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I. GENERAL 
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The progress reported last year was maintained in 1956. There were no 
staff changes, but the Government’s Malayanisation policy introduced towards 
the end of the year will result in changes in 1957. The first research worker 
financed from Colonial Development and Welfare Funds arrived in December. 
2. It is with deep regret that the death was recorded on the 24th 
October, 1956 of Mr. H. N. Ridley, c.m.g., f.r.s. in his one hundred and 
first year. Mr. Ridley had been Director of the Singapore Botanic Gardens 
from 1888-1912 and was “the father of Malaya’s rubber industry.” The 
Gardens had celebrated Mr. Ridley’s centenary on the 10th December, 1955, 
as was reported in paragraphs 43-47 of the 1955 Annual Report. 
II. STAFF 
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3. In a small department such as the Botanic Gardens, difficulty is 
experienced when senior members of the staff go on vacation leave, as those 
officers remaining must take over additional duties and responsibilities 
to those which they normally perform. Mr. J. Sinclair, Keeper of the Herba¬ 
rium was away from Singapore from 29th February-13th October on vacation 
leave in Europe. Although no study leave was taken, Mr. Sinclair spent a 
considerable time working at the Herbaria of Florence, Munich, Geneva, 
Leiden, Kew, the British Museum and Edinburgh. Dr. C. X. Furtado, Botanist, 
was in charge of the Herbarium during Mr. Sinclair’s absence. Mr. J. W. 
Ewart, Curator, left for annual vacation leave in New Zealand on 26th January 
and returned on 10th March. Mr. H. M. Burkill acted as Director from 15th 
May-13th June, while Mr. Purseglove was away on duty in Sarawak. 
4. Mr. Chew Wee Lek, a graduate of the University of Malaya, was 
appointed Botanist on 1st October, Mr. Chew will proceed overseas for post¬ 
graduate study in 1957; in the meantime he will carry out preliminary re¬ 
search in Singapore. Dr. C. X. Furtado, a re-employed pensioner continued 
in the post of Botanist, the title having been changed from that of Assistant 
Botanist. Dr. Furtado has agreed to remain on the staff until Mr. Chew returns 
to Singapore in 1959. 
5. The post of Assistant Librarian was up-graded to Librarian, but 
was vacant for most of the year, until Mrs. Lynas was appointed temporary 
Librarian on 1st October. 
6. Mr. A. G. Alphonso, Horticultural Assistant, returned to Singapore 
on 2nd December after two years’ training at the Royal Botanic Gardens, 
Kew, where he obtained the Kew Diploma. 
7. The British Empire Medal was conferred by Her Majesty the Queen 
in the Birthday Honours on Inche Ahmad bin Hassan, who has now com¬ 
pleted fifty-five years service in the Department. Inche Ahmad, who was first 
employed by Mr. Ridley as a Plant Collector in 1901, has rendered meritorious 
service to the Botanic Gardens during his long period. He is still very hale 
and hearty and his great knowledge of local plants is a very valuable asset 
to the Gardens. • 
8. There was no change in the office staff during the year. On the field 
side, Inche Ngadiman bin Haji Ismail was promoted from Plant Collector to 
Head Ranger, Nature Reserves on 1st January and the three new appoint¬ 
ments of Rangers to supervise the Reserves were filled on 1st June. Inche 
So 
