Fire_Brigade_1946-1947 — Page 4

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Staff.

Due to the retirement of Mr. J. C. Fitz Henry on medical grounds, Mr. W. Mcl. Smith, Grad. I. Fire E. was promoted Chief Officer on 1st May, 1946.

Station Officer C. W. Brand, Grad. I. Fire E. was appointed Deputy Chief Officer with effect from 5th Decem- ber, 1946.

Strike.

Following the presentation to Government of demands for improved conditions of service, 179 members of the Brigade went on strike on the 12th July, 1946. The strike ended on 22nd July, 1946, when Government's terms were accepted and all ranks resumed duty. Included in the amended conditions of service was the introduction of the 24 hour on-off system of duty in place of the 3 day on with one day off system. To render the new condition operative, the staff was increased by 92, from 312 to 404 all ranks.

During the period of the strike Fire Stations were manned by service personnel.

Commendations.

Divisional Officer K. H. J. Brooks, Station Officer C. W. Browne, Fireman Tsoi Chiu and Seaman Li Chee were recipients of letters of commendation from His Excellency the Governor, Sir Mark Young, for their bravery and initiative on the occasion of the "Sai On" Fire when they jointly were responsible for the rescue of 22 persons.

Long service medals were awarded to 23 members of the staff who have completed 18 years or more service with the Brigade.

Fire Engines.

The Brigade has been able to effect the return to the Colony of the two modern, 1250 gallons per minute, fire engines which were removed to Tokyo on 26th April, 1943, by the Japanese and installed in the Imperial Palace. Follow- ing mechanical repairs necessitated by inefficient maintenance the engines were again placed in commission locally.

All of our fire engines suffered in varying degrees by neglect during the period of occupation. With one exception they have been overhauled and repaired and are now in serviceable condition. The exception requires major engine parts from the United Kingdom. These are expected to arrive soon.