1.
GENERAL SURVEY
It is pleasant to be able to report that the hope recorded in last year's report, that the use of Diesel Electric Locomotives would result in further economies has been realized, although the units have only been in operation for 7 months.
The results are reflected in the accounts where the Profit and Loss Statement shows a profit instead of a deficit for the first time since the year ending March 31st, 1951.
The surplus of operating revenue over expenditure is also the highest for the last five years at $2,089,987.23 while the figure for operating expenditure is also the lowest for the same period at $3,724,878.44.
2. The Railway suffered a set-back on November 12th, 1955 through a collision at a level crossing at Mile 174 between a "Comet" tank and a local passenger train. The crossing is a private military one and the tank commander failed to prevent the tank from crossing in face of the oncoming train. A rail- way guard was killed, a new diesel locomotive damaged and derailed, a 40 ton steel wagon telescoped and two coaches, a first class and a 3rd class and brake-van suffered damage, both of which needed complete re-building. The locomotive was out of commission for two months but fortunately it proved possible to fly many urgent replacements up from Australia so cutting down the period under repair. One complete new locomotive bogie was called for. The tank had to be written off.
3. The movement of passengers to and from the Colony varied considerably during the year. The announcement of various Exhibitions to be held in Canton during the latter part of the year together with the approach of the Chinese New Year and Ching Ming Festivals was responsible for an increase in travel.
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