CO129-617-7 Development- possible implementation of CD and W Committee recommendations 18-2-1948 - 12-10-1948 — Page 36

138

Recommendation No.1.

ROAD

Paragraph 5 of

Ho Kong despatch.

Recommendation No.2.

PIERS

Paragraph 6 of Hong Kong despatch

Recommendation No.3. FERTILISER FACTORY

Paragraph 7 of Hong Kong despatch

Recommendation No.4o IRRIGATION

Paragraph 8 of Hong Kong despatch

Recommendation No.5.

VILLAGE AGRICULTURAL DEPOTS.

Paragraph 9 of Hong Kong despatch

Recommendation No.6. VEGETABLE MARKETING LORIES

Paragraph 10 of Hong Kong despatch

Recommendation No.7. AGRICULTURAL STATION

(KAM TIN)

Paragraph 12 of Hong Kong despatch

MEMORANDUM

The cost of construction of 24 miles of feeder roads at £100,000 appears to be excessive, but feeder roads are clearly an essential to development. In the circumstances it is suggested that £50,000 might be allocated to feeder roads for the time being, to be spread over the next two years, and that the position should then be reviewed.

Here again the costs appear to be on the high side, and it is suggested that £50,000 should be allocated for this purpose, to be spread over the next two years, and that the position should then be reviewed.

The fertiliser factory should be run as far as possible on commercial lines. The project appears, however, somewhat experimental and in these circumstances, it is suggested that it should be financed on the basis of 50% C.D. & W. grant and 50% loan from other sources.

The estimates for this desirable project . seem to be far too low. An irrigation engineer, if he can be obtained at the age level contemplated, will cost with passages, superannuation, etc., not less than £1,200 £1,500 per annum. His subordinate staff will involve an expenditure of an equal amount and for expenditure on works a sum equal to at least double the total cost of salaries should be allowed if technical skill is not to be wasted. For a five-year scheme, an estimate of £45,000 should be the minimum budgeted for.

See my telegram No. 698 of the 22nd June.

The vegetable marketing scheme should be run on commercial lines and finance required for capital expenditure obtained by loan.

This proposal is acceptable in principle, but full consideration must await the appointment of the senior Agricultural staff, when detailed estimates can be worked out.

/Recommendation