ENG-1959 — Page 112

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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

the allocation of a sum of $2,000,000 from the Colony's Develop- ment Fund for loans for the following purposes:

(i) Mechanization of existing commercial deep sea vessels

(including any necessary hull modifications).

(ii) Replacement of existing engines with types more suitable

for mid or distant waters.

(iii) Installation of winches.

(iv) Installation of navigational aids and fish detecting aids.

(v) Purchase of more efficient fishing gear for trawling and

long-lining in mid and distant waters.

(vi) In special cases, loans for the purchase of new vessels, either of existing types or of a proto-type designed by the Fisheries Division.

Detailed plans for the wooden proto-type deep sea fishing vessel were well advanced.

The staff of the division number forty seven permanent officers including the Fisheries Officer, three Assistant Fisheries Officers and eleven Fisheries Supervisors. One of these officers is a qualified graduate and four have diplomas in marine or fresh water fisheries. District offices have been established throughout the Colony and the marine headquarters is at Aberdeen adjacent to the market operated by the Fish Marketing Organization. The division pos- sesses two small inshore mechanized junk-type fishing vessels.

Forestry Division. A Forest Policy was approved by the Govern- ment in 1953. The principal aims of this policy are to afforest waste hill-lands in order to stabilize the soil, prevent erosion and protect water supplies; to produce the maximum quantity of fuel and timber; and to encourage private and village forestry.

The Forestry Officer and the two Senior Supervisors moved their offices to the Departmental headquarters at Lai Chi Kok during 1959, but the Assistant Forestry Officer remained at Tai Lung. By the end of the year a new district office and quarters at Nam Shan on Lantau Island were ready for occupation.

District organization has been strengthened by the recruitment of new supervisory staff and the total permanent strength of the division at the end of the year was 339, an increase of forty over the previous year. This total includes a Forestry Officer, an Assist- ant Forestry Officer, two Senior Forestry Supervisors, ten Forestry