
G. O. REC
See (g)
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
=(g)
Mark Loung
GOVERNOR.
62