The Building Surveyor grade faced challenges in maintaining its authorized strength throughout the year. The vacancy rate for this grade fluctuated, but it remained a significant issue. Despite efforts to fill the vacancies, the grade continued to experience a shortage. The staffing situation for the Building Surveyor grade was not entirely satisfactory, with the vacancy rate being a concern.
The Professional Training Board continued to oversee the professional training of Student Building Surveyors. The training program included preparation for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors examinations, attendance at a sandwich course conducted by the Hong Kong Technical College, and short-term secondment to allied sub-departments. Eight Assistant Building Surveyors and five Students were under training during the year. The results of the 1970 examinations were satisfactory, with four passing the final examination, six passing the intermediate examination, and one being referred in one subject.
Following their achievements, four examinees were promoted to Assistant Building Surveyor. Four fellow Students who had completed their examinations were on probation, awaiting promotion to Building Surveyor upon acquiring the requisite experience.
The Technical Training Board guided and instructed the Surveying Assistants (Building) Class III. In the annual examination conducted by the Board, three out of eight candidates were successful and qualified for promotion to Class II, subject to their suitability and experience.
In the annual P.W.D. Sports Day, the Office hockey team emerged as the P.W.D. champions. A member of the Office won the 200-metre silver medal. The Office teams also gained the squash silver medal and the tug-of-war and 4 × 4 relay bronze medals.
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