1972-1973 — Page 18

TRAINING

60. Departmental in-service training has continued to be promoted at all levels. 57 officers from the Traffic Section and two from the Way and Works Section attended first aid courses conducted by the Auxilliary Medical Service and passed the requisite examinations. One apprentice completed his indenture and was awarded a certificate of apprenticeship.

61. Mr. CHIU But-ting, Railway Workshops Engineer, was away from the Colony between 12th April, 1972 and 28th October, 1972, attending a Railway Workshops Practical and Administration Training course with the British Railways and visiting various railways in Continental Europe.

STAFF WELFARE

62. Leave. The earned leave granted to officers during the year for a total staff of 756 amounted to:

3,963 days vacation leave

9,015 days casual leave

Total sick leave for the year on full and half pay amounted to 1,943 days.

63. Credit Union. The Credit Union of the Railway Workshops had membership of 61. Outstanding loans amounted to $6,143.08 at the close of the year.

64. Staff Welfare Funds. Up to 31st March, 1973, Government made available to the Railway $8,040 for welfare purposes. Of this sum $6,432 was set aside for interest-free relief loans to officers with monthly salaries not exceeding $1,850 and the balance of $1,608 for grants to assist departmental clubs and associations. So far one loan. amounting to $500 was granted, and $200 was spent to meet the cost of a staff picnic.

65. Railway Club. The Kowloon-Canton Railway Athletic and Social Club run on subscriptions from Railway staff continued to flourish. In March, 1973, there were 286 members.

66. Sports. The Railway Club's representatives participated in the inter-departmental relay races at the annual sports meetings held by the Civil Aid Services, the Fire Services and the Royal Hong Kong Police Force.

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