K 32
REPORT BY THE CHIEF OFFICER HONGKONG FIRE BRIGADE
The cost of the Fire Brigade for the year 1923 was $166,786.00 as compared with $177,799.00 in 1922. This sum includes $17,153.00 Special Expenditure. The provision of two new Sub-stations, one in Victoria (Kennedy Town) and one in Kowloon (Mong Kok) involve a permanent increase in the cost of the Brigade. However, taking into consideration the rapidity with which the Colony, and particularly Kowloon, is expanding, the expenditure involved by the opening of new Sub-stations cannot be considered extravagant or more than the increased fire risk demands.
2. The Fire Brigade equipment was not added to during the year, but provision was made in the 1924 Estimates for some important additions, viz.:—
(i) A First Aid Motor to replace No. 1 tender now converted into a Fire Brigade Motor Lorry.
(ii) A large fire float capable of delivering 4,000 gallons per minute.
3. Work on the new Central Fire Station continued throughout the year, the steel framework of the 7 storied building being almost completed.
4. A difficulty was experienced in obtaining recruits for the Brigade owing possibly to the boom in the small traders' business in the Colony (hawkers). This can only be attributed to the unsettled conditions in the neighbouring province which has resulted in a large influx of population from Kwong Tung to Hongkong. The same difficulty has been experienced by the Police and District Watchmen's Forces. Towards the end of the year recruits were coming in more freely again.
5. A satisfactory innovation was the starting of a Motor Drivers School at Central Fire Station. This school is divided into 3 classes and instruction is being given to 18 men, all of whom are either firemen or ambulance attendants. All candidates have to find security and must undertake to serve at least 3 years with the Brigade after passing out. All the men are keen and it is to be hoped that this school will turn out sufficient good drivers in time to do away with the existing trouble in finding suitable drivers for the costly fire appliances with which the Brigade is now equipped.