Estimates-1961 — Page 178

New posts

1 Treasury Accountant

1 Typist

1 Foreman Class I

1 Projectionist

1 Clerical Assistant

1 Artisan Class I

1 Artisan Class II

10 Agricultural Supervisors Classes I & II

(7*)

3 Overseers (1*)

5 Senior Stockmen

12 Stockmen (3*)

26 Labourers Class II

1 Laboratory Attendant

2 Watchmen

2 Fisheries Supervisors Classes I & II (1*)

1 Craft Technician*

1 Telegraphist Signalman Class II*

1 Master Shipwright

1 Chief Launch Engineer*

1 Launch Engineer Class I*

1 Stoker Class I*

1 Boatswain*

5 Fishermen Class I*

3 Forestry Supervisors Classes I & II

56 Forest Labourers Class I

25 Forest Labourers Class II

Existing posts deleted

1 Executive Grade Officer

56 Forest Guards

2 Overseers

1 Foreman Class I

177

164

60

* Approved by Special Warrant during the year.

The new posts are required for normal expansion and new projects. The expansion of animal quarantine and livestock disease control services of the Animal Industry Division requires the following additional posts: three of Agricultural Supervisor Class II, three of Overseer, five of Senior Stockman, twelve of Stockman, twenty six of Labourer Class II, and two of Watchman. For development of the Colony's mid and distant water fishing fleets, one additional post of Craft Technician, two of Fisheries Supervisor Class II, one of Master Shipwright, and a crew for the Fisheries Research Vessel “Alister Hardy" transferred to the department have been provided. The Agricultural Credit section has been strengthened by an increase of six Agricultural Supervisors Class II approved by Special Warrant during the year to cope with the increasing activities of the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Loan Fund. The new post of Projectionist is required to show films and slides to farmers and fishermen. A Foreman Class I and two Artisans are included to improve efficiency and economy in the maintenance of an increasing number of buildings and various structures at departmental stations and outposts. The increase in Forest Labourers Class II is offset by a reduction in casual labourers provided for under the Afforestation and Maintenance of Forest Areas sub- heads.

The net increase of $85,000 in Other Charges Annually Recurrent is mainly accounted for by increased provision for Subsistence allowances, Fisheries expenses (for the maintenance and operation of the Fisheries Research Vessel "Alister Hardy"), and Maintenance of Outposts, buildings and quarters.

Under Special Expenditure, besides revotes, provision is included to continue with experiments in agronomy ($15,000) and the construction of forest roads to facilitate planting and fire control ($100,000); for development of Au Tau Fish Pond Station to serve its purpose of breeding and stocking fish fry for supply to farmers ($43,000); for re-designing the Sha Tin Agricultural Station to accommodate livestock for breeding experiments ($60,000); for the acquisition of rice land adjacent to Tai Lung Station required for crop research and for additional office accommodation at this station ($100,000); for the purchase of experimental fishing gear ($5,000); to improve the water supply at Sai Kung Station ($10,000); for installing telephones at the dog observation kennels at Castle Peak and Shek Wu Hui for better control of rabies ($1,800); for the purchase of two replacement motor vehicles ($23,000); for the establishment of a depart- mental post at Tsuen Wan including office space for agricultural credit and extension staff, and a Rabies Centre ($30,000); and for the personal emoluments of the Soils Officer seconded from the Colonial Pool of Soil Surveyors whose leave following the termination of his assignment will expire in May 1960 ($4,000).