Colony on October 10th two days prior to the date of the Chung Yeung festival causing the Railway a loss estimated at $80,000. Special train arrangements to handle the big crowds who normally travel to Wo Hop Shek and Sandy Ridge cemetries to visit their ancestral graves, had to be cancelled, and only a shuttle service north of the urban area and four non-stop trains bringing residents of the Colony back from China were per- mitted to run until the 14th.
5. Following on the accident of November 12th, 1955 at a level crossing at Mile 171, between a train and an Army tank causing the loss of two lives and serious material damage, pro- longed discussions took place with the Military Authorities towards rendering the crossing safe. A satisfactory outcome was reached almost a year later on November 8th, 1956.
6. The two diesel electric locomotives were fully employed in operating all local passenger trains except when withdrawal for routine inspection or minor failure necessitated relief by steam engine. Steam locomotives, except as stated, were con- fined to goods trains. Total kilometrage run during the year was 374,883.44 at a cost of $347,568.28. The striking savings effected are shown in diagrammatic form in Appendix XXI. Economies have been maintained despite the fact that since the units were put into service the price of dieseline fuel has risen from $228 to $267 per ton.
With the arrival of a further 3 of these locomotives during the coming year further economies are certain and the Railway is expected to continue to play its part profitably in the economic life of the Colony.
TRAFFIC
7. Traffic earnings for the financial year ended 31.3.57 showed a marked improvement. The surplus over the previous year is $1,990,817, but is still $2,802,775 less than the record of $9,913,642 which was created in the year 1950/51.
1956/57. $7,110,867
1955/56. $5,120,050
Increase.
$1,990,817 or 38.88%
8. Passenger Bookings. Passenger journeys, both local and non-local, have increased, the local by 10.63% and non-local by
142.82%.
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