- 5 -
23
11.
12.
(d) EXTENSION OF IRRIGATION.
Considerable areas of land fell into disuse in recent years, especially during the Japanese occupation, due to neglect of water channels, consequent on the shortage of materials, labour and capital for their repair and to the great depletion in draught cattle. Though it is believed that in 1947 probably more acreage is under rice than ever before in the history of the Colony, there still remains land which could be brought into cultivation. It is thought that by the construction of small dams and irrigation canals in the upper valleys, land which it is not profitable now to cultivate due to uncertainty of water supplies, could be made to produce food.
It is recommended that an energetic young hydraulic engineer be engaged for a period of five years to inaugurate this work and that he should have the services of such subordinate staff as funds permit. If the services of this engineer are still required after five years, it is suggested that he should be taken on the staff of the P.W.D., as it is the opinion of Hon. D.P.W. that supervision will be necessary in order to see that the works are maintained. It is believed that much can be done in the country districts by employing local labour and using for the most part local materials; it is also believed that in many instances the village communities, once shown what to do, would be prepared to carry out for themselves work of a similar nature.
Recommendation No. 4
-
£10,000
(e) VILLAGE DEPOTS.
13.
14.
15.
It is recommended that village depots on lines parallel to the Fisheries syndicates be established in seven strategic places in the New Territories. At these depots the collection of vegetables from the farmer and their transport to the market can be organised; seeds, fertilizers and insecticides distributed; modern methods demonstrated and friendly liaison established between the farmer and the officers of the Agricultural Department.
It is suggested that the first three depots be built and established in 1948 at Tsun Wan, Un Long and Tai Po. Each depot would include quarters for staff, an office, two stores, a yard with an open-sided shed and in the vicinity a distribution tank for matured night soil; also, preferably, there would be a small area of ground which could be used as a demonstration plot for vegetables, animals or any other exhibit of interest to the farming community. The resident
staff should consist of a supervisor, an accountant and book-keeper, a store-keeper, and possibly a fourth man in connection with nightsoil distribution. Coolie staff required would not live on the premises and would be engaged locally.
It is recommended that the capital cost for three depots and their maintenance costs for the first five that years be met from the allocation. It is confidently believed/ before the end of the first five years the experiment would have proved itself and the cost of the other depots could then be considered in the light of the experience gained. Should it be found that the initial cost or running expenses proved lower than estimated, the surplus would be used for the formation of additional depots.
Recommendation No. 5.- £27,750.