ADMINISTRATION 
I. FUNCTION 
To conduct research into the regional flora and to provide a taxonomic 
service in support of technological activities concerning Malaysian plant life ; 
to conduct research into tropical horticulture. 
II. STAFF 
2. There was no change in establishment, and the only major change 
in personnel was the retirement of Mr. James Sinclair, Botanist, on 18th July, 
and the appointment of Mr. Hardial Singh to the post on 1st November. 
In accordance with Government’s policy of Malayanisation under the Retire- 
ment from the Public Service (Compensation) Ordinance, No. 43 of 1956, 
Mr. Sinclair’s post was Malayanised on 1st January when he proceeded on 
final leave. He was re-engaged on contract for one year on 19th July as a 
replacement officer, vice Miss Chang Kiaw Lan, Botanist, who was overseas 
for the whole year. 
3. Mr. A. G. Alphonso, Curator, was seconded as Chief Parks Officer 
for the whole year in addition to being responsible for his normal duties. 
This arrangement was far from satisfactory. 
4. Mr. A. G. Alphonso was awarded the Public Adminstration Medal 
(Bronze) in the National Day honours. 
III. LABOUR 
5. The labour force was on monthly average 76 men in the Gardens, 
54 men in the Istana Negara Domain, nine men in the Nature Reserves, and 
one man and three women in the herbarium. Health was generally good. 
Establishment matters, recruitment procedure and correspondence with the 
trade union representing the labour force took up a considerable proportion 
of the time of the Curator in charge of labour. 
IV. TRAINING 
6. Miss Chang Kiaw Lan, Botanist, who was awarded a scholarship by 
the United Kingdom Government under the Commonwealth Scholarship and 
Fellowship scheme at Cambridge University commencing in October 1962, 
continued her studies there on taxonomic mycology throughout the year. 
The award was in the first instance made for two years and towards the end of 
1963 it was extended for a third year. 
7. Mr. Munir Ahmad abid Chaudhry of the Department of Botany, 
University of Sind, West Pakistan, was awarded a Colombo Plan Senior 
Fellowship granted by the Singapore Government to study taxonomic botany. 
He arrived in Singapore in December to take up the award. 
