24. Demands on the Ambulance Service continue to increase and further expansion of resources cannot be avoided. This is particularly applicable to V.H.F. communications between Ambulance Controls and ambulances. Consideration is being given to equipping all ambulances with two-way radio.
ESTABLISHMENT AND STAFF CHANGES
25. The Department is headed by a Director who is assisted by a Deputy Director. For operational purposes the Department is divided into two areas, each commanded by a Chief Fire and Ambulance Officer. For administrative and technical purposes the Department is divided into a number of groups. Details of all these arrangements are set out in Appendix I.
26. Approved establishment for the year was 231 officers, 2,062 other ranks and minor staff and 95 clerical service officers.
27. Approval was given during the year to my retirement in 1966, and the appointment of Mr. J. MILNER, M.I. FIRE E., A.M.I.B.E., as Director designate.
HONOURS AND AWARDS
28. The following members of the Service were honoured by Her Majesty the Queen with the award of the Colonial Police Medal (Fire Service version) for Meritorious Service:
Senior Fire Officer Class I Principal Fireman
Mr. H. T. J. HUTCHINS
Mr. LIU Fai
His Excellency the Governor approved the award of Belilios Stars to Firemen CHOI Fat-po and NG Chun-kwong for bravery at sea during Typhoon Ruby.
FINANCE
29. Expenditure on the Fire Service was $16.5 m. and on the Ambulance Service $1·6 m. Based on the population of 3-6 m. the cost per capita to provide Fire and Ambulance Services and Fire Service Auxiliaries was $5, which is an increase of 50 cents per capita over the previous year. By contrast (comparison is difficult) the per capita cost in Britain is $8 for the Fire Service only.
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