Fire_Services_1964-1965 — Page 43

166. A considerable amount of valuable work had been undertaken by the Department's Physical Training Officer in organizing inter Station, Division and District social and sports functions.

167. Although in a crowded metropolis such as Hong Kong where operations cause frequent interruption to organized recreation, morale is nevertheless greatly improved by reducing to the minimum 'idle hands and minds'.

168. The most outstanding event during the year in the field of 'occupational theraphy' was a 'technical quiz' lasting 7 months in which personnel from every Station took part. The standard of knowledge displayed whilst not reaching the level hoped for, did nevertheless reveal a great deal of individual 'study' effort. The event was certainly most popular as was the grant of cash awards to the successful teams.

169. Judo classes have received considerable support, and Fire Service Soccer Teams have, considering the almost insuperable difficul- ties of arranging pre-match practice, done exceedingly well.

170. All in all, welfare activities reflect a great improvement all round compared with previous years, a state of affairs almost entirely due to our Physical Training Officer and the personal interest displayed in welfare generally by all senior officers who have given up limited 'family time' at weekends to be with their subordinates,

TRANSPORT AND WORKSHOPS

171. This Division is responsible for:

(a) maintenance and repair to all fire fighting appliances and equipment; (b) maintenance of fire fighting equipment in Government institutions; (c) supply of fuel generally and at fires in particular;

(d) training of drivers, pump and Turntable Ladders operators, and the issue

of driving licences for Fire and Ambulance Services personnel.

172. The unusual number of typhoons placed considerable additional burdens on the Workshops staff in the recovery and repair of damaged and flooded appliances and ambulances, and rendering technical assist- ance at complex special services. The backlog of servicing and mainte- nance carried over from the year of drought in 1963/64 still affected Workshops when in quick succession five typhoons struck the Colony. One can only hope for a trouble-free year in 1965 to enable the Work- shops staff to bring their maintenance and servicing schedules up to date.

32