Estimates-1961 — Page 197

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One post of Engineer in the Way and Works Section becomes redundant upon combining the duties of the post with those of the General Manager, the latter post now being retitled Manager and Chief Engineer as recommended by the Salaries Commission, 1959.

Included under Special Expenditure is provision for conversion of the railway buildings at Luen Wan Street for use as departmental quarters ($42,000), continuation of the programme for converting wooden bodied coaches to steel ($305,000), some badly needed improvements to the public latrines at stations on the recommendation of the Medical & Health Department ($180,000) and improvements to the drainage of the track at Mile 6 to reduce the possibility of washouts during heavy rains. Provision of $820,000 has also been included to replenish the stock of rails and fastenings; it is not economical to purchase in smaller quantities, but this new stock should meet all normal requirements for several years to come.

Token provisions only have been included to cover orders for equipment, etc. which represent a financial commitment of some $17.6 millions for 1961/62. This programme of re-equipment and expansion will make it possible for the forty year old mechanically operated signalling system to be replaced by a modern electrical system at an estimated cost of $3.3 millions. The additional 3 diesel electric locomotives ($4,800,000) and 23 coaches ($9,500,000) will enable 5 complete sets of 13 coach trains to be found, with reserves for overhauls. The additions will ultimately make it possible for a greatly improved passenger service to be introduced.

Finally, the provision of $100,000 in the subhead entitled "Reprovisioning of Staff Quarters" is meant to cover actual expenditure during 1960/61 on the building of a block of eight flats to replace the old Gascoigne Road quarters which will have to be demolished to make way for the new Nairn Road extension.

HEAD 45- - LABOUR DEPARTMENT: LABOUR DIVISION

Estimate 1960/61

$2,198,500

Revised estimate 1959/60

1,657,000

Approved estimate 1959/60

1,655,600

Actual expenditure 1958/59

1,231,582

1959/60 1960/61

Difference

Permanent staff

125

143

+18

Supernumerary staff

7

8

+ 1

Net increase

19

New posts

5 Clerks/Typists

1 Assistant Labour Officer

1 Chief Labour Inspector

4 Labour Inspectors

3 Clerical Assistants

4 Messengers

1 Certificated Master*

Supernumerary Staff

19

* Approved by Special Warrant during the year.