CO129-587-17 Botanical and Forestry Department- proposed formation of agricultural section 22-8-1940 - 22-8-1940 — Page 13

8.

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5.

Recommendations made to Government in the Past - This section.

is in large measure covered by the extracts quoted under "Past

Expressions of Opinion" see (b) (c) (e) & (m). Further

recommendations are:-

(a) Mr. Braga recommends that Government provide all

facilities for improvements of an agricultural nature.

(b) The Principal, Lingnan University, advises the employment

of a Filipino for animal husbandry work, failing this an

European or American, as Chinese are not available.

(c) The Agricultural Association of the New Territories

recommend a subsidy for an Experimental Farm on Ma Wan

Island to be managed by Major Reed. This recommendation

being supported by the General and Chinese Chambers of

Commerce.

(d) The Superintendent, Botanical and Forestry Department

(F. Flippance) recommends that the matter be viewed in the

light of experience gained in other Tropical Colonies.

The following are the principal

6. Summary of Points which Emerge

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points which emerge from the foregoing resume:-

(a) The opinion of prominent local men favours definite

action.

(b) Improved agricultural methods are advocated together

with land reclamation schemes.

(c) Land available for development is stated on the one hand

as considerable (Ho Tung) on the other as limited

(Econ. Res. Comm.) Present cultivated area is a very

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small part of the total area of the Colony (Blue Book

1936.)

(d) Expenditure on Pig and Poultry Breeding would be

justified even though no direct revenue could be

expected. (Pig & Poult. Breed Comm.)