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

Rep. Comm. Breed.

(1934) Pig, Poult. N.T.

3.

8

(e) We are satisfied that an improvement upon the

existing state of affairs can be anticipated with

every confidence; but as a first and necessary

condition of such an improvement we strongly recommend

the engagement at the earliest possible date of an

expert in animal husbandry." (p.128, para. 17)

(f) From the figures already quoted we feel that the

economic importance to the Colony of substantially

reducing the imports in question is self evident;

and that the expenditure which we have recommended

on an experimental basis should be regarded as

expenditure for a genuinely productive purpose even

though no corresponding increase in revenue may be

directly expected. We are all agreed that unless

an expert is appointed there is hardly any prospect

of any real improvement in the situation. (p.129,

para. 23)

(g) "During the ninety odd years of British occupation a

crowded urban community of a million people, the

vast majority of whom are Chinese has sprung up

with the harbour as its centre. This community is

sustained by the Trade and Industry of the Colony

agriculture being comparatively negligible. (p.71,

para. 1)

(h) "As the Colony is an urban community possessing but

a small agricultural hinterland, its production

of basic raw materials is negligible and it produces

only a fraction of the foodstuffs it consumes. (p.71, para. 4)

(i) "While it is recognised that the land available

for agriculture is limited it is felt that there must be a distinct possibility of the adoption of improved methods of cultivation and schemes

Rep. Econ. Comm.

(1935)