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. Three additional posts were made to the establishment, and were 
duly filled; one Junior Horticultural Assistant, one Plant Collector, and one 
Typist. The holders of the two pre-existing posts of Junior Horticutural 
Assistant retired early in the year and the posts were filled by recruitment. 
Dr. Chew Wee-Lek was Acting Director for the period 24th February to 13th 
March, while the Director was away from Singapore on field work. 
III. LABOUR 
3. During the year the Gardens labour force was raised from 91 to 
99. Health was generally good with only 2 per cent of the working days 
being lost due to sickness. Work gangs carried out their duties satisfactorily 
and there was no notable incident. As in previous years, 9 labourers were 
employed in the upkeep of paths, boundaries and shelters in the Nature 
Reserve (7 at Bukit Timah, 2 at Kranji) and 7 (2 men, 5 women) in the 
Herbarium. The women worked as specimen mounters. 
IV. WATCHMEN 
4. The number of watchmen was increased from 18 to 20 to provide 
static night guard at a new orchid nursery. Watchmen in general carried out 
their duties satisfactorily. 
V. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SCHEMES 
5. Departmental facilities were made available for training in botany 
and horticulture under the following heads: 
(1) Colombo Plan Technical Cooperation Scheme 
{a) One Senior Fellowship in Taxonomy 
(b) One Senior Fellowship in Ecology 
( c ) One Senior Fellowship in Horticulture 
(d) Two Junior Fellowships in Herbarium Procedures and Plant 
Collecting 
(e) Six Junior Fellowships in Horticulture and Elementary Gardening 
Practice. 
