XN000022-1974-03-09 — Page 5

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Saturday, March 9, 1974

YAU MA TEI FIRE STATION OPENED

Mr. Chan Yen-tong, Chairman of Yau Ma Tei Kaifong Welfare

Association, this (Saturday) morning officially opened Yau Ma Tei

Fire Station, situated in Waterloo Road.

Mr. Chan was welcomed by the Deputy Director of Fire Servicos,

Mr. Frederick Watson, and the Chief Fire Officer, Kowloon, Mr. Herbert

Hutchins.

In a short speech, he referred to the close relations between

the public and the Fire Services and to the difficulties in fighting fires

due to the large population and the number of multi-storey buildinga.

"These add extra responsibilities to Firemen," said Mr. Chan.

"You are no doubt aware that the Hong Kong Fire Services Department is

equipped to the highest standards and is known as one of the best in the

world."

After unveiling a commemorative plaque, Mr. Chan and other guests

watched a lion dance by the New Territories Lion Dancing Team and also

inspected equipment and toured the newly opened premises,

The station, which cost approximately $1.5 million to build, has

There are four appliances. The

a staff of 37 operating two shifts.

number of people living in the area served by the station is 220,000.

Included in the building are Officers' and Rank and File quarters.

Note to Editors:

Copies of a photograph of the opening ceremony will be boxed for collection later today.