1947-1948 — Page 7

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22. First and second class coaching stock was provided on all local trains from May 16th, and from that date the pre-war practice of issuing tickets to members of the Golf Club and first and second class monthly and season tickets at special rates was re-introduced.

OPERATING.

23. There were no additions to the train service during the year, the increased service introduced in March, 1947 necessitating the use of all available rolling stock. The progress of rehabilita- tion and repairs however enabled various improvements to be carried out. The most important were the replacement in May of the converted wagon coaches by proper coaching stock on the trains leaving Kowloon and Canton each day at 10.05 a.m. and 4.35 p.m., and the provision of lights in all British Section coaches. The former improvement increased the seating capacity of these trains by approximately four hundred, and had a marked effect in reducing the sale of black market tickets at Kowloon.

24. Considerable difficulty was experienced in the operation of goods trains. Deterioration in the condition of the wheels on U.N.R.R.A. wagons and the lack of proper wagon maintenance on the part of the Chinese Section led to a decline in their efficiency. It was necessary to introduce a strict system of examination of all rolling stock at the border before it could be permitted to run over the British Section. In addition, the absence of proper brakes, and defective couplings, necessitated special instructions being issued in September in regard to the operation of goods trains. The most important were the reduction of speed over the British Section to 20 m.p.h. and the running of goods trains at times which would eliminate their crossing fast passenger trains.

25. A further cause for anxiety was the lack of signal lamps and double wire signalling all of which had been looted during the occupation. No replacements were received during the year.

26. Communications were improved by the re-installation of telephones at both ends of Beacon Hill Tunnel, Lok Lo Ha level crossing, the cable hut at Mile 11 and No. 8 Ganghut.

27. The situation in regard to passengers travelling without tickets greatly improved. This was attributable to increased ticket inspections on all trains as the result of the appointment of two Ticket Inspectors in May and assistance given by the Police. Excess fares collected amounted to $101,938.00, while the percentage of tickets missing in collection dropped from about 9% to 21% which was considered very satisfactory.

28. Despite continuous Police activity, it was not possible to stamp out completely the sale of tickets in the Black Market at Kowloon Station. Police prosecutions were many and fines heavy, but the practice persisted and it is obvious that it will not be eliminated entirely until additional rolling stock is received and there is more accommodation on trains.