1953-1954 — Page 21

The staff are to be congratulated for maintaining a high standard of efficiency throughout the year.

52. Staff Welfare. Two events of considerable value occurred in the field of welfare during the year. A medical clinic was opened on 8th December, 1953 primarily for the benefit of Railway employees and family members. It has been well received by the staff who now undoubtedly obtain better treatment than was previously possible at the over-crowded public clinics but what is equally important, the staff now look upon the medical officer as their family doctor. The Hon. Director of Medical and Health Services is to be thanked for his co-operation in creating this clinic.

As mentioned in last year's report plans were then afoot to provide the staff with a Club House. Negotiations were entered into with Government with regard to financial assistance and it is pleasant to record that a loan of $43,000, repayable in six years and free of interest was granted.

The Club itself was formed and incorporated under the Companies Ordinance on 21st November, 1953. The erection of the Club House was completed in February and on the 12th February, 1954 the premises were formally opened by the Colonial Secretary, the Hon. R. B. Black, C.M.G., O.B.E. Two special features of the club are a canteen where the staff members in the lower salary bracket may obtain a cheap but nourishing meal and a Primary School which functions in the morning. The provision of a school was considered most essen- tial in view of the number of children still without any form of education. The school takes in 144 children and is run on a subsidized basis under the control of the Education Depart- ment. The assistance thus afforded has been received with gratitude by parents and pupils alike.

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I. B. TREVOR, General Manager, Railway.