56. The upward trend in the sale of platform tickets at Kowloon Station has continued throughout the current year, revenue from this source increasing by 65.27%. The figures for the past three years are given below:
1933 1934 1935 Tickets sold 21,785 82,080 114,585 Revenue $1,089.25 $6,932.60 $11,458.5057. The International Ocean Express Company of Seattle have initiated an express service between the United States and the Orient, which is designed to facilitate to a marked degree the dispatch of small parcels at greatly advantageous rates by means of bulk shipments. The system, at present, is operating only in a westerly direction, but it is anticipated that in a short period return shipments will be possible. This Administration acts as receivers and distributors for China via Hong Kong, on a cost plus commission basis. The first consignment arrived on October 5th, and the total number of parcels received since the venture commenced has been 111.
58. Through bookings to the Sam Shui Railway commenced on September 7th under an agreement whereby each section takes its own proportion. Settlement is made monthly.
59. An experimental passenger halt called Che Kung Miu was opened on November 16th near Bridge No. 12 (mile 6.14), in response to requests from villagers in this neighbourhood. Three passenger trains in each direction stop there daily. At the end of the year the combined passenger journeys for this halt and the nearest station, Shatin, have increased, but it is too early to state whether its institution will prove remunerative.
60. Advertising has fulfilled its part in keeping railway activities to the fore, and it is safe to say that it has contributed in no small manner to increased patronage of rail travel.
61. Close co-operation with the Chinese Maritime Customs Administration has been maintained during the year. The value of the liaison work carried out by their officers cannot be over-estimated. Improvements have resulted to the benefit of all concerned. One of the most satisfactory changes from a railway point of view is the arrangement whereby cargo can be cleared for dispatch at the Customs Office at Kowloon Station, whereas previously it was necessary to cross the harbour to Hong Kong every time a shipment was made, in order to obtain a clearance from Customs Headquarters.