CO129-617-6 Development- recommendations of Hong Kong Colonial Development and Welfare Committee 18-7-1947 - 23-12-1947 — Page 4

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in which irrigation occupies a place, and his knowledge of animal husbandry and livestock development, would make him well qualified for this post.

I trust that the Agricultural Station to be established at Kam Tin will be suitable for the inclusion of some irrigation trials, and I regard it as important that the experimental work of the Agricultural Department should be done in close co-operation with the Director of Fisheries in the development of rice-growing associated with fish farming, a project which I know Dr. Hickling is very keen should be established.

The proposal for the establishment of a plant introduction, maintenance and exchange station is important, and one which I support. I am, however, sending the papers through Dr. Storey for his comment on this proposal, as he may wish to get the views of the Agricultural Research Committee.

I have a small point to make in connection with the village depots scheme, which I consider admirable. In the equipment of such depots is included a distribution tank for matured nightsoil. It is essential that any nightsoil, which presumably will be in powdered form, stored at these depots should be under cover and not liable to leaching by rain in open tanks.

On the question of the market transport, I note that it is suggested that the initial fleet of 30 lorries should be purchased by an outright grant from C.D. and W. allocation. Whilst I should raise no objection to such a proposal, I think it is for consideration as to whether, in principle, it would not be better that the initial fleet should be purchased by means of a loan, and the necessary loan redemption charges, maintenance and replacement costs borne in the final selling price of the vegetables and agricultural produce collected under this scheme.

The plan is well conceived and fully integrated, and I trust that an early decision will be made for the appointment of the Director of Agriculture.

8.bay.

21st November, 1947.

Since the application for a research grant

for plant introduction, etc.

under Convaderation

only ((3) parall), submission to the CARE can

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the present.

This is desirable

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and on the outcome

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this exanimation policy will no doubt be determined.

HD+Story

24/11/+7.