COMMUNICATIONS
China must now change trains at the frontier. For a time it was also necessary to off-load all goods traffic, but since 1950, goods traffic in wagon-loads has been passing to and from China without off-loading at the frontier.
Total revenue for the year 1954 amounted to $4,625,933 operating expenditure being $3,641,660, leaving a net operating revenue of $984,273. The corresponding figures for the previous year were $5,982,540, $4,260,040, $1,722,500 respectively. Capital expenditure was $2,506,184. The net operating revenue for 1954 is therefore about $740,000 less than last year.
Passenger traffic decreased by 158,524 as compared with 1953 whilst goods traffic declined by 114,318 tons. A general trade recession in the Colony accounted for the poorer operating revenue during 1954.
Passengers carried within the territory of Hong Kong were 3,441,188 or 89.74% of the total. Pas- sengers to and from the frontier station of Lowu numbered 393,290, and the majority of these were travelling between Hong Kong and China.
The railway will not regain its former prosperity until there is a relaxation of the trade and travel restrictions now in force between the Colony and China and the through passenger service is resumed. At present, passengers passing from British to Chinese territory or vice versa have to walk the 300 yards separating the two termini. If the river boats resume operations it is doubtful whether many people will continue to make use of the railway to travel between Hong Kong and China.
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