CO129-534-3 Report of Retrenchment Commission 4-5-1931 - 19-2-1932 — Page 179

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179

KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY REPORT.

The present staff of the British Section of the Kowloon- Canton Railway could with but slight augmentation probably run the whole of the Kowloon Canton Railway, both British and

Chinese sections. On the other hand, the comparatively small British section could not in the opinion of the Commissioners

be run with a smaller staff. Whatever the length of the line

it is necessary to have at least one of various kinds of

railway officials and engineers.

2.

Nevertheless there are two economies which the Commission-

ers recommend, and which they consider will at the same time lead

to great efficiency. The first concerns the post of Manager. This is combined with the post of Engineer of Ways and Works. It would be a better arrangement if the post of Manager were combined with that of Traffic Manager, and a separate Engineer of Ways and Works appointed, an engineer is already seconded

for this post from the Public Works Department during the absence on leave of the Manager). There would still be two

officers performing the duties of three posts, but there would

be a slight saving in salaries, and a more logical distribution

of duties.

3.

The second recommendation affecting staff which the Commissioners make, is that the two posts of Traffic Inspectors at present filled by British officers be filled in future by

Portuguese. One of the two officers concerned is already over the retiring age. There will be a considerable saving not only in salaries but in the cost of passages and pensi ons, The Commissioners, whilst realizing that a certain amount of

defrauding of the railway by persons travelling without tickets

is inevitable, are quite satisfied that more could be done to

check the practice. The Traffic Assistant should supervise