Description

Stockdale notes that estimates are coming up soon and he shall require a number of officers to be selected, including: an Economic Botanist; a Plant Pest Inspector; and two Divisional Agricultural Officers. Details on the Economic Botanist position have already been sent to Hill and Biffen[?]; Dawson from East Africa might be proposed. The work will be 'paddy' first, then rubber. In Java, work on budding rubber has been done and, if Macmillan is interested, Stockdale hopes to start this. The Plant Pest Inspector post will involve field work in connection with rubber plantations. Stockdale has heard that Bryce in not satisfied with his post of Assistant Mycologist and Botanist, if he does not wish to retire in Ceylon [Sri Lanka], then Nowell might do. The Divisional Agricultural Officers are important posts and will require men with experience of the tropics. Stockdale would like T. Thornton, of Northern Nigeria, for one post and is sounding out Auchinleck. He fears the latter will not accept, as he has free quarters in Mauritius and will not receive them in Ceylon. Stockdale has been able to get some things through this year, but the Government refuses to give him any buildings or equipment. He still has another move up his sleeve; if that fails he shall see what can be done with Hill's aid and through the Colonial Office. The Camphor details will be sent home next mail. In a postscript marked 'Confidential', Stockdale reports that the contents of one of his letters has been transmitted from RBG Kew to Macmillan in Ceylon, who has tried to persuade the local Government that the gardens should be separated from the Department of Agriculture and placed under Macmillan's sole and direct charge. Macmillan has made use of several misrepresentations and Stockdale has had the opportunity of laying before the administration his view of Macmillan's work and character. The Governor decided that Macmillan was to carry out the orders given to him. The whole attitude of this office inclines Stockdale to think that progress with garden work will not be rapid. Annotated. Pages 1 and 2 of 6.