1963-1964 — Page 7

5. In order to improve the efficiency of train operation at Kowloon Terminus a new power signalling system was installed at Kowloon Station yard to replace the very old mechanical signalling system. The new system was put into operation from 28th November, 1963 and has been working in a very satisfactory manner.

6. For the periods from 1st July, 1963 to 31st January, 1964 and from 22nd February, 1964 to 7th March, 1964, the Chinese Section did not allow any passengers from Hong Kong to enter Sham Chun (the border town) without a valid certificate showing that they had been innoculated against cholera at least six days before.

7. Mr. Aly SABRY, Premier of the United Arab Republic and his party were conveyed by a Chinese special train from Canton to Kowloon after their visit to China on their way to India.

8. All members of the staff worked well. In particular the large increase in traffic threw considerable extra work on all stations and operating staff; and they are to be commended for the efficiency and willingness with which they carried out their extra duties.

TRAFFIC

9. Traffic earnings for the year under review amounted to $10,755,613 showing an increase of 11.15% over the previous year. Comparative figures are as shown below:

1963-64

$10,755,613

1962-63

$9,676,655

Increase

$1,078,958 (11.15%)

10. Passenger Traffic. Local passenger journeys increased by 16.83% while non-local showed a drop of 10.36%.

11. On Ching Ming Festival Day, 5th April, 1963 and Chung Yeung. Festival Day, 25th October, 1963, 29 and 24 special trains respectively were run in addition to the normal service of 34 trains to facilitate pas- sengers visiting the cemeteries at Wo Hop Shek and Sandy Ridge. On these two days, 89,489 and 54,718 passengers respectively (excluding the season, monthly and scholar ticket holders) were carried.

12. On 25th June, 1963, 22 special trains were run in addition to the normal service to and from Tai Po Market to convey spectators to the: Dragon Boat Races held at Yuen Chow Tsai in Tai Po. There were: altogether 55,427 passenger journeys for all stations.

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