AnnualReport-1937 — Page 786

Page S 13

39. In paragraph 5, the British Section's share from through goods traffic is given as $167,556.45, but it is desirable to stress that this figure, excellent as it may be, does not present the true picture of the work actually performed. Total tonnage handled during the last three months of the year is compared below with the figures for the corresponding period last year:

Work has frequently continued until 4.00 a.m., and the overtime charges paid out amount to $2,651.28. Owing to persistent calls for economy in recent years, the traffic staff had been reduced to a bare minimum and therefore when activities on a large scale commenced, leave, except for sickness, had to be rigidly curtailed. The volume of goods handled reflects the greatest credit on the personnel, and additional staff are now needed to cope with the traffic.

40. The "Canton Belle"

"Canton Belle" parlour railcar was put into service on May 6th, being converted in a similar manner to the companion car "Taipo Belle" introduced last year.

If anything, the green and silver colour scheme and furnishing of the second car has proved more popular than the blue and silver motif of the other.

41. On January 16th, a calamitous fire involving considerable loss of life occurred on the Up Fast passenger train whilst it was running over the Chinese Section. The fire originated 36 miles from Canton, just south of Shek Lik Kou Halt, and the train was brought to a standstill within 5/8ths of a mile. The numbers of dead and injured were 84 and 30 respectively. Three third-class carriages, two belonging to the Chinese Section and one to the British Section, were completely gutted down to the underframes. The most striking feature of the fire was the rapidity with which it spread. The outbreak commenced in the third coach from the engine where practically all the casualties occurred. A survivor stated that a sheet of flame seemed to shoot across this carriage from door to door. The inquiry held by the Ministry of Railways found that the accident was caused in all probability by the ignition of highly inflammable articles. It was ascertained that two baskets containing 320 dozen celluloid bangles were placed in these coaches at Shum Chun, the border station. How these bangles came to be carried is unknown, as no goods invoice was issued or freight collected. The origin of the fire could not be ascertained, but arson was strongly suspected.

Page S 13

Page S13

Page S13

39. In paragraph 5, the British Section's share from through goods traffic is given as $167,556.45, but it is desirable to stress that this figure, excellent as it may be, does not present the true picture of the work actually performed. Total tonnage handled during the last three months of the year is compared below with the figures for the corresponding period last year:

Work has frequently continued until 4.00 a.m., and the overtime charges paid out amount to $2,651.28. Owing to persistent calls for economy in recent years, the traffic staff had been reduced to a bare minimum and therefore when activities on a large scale commenced, leave, except for sickness, had to be rigidly curtailed. The volume of goods handled reflects the greatest credit on the personnel, and additional staff are now needed to cope with the traffic.

40. The "Canton Belle"

"Canton Belle" parlour railcar was put into service on May 6th, being converted in a similar manner to the companion car "Taipo Belle" introduced last year.

If anything, the green and silver colour scheme and furnishing of the second car has proved more popular than the blue and silver motif of the other.

41. On January 16th, a calamitous fire involving considerable loss of life occurred on the Up Fast passenger train whilst it was running over the Chinese Section. The fire originated 36 miles from Canton, just south of Shek Lik Kou Halt, and the train was brought to a standstill within 5/8ths of a mile. The numbers of dead and injured were 84 and 30 respectively. Three third-class carriages, two belonging to the Chinese Section and one to the British Section, were completely gutted down to the underframes. The most striking feature of the fire was the rapidity with which it spread. The outbreak commenced in the third coach from the engine where practically all the casualties occurred. A survivor stated that a sheet of flame seemed to shoot across this carriage from door to door. The inquiry held by the Ministry of Railways found that the accident was caused in all probability by the ignition of highly inflammable articles. It was ascertained that two baskets containing 320 dozen celluloid bangles were placed in these coaches at Shum Chun, the border station. How these bangles came to be carried is unknown, as no goods invoice was issued or freight collected. The origin of the fire could not be ascertained, but arson was strongly suspected.

Page S13