1948-1949 — Page 5

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The difference has been almost entirely offset by credits from the hire of wagons and coaches at $144,650.00.

11. The work of lowering the coupler heights on all British rolling stock from 43" to 35" to conform to the American standard now universal throughout China, was commenced in June and completed in July. The operation has also involved altering the heights of loading platforms and ramps which is being undertaken gradually on a priority programme.

12. The two trainees at present in England, one taking a Traffic Course under a Colonial & Welfare Development Scholar- ship, and the other an engineering training at Railway expense, continue to give satisfaction and have fully justified the hopes placed in them.

13.

A great deal has been done in the way of restoration, and while there is still more to do, the end of the road is in sight. Meanwhile the takings of the Line have never been higher. Such results could not have been achieved without a sense of keenness and enthusiasm, coupled with cheerfulness, displayed by every member of the staff. This team spirit has been con- sistently in evidence in overcoming many difficulties for which I am profoundly grateful. I am therefore encouraged to think that whatever the future has in store this spirit will remain.

TRANSPORTATION.

14. General. A serious accident occurred on September 3rd, 1948. The afternoon express from Canton was travelling between Pu Kut and Li Long, about 9 miles north of Shum Chun, when the locomotive and the first six coaches left the rails. Approximately 100 persons were killed. No official report as to the cause has been supplied, but sabotage was suspected.

15. The British Section staff rendered all possible assistance. Their first-aid training, which is part of Railway routine, was amply justified and many of the wounded had their injuries attended to promptly and efficiently by members of the staff. Altogether, 94 injured persons were brought to Kowloon by a special relief train supplied by this Section. They were then sent to Kowloon Hospital for further treatment. A letter of appreciation and thanks was received from the Minister of Com- munications, China.

16. Passenger traffic throughout the year has been very heavy. Last year was a record for the Railway for foreign traffic, yet this year's figures show a further increase in the number of passengers travelling to and from Chinese Territory. The Railway lost a whole month's traffic last year caused by a strike, but even after taking this into consideration and basing traffic on eleven months only, it is still possible to show an increase of 15.5% in the number of passenger travelling between the Colony and the Chinese Section. Full details are as follows:-

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