1946-1947 — Page 4

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Canton-Hankow Line expressed their wish to have a Working Agreement, and a draft was submitted for their consideration.

8. The coal supply has had to be carefully watched to secure correct deliveries with such great temptation to theft. Costs have never been lower than $110.00 per ton, the usual figure being about $145.00 loaded to locomotive, and the quality has varied enormously. Japanese, American, North Borneo and South African coals have been received and the Indian, North Borneo and South African coals have given the best results. The South African supply has been particularly good and conforms to the pre-war state of affairs when these coals. always proved to be amongst the most satisfactory and economical. Fuel oil, at prices varying from $113.60 to $145.00 per ton, has proved economical when compared with coal giving a saving estimated at 30%. The figures in the statistical statement give a still better result, but they are not truly comparable owing to the difference in consumption between local trips and through running. The re-conversion therefore from coal to oil-burning of four 2-8-0 Austerity Locomotives although forced on the Administration by circum- stances, has proved beneficial in effecting economy and conserving coal stocks.

9. A disagreeable feature of the acute shortage in passenger accommodation on trains has been the flourishing black market in the sale of tickets which included on one occasion a sale of forgeries. Every effort has been made to combat the practice and police prosecutions have been many and the fines heavy, but the practice has not altogether ceased. It is hoped that, with the provision of new booking office facilities in the New Year and repaired rolling stock, the situation will be brought under proper control.

10. The repairs carried out to the Beacon Hill and Taipo Tunnels necessitated by the original demolitions prior to the surrender of Hong Kong, caused some anxiety during the course of their reconstruction. The work had to be done at night with a minimum of suitable tools and on two occasions in the former tunnel large falls occurred, fortunately without loss of life, but which caused delays to the morning trains. essential that repair work should be completed before the next rains, as the shoring provided by the Japanese was proving dangerous due to dry rot and would not last over a further rainy season. Both tunnels were finished by the end of the year, except for minor grouting in the Beacon Hill Tunnel.

11. It was the custom for many years prior to the war, for most merchants to employ their own coolies for loa ling and unloading cargo at Kowloon. A railway contractor provided coolies when requested to do so at a scale laid down by the