CO129-619-4 Department of Supplies- Trade and Industry- organization and finance 19-3-1949 - 31-3-1949 — Page 37

2.

- 7.

4.3

to increase the price of rice.

I am certain that we already have a

credit of $5,000,000 with the Treasury and so I do not think that this

proposal should cause you any particular headache.

Recommendations.

In brief my recommendations

are

(i) To replace the B.O.R.s in Directorate, Procurement and Shipping

numbering 10

·

we require six Chinese Government-trained clerks.

These should be made available immediately.

In Shipping there is a

point for the future; I have not included, in to-day's analysis,

certain B.O.R.s whose jobs are on the wharves in Kowloon. They act

very nearly as foremen stevedores and they are very necessary in

these days of pilfering. They will have to be replaced and probably

by Europeans.

(ii) Price Control to be extended and headed eventually by Kenrick,

who should be brought out immediately from home for this purpose.

12 Chinese inspectors should be recruited and one typist.

(iii) An European assistant for Trade and Industry, which must

inevitably expand. Perhaps this could be answered by the return of

Mr. Colledge.

(iv) S. T. & I. to be put on a commercial basis provided that it

will meet all its purchasing, administrative and running expenses

and still show a profit to Government.

(v) In order to achieve some continuity of staff and to stop the

stream of resignations in Rice, Fuel and Marketing Sections, all

replacements or new recruitments to be on commercial rates.

Recruitment and salary to be at the discretion of the Director.

Sgd/ W. M. Thoms on,

Director of Supplies, Trade and Industry.