1971-1972 — Page 8

9. A ticket printing and issuing machine manufactured by Bell Punch Co., Ltd., London was installed in the booking office of the Mong Kok Railway Station, resulting in greater efficiency.

10. His Excellency Sir David TRENCH, G.C.M.G., M.C., paid a farewell visit to the Railway on 20th August, 1971, shortly before his retirement.

11. His Excellency the Governor, Sir Murray MACLEHOSE, K.C.M.G., M.B.E., visited the Railway on 20th March, 1972.

TRAFFIC

12. Traffic earnings for the year under review amounted to $18,144,609 showing an increase of $2,719,954 over the previous year.

Comparative figures for the past four years are shown below:

1968-69 $14,218,032

1969-70 $15,099,803

1970-71 $15,424,655

1971-72 $18,144,609

13. Passenger Traffic. Local passenger journeys increased by 6%, while the number of passengers visiting China increased by 56.39%.

14. On Ching Ming Festival Day, 5th April, 1971, and Chung Yeung Festival Day, 27th October, 1971, in addition to the daily normal ser- vices of 34 trains, 31 and 26 special trains respectively were run to facilitate visits to the cemeteries at Wo Hop Shek and Sandy Ridge. On these two days, 100,013 and 65,451 passengers respectively (exclud- ing season and monthly ticket holders) were carried.

15. On Dragon Boat Festival Day, 28th May, 1971, 21 special trains were added to the normal daily train services to transport spectators to the Dragon Boat Races held at Yuen Chau Tsai in Tai Po. On that day, 53,452 passengers were carried to all stations.

16. On Mid-Autumn Festival Day, 3rd October, 1971, 19 special trains were added to the normal daily train services for picnickers going to the New Territories. On that day, 56,561 passengers were carried to all stations.

17. On 17th February, 1972, the Third Day in the First Moon of the lunar calendar, which was the peak of railway travel during the

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