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8. The steady increase in the revenue from practically all sources indicates the growing popularity of transport by rail. Passenger trains were frequently filled to capacity and often over-crowded; but with an increase in the number of passenger coaches by both Sections in the near future it is hoped that all passengers offering may be accommodated, and in reasonable comfort.
9. An encouraging increase of 12.7% in receipts from through and joint sectional passenger traffic resulted from the improved service of through trains, including additional through trains at week-ends.
10. There were no alterations to the through fares during the year.
The disparity between Canton and Hong Kong currency steadily increased, from the average selling rate of 144.52 in January to 151.47 in December. The transaction rate. by which the fares of the two Sections are adjusted, and which was agreed at 140 for the first half of the year, was revised to 145 for the second half. The actual average selling rate for the whole year was 148.33, which gave a slight advantage to the Chinese Section fares on the increasing difference. But for the latter half of the year, as no adjustment was made in the down through fares, this advantage amounted to 4.88% on the down through fares collected in Canton currency.
11. There was a remarkable increase in the receipts from local passenger traffic of no less than $212,471.88 or 43.2%, which brought the total earnings from this Source up to $704,183.04, as against an increase of $73,193.54 in carnings from through and joint sectional passenger traffic, which totalled $650,278.84, so that while for 1932 the percentages of through and local passenger traffic to the total were 54% and 46% respectively, in 1933 the position was reversed, and through passenger receipts accounted for only 48% against 52% for the local passenger receipts, of the total earned on these two items.
12. This latter increase was the result, partly of the development of the border town of Shum Chun, partly of the opening up of roads in south-eastern Kwang Tung from populous centers to stations on the Chinese Section whereby not only was new traffic created but traffic from Sha U Chung, via ferry across Mirs Bay to Taipo, was diverted by roads to the line farther northwards with resulting higher fares, and partly to greater use of the line by the Military, school children and school picnics.
13. Through goods traffic showed a healthy improvement and shippers are slowly beginning to realise the advantages of speed offered by rail transport, though the handling charges in connection with transhipment are still relatively high. A fast through goods service, hauled by British Section engines, was inaugurated in October, and was well patronised.
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14. Local goods traffic was the one item which showed a slight decrease, partly owing to increased road competition, against which the railway carnot compete on account of the short hauls and the better facilities from "door to door" offered by motor lorries.
15. The total steam train mileage increased by 56,729 miles, amounting to 354,294 miles, as against 297,565 in 1932, or an increase of 18%, but the motor train mileage was less by 6,124 miles.
16. There was an increase of $4,900 in the receipts from rents, partly due to certain areas of railway land with water frontage being let on temporary leases for coal storage, though this business was eventually restricted owing to objections raised by neighbouring residents and property owners, and partly due to higher rents being obtained by tender for other
areas.
ENGINEERING.
17. Repainting of the platform awnings at Kowloon Station was completed in the early part of the year.
The ground floor of the building was renovated and alterations and improvements made for the examination of passengers' baggage.
18. At Taipo Market Station the yard was extended and widened, and improvements made to the approach road, to facilitate dealing with increasing traffic.
19. At Fanling Station อ reinforced shelter was built on the main line platform.
concrete waiting
20. All station buildings at out-stations were renovated, the platforms re-surfaced and signal posts repainted.
21. At Taipo Station extensive repairs were commenced to the pier, the steelwork above low water level being replaced by reinforced concrete; this work will be completed in 1934.
22. European Quarters, Class B, Nos. 4 and 5 were repaired, also the Traffic Quarters at Taipo Station and Gangmen's Huts at Miles, 1 and 10.
23. At the Locomotive Yard a vacant motor garage was converted into additional living accommodation for watchmen. The Fainting Shop was extended to accommodate two more coaches. A range of 12 automatic flush-closets was installed in the main latrine, and a steel structure was erected to serve as a brass foundry.
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