60. At the request of the Kuching Municipality the Director paid a 
four-day visit in September to Kuching to report on the feasibility of turning 
the old reservoir reserve into a park. With the spread of Kuching, this land 
is now near the centre of the urban area, and its use for this purpose would 
constitute a very desirable additional open space for the town's population. 
Recommendations for the use of the land in this manner, a general plan of a 
tentative lay out and for the carrying out of a number of necessary works 
were put up for the Municipal Council’s consideration. 
XXX. EXHIBITIONS AND SHOWS 
61. The Botanic Gardens contributed extensively in exhibition material 
and in assistance by staff members to the Singapore Gardening Society and to 
the Malaysian Orchid Society at their respective annual shows. Large non- 
competitive exhibits were staged. Mr. Alphonso was Show Manager and 
Mr. Lam Hin Cheng was Show Secretary for the former show, and Mr. Tan 
Kim Ho was Show Secretary for the latter. Many members of the Gardens 
staff were on the panel of judges of both shows. 
62. After a lapse of two years, it was again possible for the Botanic 
Gardens to participate at the Malayan Agri-Horticultural Exhibition held in 
Kuala Lumpur between 29th July and 2nd August. Some 200 orchid plants 
were displayed in a landscape arrangement. Mr. Alphonso officiated as 
one of the judges at the exhibition. 
63. Cut flowers were sent to the following exhibitions; 
Indian Agri-Horticultural Society Show, New Delhi. 
Seventh Australian Scout Jamboree, Melbourne (for the Malayan 
Scout Contingent). 
The Gardening Club, Ipoh. 
Exhibition of the Siam Society of Plant Culture, Bangkok. 
Commonwealth Arts Festival Show London, two consignments. 
The Victorian Orchid Club, Melbourne, Australia. 
XXXI. CULTURAL SOCIETIES 
64. The Department gave considerable assistance to both the Singapore 
Gardening Society and the Malaysian Orchid Society. Mr. A. G. Alphonso 
was President of both societies, and Mr. Lam Hin Cheng was a vice-President 
of the former. Mr. Ang Gek Choo, Mr. Bajuri bin Sappan and Mr. Tan Kim 
Ho were officials of the Malaysian Orchid Society. Mr. Burkill was a committee 
member of the Singapore Branch of the Malayan Nature Society. 
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