CO129-597-1 Estimates 1948 15-11-1946 - 12-6-1948 — Page 119

31.

approved. Three messengers and four coolies have boon included for recently opened Health Offices. There is a decrease of one Bath-house engineer but 31 more temporary drivers, two garage coolies and 9 skilled labourers have been provided for in view of the increased number of vehicles now being operatod by the Department. There has been an increase in Stoersmon, Stokers and Bargomen, but this has boon largely offset by roductions in coxwains, assistant coxwains and hold coolies. A re-organisation of crews is necessary as smaller barges are now being used for the disposal of refuse. 13 foremen and 124 coolies are required to continue anti-opidemic measures started this year and six additional drivers are also required under this scheme.

Other Charges

Books and Publications, Newspapers and Periodicals, Office Furniture and Equipment are now provided for departmentally. It has been found necessary to increase the Advertising sub-head by $1,600. The sub-head Coffins and Biers is being reduced by $5,000. Increases in Conservancy, Disinfectants and Cleaning Equipment have proved necessary.

There are increases under Recurrent Exhumation and Headstones. No exhumation was carried out by the Japanese and this has now become necessary on a large scale to create burial space. It was hoped that considerable progress would be made during the prosent year but in actual fact comparatively little work has been carried out. Additional funds are boing provided for the coming year so that a large programme can be put in hand.

Upkeep

There is an increase under Fucl, Light and Power of $61,900 over the combined total of the old vote and of $84,500 under Scavenging Gear as the provision this year proved to be inadequate. of Motor Vehicles (8120,000) has been provided for departmentally. The department is now operating a large fleet of vehicles.

Head 32. Secretariat for Chinose Affairs

Personal Emoluments

The establishment has been reduced by one Lady Assistant who has been replaced by a stenographer and provision has been included for one temporary Translator, one temporary Mossenger and one temporary Motor Driver. It was necessary to provide for the extra Motor Driver during the current year and one additional messenger is considered necessary to deal with the increasing work of the Department. The net increase in Personal Emoluments is $29,575 and this includes provision for two Cadet Officers at present on leave.