XN000022-1974-03-23 — Page 3

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Saturday, March 23, 1974

With their training and new experience, they thus get a

better perspective and understanding of conditions in Hong Kong from

which both the public service and the community benefit."

The main criteria for selection are that officers should

normally be in the 40-50 age group with a substantial period of public

service and a very good record. Community service is also taken into account.

FIVE-FOLD INCREASE IN GRASS FIRES

The long dry spell from September last year to the end of

February resulted in five times as many grass fires as for the same

period in 1972/73, according to figures released today by the Fire

Services Department.

The total number of grass fires was 2,504, compared with

527 in 1972/73. They represented close to 50 per cent of all fire

calls answered.

The worst month was December when a total of 900 grass fires

were dealt with out of a total of 1,485 fires.

A Fire Services spokesman said the most common cause of grass

and other fires continued to be careless disposal of lighted cigarette

ends and matches.

"Even now, 11 he said, "despite the wet weather, the fire risk is

there and wo appeal to the public to stub out their cigarette ends and

blow out their matches before throwing them away.

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