establishment of posts for the Office on 31st March, 1972, was 4,209. In addition $200,000.00 was approved for the purpose of engaging casual labour as and when required, a scheme which enabled vacancies in the lower grades to be kept to a minimum.
8.59 Recruitment to the professional grades continued with two Electrical and Mechanical Engineers being appointed from overseas.
8.60 Fifty-one members of the staff retired during the year, nine of these having served for more than 25 years in Government.
Training
8.61 A total of 577 professional and technical officers attended courses conducted locally by the Government Training Division, the Labour Department, Hong Kong University, the Hong Kong Productivity Centre, the Hong Kong Technical College Evening Institute and the Morrison Hill Technical Institute. The courses covered administrative and technical subjects ranging from industrial safety to computer programming. One officer was sent overseas on study leave.
8.62 In addition, 6 undergraduates from the engineering faculties of Hong Kong University spent their 3 months summer vacation in the Workshops and 20 Technical College students spent 4 weeks in the Workshops undergoing practical training.
Sports and Recreation
8.63 Members of the Staff and their families continue to support the departmental Swimming and Land Sports with enthusiasm and won 13 trophies, taking 1st place in the Land Sports and 2nd place in the Swimming Sports.
Staff Relations
8.64 The Joint Staff Discussion Groups continue to meet regularly and form a useful platform for airing problems arising between management and staff.
8.65 The three Credit Unions, affiliated to the Credit Union League of Hong Kong, continue to operate successfully and at the end of the year 860 staff members were saving through these Unions. Over $150,000.00 has been paid out in loans through the Credit Unions since their establishment.
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