statement of receipts and payments covering the transactions of the funds for the period 1st April, 1958 to 31st March, 1959, as audited by the Director of Audit, is shown in Appendix IV.
40. One of the Station Officers acts as departmental Welfare Officer and his duties are to give constant attention to the welfare activities of the Brigade.
41. The canteens established at Central Fire Station and Kowloon Fire Station were well patronized during the year. The mobile canteen attended at fires of a serious nature and provided light refreshments for the fire fighting personnel engaged. The refreshments consumed on such occasions are charged to the Fire Brigade Welfare Fund.
42. A Station Officer acts as Sports Officer of the Brigade. Friendly miniature football, basketball and volley ball matches were played between stations and with other Sports Clubs in the Colony, and members showed a great interest in these games.
43. The annual swimming gala of the Hong Kong Fire Brigade was held at the Chung Sing Bathing Pavilion, Kennedy Town, on 30th August, 1958. The programme consisted of eight events. The Kowloon Fire Station team annexed the championship trophy. At the conclusion of the gala, the Chief Officer presented prizes to the winners. The prizes were purchased from the Welfare Fund.
44. Members of the Brigade took part in launch picnics arranged by the Auxiliary Fire Service on the following dates:
28th June, 1958
13th September, 1958
Clear Water Bay Clear Water Bay
A launch was hired from the Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Co., Ltd. for these occasions.
45. Social evenings were arranged for the staff and their families on Christmas and New Year's Eve. The parties were well attended and included entertaining turns by a number of officers.
AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE
46. The Auxiliary Fire Service is raised under the terms of the Essential Service Corps (Auxiliary Fire Service) Regulations. At the end of March 1958, the strength was 567 men and women. Manning its own equipment and appliances, it is designed to assist the regular Fire Brigade in peace-time and emergency. As compared with the strength last year the figure 567 represents a decrease of 39 members.
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