Estimates-1959 — Page 178

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The additional Clerks are required to cope with the general overall increase in work in the Magistracies. One post of Clerk of Court is re-graded as Deputy Registrar, District Court. The new post of Office/Workshop Assistant is offset by the reduction of one post of Watchman, These changes, together with normal increments, account for the increase of $82,480 in the vote for personal emoluments.

Under Other Charges Annually Recurrent, additional provision is required to meet the increase in honorarium payable to one temporary President, Tenancy Tribunal, and payment of subsistence allowances to watchmen, resulting in an overall increase of $35,520 in this vote.

HEAD 14 — KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY

Estimate 1958/59

$4,292,900

Revised estimate 1957/58

6,003,000

Approved estimate 1957/58

5,332,250

Actual Expenditure 1956/57

6,706,716

Permanent staff

Net decrease

1957/58

630

1958/59

Difference

596

· 34

34

New posts

15 Railway Clerks Class I

1 Shunter

2 Pointsmen

4 Porters

1 Storekeeper Class III

23

Existing posts deleted

15 Temporary Railway Clerks

1 Foreman Class I

1 Foreman Class II

2 Drivers

2 Firemen

22 Artisans Class I

9 Artisans Class II

4 Semi-skilled Workers

57

1 Unskilled Worker

The new posts of Shunter and Pointsmen are required to facilitate operation at Lowu Station and the four posts of Porter are for staffing Ma Liu Shui Station. The new Storekeeper Class III post is offset by a post of Foreman Class II. It has been possible to delete 41 other posts through the putting into service of more diesel electric locomotives. There is a net reduction of $74,240 in Personal Emoluments.

Other Charges show decreases of $21,000 in the vote for coal and fuel oil, also due to the use of more diesel electric locomotives, and approximately $35,000 in the vote for mainte- nance of rolling stock due to rebuilding 5 wooden bodies with steel. Provision for two self lowering jacks ordered last year at a cost of $8,800 but not delivered has been carried forward and is the cause of the increase in the vote for tools and plant which would otherwise have shown a decrease. There is a net decrease in the estimates for Other Charges Annually Recurrent of $43,610.

Rebuilding of the five wooden bodied coaches mentioned above is the main new item of Special Expenditure. To enable passengers to cross the ends of platforms safely after dark and to facilitate shunting at night additional lights estimated to cost $44,000 are to be provided.

Lengthening of platforms at an estimated cost of $75,000 will enable full length pas- senger trains to be accommodated at all stations and obviate the need for boarding from or alighting on the track. New flush latrines at Shatin Station where traffic is heavy are estimated to cost $15,000. Repair and improvement of Bridge No. 9 at an estimated cost of $45,000 provides for much needed renovation.

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