Fire_Services_1963-1964 — Page 12

Sub-divisions. For further details, see Appendix I. Approved establish- ment at the beginning of the year was 1,924, an increase of 315, the greater percentage of which was accounted for by the additional establish- ment approved to reduce the working hours from 84 to 72 per week, in accordance with the recommendations in the 1960-61 Fire Service Development Plan. One notable change in the senior staff was that of Mr. V. C. SEYMOUR who retired in February 1964 after completing 24 years service.

HONOURS AND AWARDS

29. The following members of the Service were honoured by Her Majesty the Queen:

George Medal

District Fire Officer E. L. HANLON, O.St.J.

Colonial Police Medal for Gallantry

Divisional Officer B. G. FENDER

Divisional Officer J. H. D. BELL

Fireman Class I CHEUNG Tin

Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct

Senior Fireman CHOI Yuk-shu

FINANCE

30. Expenditure on the Fire Service was $13.9 m. and on the Ambulance Service $1.4 m. Based on a population of 3.4 million, the estimated cost per capita to provide Fire and Ambulance Services was $4.5, an increase of 65 cts. per capita over the previous year. Income for the year, mostly from the Fire Prevention Bureau and the Ambulance Service, was $234,000.

BUILDINGS AND ACCOMMODATION

31. The second and what is to be the last block of rank and file quarters was completed and opened in November 1963, resulting in an uplift in morale of junior staff who appreciate the benefits of modern accommoda- tion at lower rents than that they would have to pay for private accom- modation. In future all rank and file quarters to be built will be incor- porated above fire stations and ambulance depots, thus providing for economic site development and the saving of additional sites which would otherwise be required for separate blocks. Approved planning

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