Fire_Brigade_1955-1956 — Page 19

42. Members of the Brigade took part in launch picnics arranged by the Auxiliary Fire Service on the following dates:

26th June, 1955

27th August, 1955

10th September, 1955

Clear Water Bay.

Clear Water Bay. Cheung Chau.

A launch was hired from the Hong Kong & Yaumati Ferry Co., Ltd. for this purpose.

43. A Chinese New Year Children's Party, the first one ever held by the Brigade for the children of the Firemen, took place at the Auxiliary Fire Service Recreation Club Compound, Arsenal Yard, Queen's Road East, on the 14th February, 1956. At the party, variety entertainment was provided. The Chief Officer distributed picnic boxes and toys to more than 700 children of the members of the Brigade. Brigade personnel and their wives assisted in serving and looking after the children.

AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE

44. In October the authorized strength of the Auxiliary Fire Service was increased from 793 to 832 Officers and Men by the addition of 39 Administrative Staff Members including an Assistant Superintendent in charge of the Administration and Commissariat Section. The actual strength at the end of the year was 641, and the deficiency is partly on account of the continued policy of weeding out the inefficient and those with poor attendance. However, steps have been taken to add more efficient, well-trained and conscientious members gradually to bring the establishment up to strength. Applicants to join the service continued to be interviewed regularly and suitable candidates were carefully selected.

45. The regular weekly training under the Platoon System is now being carried out at:

A.F.S. Training Depot, Aberdeen. (Hong Kong Division). Kowloon Fire Station. (Kowloon Division).

Sheung Shui, Saikung, Yuen Long, Cheung Chau and Tai O

Fire Stations. (New Territories).

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