47. Until a Fire Training School has been established, efforts to improve the technical knowledge of junior ranks is confined to the holding of classes in both English and Chinese.
48. To provide Airport Fire Service personnel with career prospects outside their own limited field, all personnel previously attached to the Civil Aviation Crash Fire and Rescue Section were transferred to this department.
Health
49. Although the percentage of absence through sickness has been small, fatigue has been more noticeable and may be due to rising living costs forcing more lowly paid personnel to economize on food.
50. A high standard of fitness must be maintained, especially in fighting fires in multi-storey blocks, and the periodic medical examina- tion of all ranks has become essential. It is probable that this will lead to a number retiring on medical grounds, which would raise the possi- bility of lowering the retirement age of the lower paid members of the Service who are most likely to be found suffering from malnutrition.
Recreation and staff welfare
51. During the year, rules were agreed for adoption in all station canteens. Meal prices and costs were carefully checked by the depart- mental accountant and each canteen showed a profit.
52. An exceptional number of transfers resulting from departmental re-organization, and the difficulty of allowing personnel to leave their stations, restricted departmental sport throughout the year. Daily drills were held to maintain physical fitness but it was hoped to improve this shortly with the introduction of an organized physical training pro- gramme under a qualified instructor.
53. A number of picnics to offshore islands, financed from the Fire Service Welfare Fund, proved popular with all ranks but especially with those who find little opportunity to escape from crowded living condi tions in the city.
54. A certified statement of account of the Welfare Fund is given in Appendix VIII. The principal change has been to transfer $20,000 from the Treasury into an interest-bearing bank account. There has been an increased demand for grants and loans to meet exceptional expenses incurred through death or family sickness.
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