Fire Station, Wanchai, every Wednesday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The course began in October, 1952 and was completed in April, 1953. The officers were thoroughly trained in the fundamental drills of the Regular Fire Service, and, on passing the final examination, each will be detailed to assist in training recruits in the subject for which he has shown the greatest aptitude and knowledge. Special thanks must go to heads of Government Departments and private firms for their co-operation in allowing their employees time off from work to attend this course, and to attend on other occasions on which the personnel of the Auxiliary Fire Service have been parti- cularly requested to attend. This co-operative attitude has contributed in no small measure to the smooth running and general advancement of the Service. All ranks have received training in the new "Merryweather" Diesel appliances and "Victor" trailer pumps, and quite a high standard of efficiency has been reached in the use and operation of these appliances.
40. The Control Centres in Hong Kong and Kowloon have now been completed and put into operation. The Control Staff receive instruction, both theoretical and practical one night a week, and closer co-operation between Control and fire fighting personnel is being satisfactorily achieved.
41. The Auxiliary Fire Service participated in a large scale Civil Defence Exercise "LARKSPUR" in November, 1952 and many "mock fires" and other incidents were dealt with by crews decentralized throughout the Island and Mainland, with satisfactory results. During the exercise His Excellency the Governor paid a visit to the Hong Kong Control Centre and saw the staff in action. His Excellency also visited the scene of several mock incidents and fires.
42. During the year under review the Auxiliary Fire Service were mobilized to assist in fire fighting operations at eight large fires, viz.
Yout Q Film Studio, Grampian Road, Kowloon 27. 9. 52. Kowloon Tong Village Squatter
Shek Kip Mei Village Squatter Sai On Lane, Hong Kong
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29. 10. 52.
28. 11. 52.
31. 12. 52.
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