ENG-1974 — Page 173

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PUBLIC ORDER

5,756 plans were received for processing. Strict action is taken against contraventions of the Dangerous Goods Ordinance and, in 1974, the number of prosecutions relating to offences against this ordinance was 1,103. Fines totalling $444,765 were levied. The bureau has eight divisions staffed by 199 officers, and operates round the clock.

Appliances

New appliances brought into service included an 85 feet Simon Snorkel (elevated hydraulic platform), and 11 fire-engines. Three modern mobile kitchens designed by the department to provide meals for men attending major fires were also introduced during the year. The total number of appliances and vehicles in service is now 352. There are six fireboats and the Airport Fire Contingent mans a Civil Aviation Depart- ment rescue catamaran. A replacement for the No 3 Fireboat stationed at Aberdeen has been approved at a cost of more than $1.25 million. A number of appliances are on order, including a 91 feet Snorkel and 12 × 50 feet snorkels. It is planned to buy three 170 feet turntable ladders. Following a long period of evaluation, 30 American-made radio transmitter sets capable of performing both portable and mobile roles were bought; an additional 39 are on order. A variety of fire-fighting and related equipment from different parts of the world was tested during the year, but most was found not to fit the department's requirements.

Recruitment

Recruitment of firemen and ambulancemen was generally satisfactory, although recruitment of assistant station officers of the required calibre proved difficult. Of a total of 293 applicants to join this rank, only 21 were appointed. As a result, there was a deficiency of 22 per cent at the end of the year. There were 439 applications to joint in the rank of ambulance officer, of whom two were appointed. Applications to join as firemen (operational and marine), ambulancemen, senior firemen (control) and senior ambulancemen totalled 2,701-190 were appointed.

Training School

Intake at the Training School totalled 497 all ranks, of whom 78 were officers. There were 11 initial training courses attended by 448 recruits, and three passing out parades; a total of 492 recruits completed training during the year. The Training School also takes on the responsibility of giving fire-fighting training to staff of other government departments and of commercial and industrial firms in Hong Kong. During 1974, the number of persons who received this training was 1,006.

Establishment

The departmental establishment at the end of the year was 3,717 all ranks, an increase of 267 over the previous year's figure. Strength was 3,339, giving a deficiency of 378 (or 10 per cent). The non-uniformed establishment increased from 328 at the end of 1973 to 344.