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appointed Station Officers. Two further vacancies still exist, one in the Station Officer's rank, and one as Mechanical Engineer; the Brigade is finding it extremely difficult to fill these posts. Recruitment in all other ranks, made locally when vacancies exist, continues favourably and prac- tically full strength is maintained.
11. Station Officer Wong Wai Tsoi was selected by the British Council with the approval of the Government to further his studies in fire fighting and prevention in the United Kingdom. Whilst overseas he underwent a course in Civil Defence and rescue work and obtained the required diploma.
diploma. During his sojourn in the United Kingdom, Station Officer Wong Wai Tsoi was granted facilities to visit principal fire brigades including that of London. He also visited many fire engineering firms and was able to gain valuable instructions and knowledge in firemanship and fire fighting.
APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT.
12. All fire appliances and equipment have been overhauled, tested and maintained in efficient and good order. One Dennis fire engine and one tender were completely rebuilt and are now very efficient fire-fighting appliances. Ladders and smaller equipment have been constructed by the work shop staff and placed in commission where and when necessary.
13. Following the approval of the Finance Committee, an indent was placed with the British General Electric Co., Ltd., through the Crown Agents for the Colonies, for the supply of a V.H.F. P.M. Radio Telephone network for use on mobile fire appliances and fire boats. Installation work will commence as soon as the equipment is received.
14. Five sets of Proto Breathing Apparatus and two Novita Resuscitation Sets were ordered and received during the year. This equipment will be a valuable aid in rescue operations and the saving of life.
15. In connexion with the Civil Defence scheme and to augment the existing fire fighting resources, an order for the supply of 4 diesel high- performance fire engines and 20 trailer fire pumps was placed with Messrs. Merryweather & Sons, Ltd, Greenwich, England. The pumping capacities of these appliances are 1,000 and 500/600 gallons per minute respectively.
16. To provide better fire cover for the Peak District where some roads and bends are inaccessible to the Brigade's major fire appliances, a 15 cwt. lorry was converted into a fire tender. This tender, known as F.B. No. 11, is equipped with a trailer pump and ancillary equipment and has proved to be an efficient unit, after extensive road and other tests.
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