Overseas Courses
Mr. LUNG Chun-pong, Electrical Engineer, was sent to England to receive practical training with the Westinghouse Brake & Signal Co. Ltd. in the installation, operation and maintenance of signalling and describer equipment from 5th January, 1978 to 17th March, 1978. He also took a study trip on British Railways up to Glasgow after he had completed his training with Westinghouse.
Mr. LEUNG Chun-chung, Way & Works Inspector, was sent to U.K. to attend a practical training course with the British Railways on the maintenance and construction of permanent way from 24th March, 1977 to 18th November, 1977. He learnt a lot of the new track-work techniques many of which could be adopted by this Railway.
89.
Apart from these, a large number of junior supervisory staff of the Electrical & Mechanical Section attended courses on accident prevention and industrial safety organized by the Labour Department. Also, three Way & Works Trainees who were recruited in September 1977 were being given on-the-job training on a regular basis by the Civil Engineering Section. Arrangements were also made for them to attend craft courses conducted by the Morrison Hill Technical Institute.
STAFF WELFARE
90.
Membership of the Credit Union of the Railway Workshops stood at 75 and outstanding loans amounted to $10,548.62 at the close of the year.
91.
Up to 31st March, 1978, the grant made available by Government for welfare purpose amounted to $27,416.40. Of this amount, $19,316.50 was set available for interest-free relief loans to officers with monthly salaries not exceeding $2,920. The balance of $8,099.90 was made available as grants to assist departmental clubs and associations and also to subsidise staff recreational activities.
92.
Quite a number of recreational activities were organised by the Railway Social and Athletic Club, including annual spring dinner parties; visits to the Ocean Park; launch picnics and a buffet dinner. These activities were well supported by all levels of staff and their families, especially the visits to the Ocean Park which were participated by over 1,300 persons.
93.
The Club represented the Railway in the Inter-Departmental 4 x 100 Metre Relay for Men in the Annual Sports Day of the Civil Aid Services held on 11th December, 1977.
94.
The Workshops Canteen at Ho Tung Lau continued to be well patronised by staff of these shops.
17
D.M. Howes, M.B.E. General Manager, Railway