Fire_Services_1966-1967 — Page 17

55. Fire Service building programme as currently approved for the next 10 years is shown in Appendix XI.

56. The Fire Service infra-structure is based on the policy of fire appliances being able to reach the address of any call within six minutes. Ever mounting traffic problems, highway planning, one way streets, over-passes, under-passes and population drifts have made it necessary to re-evaluate in depth the original long term planning to meet the six minutes attendance policy. Feasibility studies were, there- fore, instituted during the year into the practicability of extending and improving fire cover in the post-1970 period by the provision of fire posts in Government estates and other major building projects. These studies are still under way at the time of going to press.

PHYSICAL TRAINING AND EDUCATION

57. Physical training and recreational programmes were conducted at the Temporary Fire Service Training School and at all fire stations as part of the normal day to day routines.

58. The large increase in demands made on the Service during the year further demonstrated the need for qualified physical education instructors to raise and maintain the physical standard of all personnel to the stamina and agility levels required by modern fire fighting operations.

59. Requirements for a fully staffed physical education section have been formulated and at the time of writing of this report is under consideration by Government.

WELFARE AND DISCIPLINE

60. During the year it was necessary to make loans and grants to members of the Service from the Fire Service Welfare Fund totalling some $55,400.00. The statement of accounts of the Fire Service Welfare Fund is shown in Appendix IX.

Yan Yat Fair

61. One of the most important boosts to the morale and welfare of the Service during the year was a Yan Yat Fair at which His Excellency the Governor graciously consented to dot the eyes of the lions. A total of 3,182 members of the Service and their families

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