Fire_Brigade_1954-1955 — Page 21

members of the Brigade with other sports clubs in the Colony. Members found this game most interesting.

52. The Billiard Table donated to this Department by the Insurance Association before the War was well patronized by Officers and men of the Brigade. Upkeep and maintenance. are offset from the takings which are fixed at 60 cents an hour.

53. Film shows were held at Fire Stations from time to time for the entertainment of members of the Brigade and their families free of charge. The projector and films were obtained on loan from the local Film Companies. The shows were well attended.

54. A launch picnic to Silver Mine Bay, sponsored by the Auxiliary Fire Service, was held in July, 1954 and some members of the Brigade also took part. A launch was hired from the Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Co., Ltd. for this

purpose.

AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE

55. The authorized strength of the Auxiliary Fire Service is 793 Officers and Men, with an actual strength at the end of the year of 684, this low total being the result of a move to weed out inefficient and uninterested members. There were over 400 applications to join the service and these were carefully considered and the applicants interviewed. Steps have thus been taken to select suitable recruits in accordance with Fire Brigade basic requirements to make up for the existing de- ficiency in numbers and to bring the Establishment up to strength.

56. Enthusiasm in attending training, exercises, fires etc. has been maintained. Auxiliary Fire Service Officers, under the supervision of the Training Officer (a Regular Fire Brigade

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