10
tion of speed restrictions over certain bridges and sections of track caused frequent delays. Movements and handling of traffic at Kowloon were also restricted due to lack of siding accommodation in the early part of the year, and in order to improve the situation in the interests of both Sections, track materials were obtained from the Canton-Hankow Railway on loan to enable two loop lines and three sidings to be restored.
29.
Accidents both operating and personal are detailed
below:-
1 minor collision.
4 Engine failures.
5 Derailments.
2 Trespassers killed by trains.
17
injured by trains.
6 Level crossing gates damaged by Motor Traffic.
1
5
"
"
""
Rail Traffic.
""
30.
A tragic incident occurred on January 1st. when a Rail- bus leaving Fanling daily at 17.30 hours was held up by armed robbers at Mile 1134. As a result of this hold up, a passenger was killed and two others were wounded.
31. The number of passengers travelling without payment of fares and with intent to avoid payment has given cause for concern. Most of them were Chinese troops, ex-soldiers and and deserters engaged in smuggling, and when approached for tickets adopted a threatening and aggressive attitude which intimidated Railway employees. However, joint Military and Police action was called for in September and Police searches and strict control at Kowloon and Yaumati stations since has effected improvements. The situation was not.eased by the shortage of Ticket Examining and Collecting staff, as it was not possible to recruit suitable persons for the pay offered.
32. In January lectures were commenced to various grades of Traffic staff on Railway Rules and Regulations as drawn up in the new Rule Book which was approved by the Governor in Council, and distributed in December.
ACCOUNTS - GENERAL
33. On starting the Railway after the re-occupation it was found that all records had been destroyed and forms and account books had to be reconstructed from memory by the clerical staff. No Working Agreement materialized during the year and the method of settling accounts, and reconciling view points, was by meetings of Executives, either in Hong Kong, Canton or Hengyang, and correspondence between the
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.