HONG KONG
PRICE: $ 5
YORK
QUALIF
LIBRARY.
ANNUAL
ASTOR
FUSSDATIONS
DEPARTMENTAL
REPORTS
1954-55
THE DIRECTOR OF
PUBLIC WORKS
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HONG KONG
ANNUAL DEPARTMENTAL REPORT
BY THE
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
FOR THE
FINANCIAL YEAR 1954-55
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY W. F. C. JENNER. Government PrINTER.
AT THE GOVERNMENT PRESS,
JAVA ROAD. HONG KONG.
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PREFACE
ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE
General
CONTENTS
Paragraph
1 6
7 138
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7 -
9
13
8
-
12
Office Buildings
City Hall
Residential Buildings
14.
15
Civil Aviation Department
Education Department
16
M
18
19
28
Judiciary
29
Medical Department
30 -
56
New Territories Administration
-
57 58
Police Department
Printing Department
Prisons Department
Public Works Department
59 75
76 -
77
78 82
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83 - 90
Resettlement Department
91
102
Royal Hong Kong Defence Force
103
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107
Social Welfare Office
108
111
Urban Services Department
K
112 128
Miscellaneous
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129 - 138
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CONTENTS-Contd.
Paragraph
BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE
139 - 146
CROWN LANDS AND SURVEYS OFFICE
147
170
Crown Lands
147
· 156
Survey
157
*
164
Valuation & Resumption
165 - 168
Planning
169 - 170
DRAINAGE OFFICE
General
Sewerage
171 188
171 173
174
179
Anti-Malarial Works
180
Surface Water Drainage
181
184
Typhoon and Rainstorm Damage
185
Private Works
186
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188
ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE
189
· 206
General
189 190
Mechanical Section
191 - 200
Electrical Section
201 - 206
Port Works OFFICE
General
Maintenance
New Construction
Investigations and Miscellaneous Works
Materials Testing Laboratory
207 - 242
207 ·
208 215
G
216-232
233 - 239
240 - 242
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ROADS OFFICE
General
CONTENTS-Contd.
Reconstruction Policy
Reconstruction-City Roads
Other Construction Works
New Roads
Miscellaneous
Quarries
Street Lighting
Other Works
Traffic Control and Aids
WATERWORKS OFFICE
Paragraph
243
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293
243 245
246 - 248
249 - 260
261 - 267
268
271
272 276
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277 284
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285 288
M
289 - 291
292
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293
294 336
General
Supply
294 - 297
298 310
Workshops
311 314
Renewals and Improvements
315
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330
Miscellaneous Work
335
Revenue and Expenditure
KAI TAK Airport DevELOPMENT
EXPENDITURE
STAFF WELFARE
APPRECIATION
331
336
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337 - 339
340
341
347
348
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PREFACE
1. This report, which covers the activities of the Public Works Department for the financial year ended 31st March, 1955, describes briefly the work carried out by the various sub-departments and outlines some of the schemes to be under- taken in the near future.
2. During the year the operations of the Department were carried out, under the direction of the headquarters staff, by eight sub-departments, namely Architectural, Buildings Ordinance, Crown Lands and Surveys, Drainage, Electrical and Mechanical, Port Works, Roads and Waterworks.
3. The expatriate staff of the Department comprised 157 officers and the non-expatriate 1,722 officers. The number of daily-rated artisans and labourers averaged 2,403.
4.
The following senior officers were on long leave during part of the year:
5.
Mr. A. P. Weir Mr. J. Forbes Mr. R. H. Woodman Mr. H. W. Forsyth Mr. J. C. Brown
Mr. C. S. Barron,
M.B.E.
Mr. R. H. Hughes
Mr. W. J. Skinner
Deputy Director (prior to retirement). Waterworks Engineer.
Chief Engineer. Chief Engineer.
Chief Electrical & Mechanical
Engineer.
Assistant Superintendent of Surveys.
Assistant Superintendent of Crown
Lands (Planning).
Senior Quantity Surveyor.
The following carried out acting duties in senior posts as indicated during the absence from the Colony of the above named Officers:
Mr. N. K. Littlejohn
Mr. H. W. Forsyth
Mr. T. O. Morgan
Deputy Director.
Assistant Director (Engineering).
Waterworks Engineer.
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6.
Mr. R. A. Mirams Mr. J. J. Robson Mr. J. Alexander Mr. K. B. Baker
Mr. R. C. Clarke
Mr. A. R. Giles
Mr. A. F. Evans
Chief Engineer. Chief Engineer.
Chief Engineer.
Chief Electrical & Mechanical
Engineer.
Assistant Superintendent
of Crown Lands (Planning). Assistant Superintendent of Surveys.
Senior Quantity Surveyor.
The following promotions or postings to senior posts were made during the year:
Mr. J. Forbes
Mr. R. H. Woodman
Mr. R. A. Mirams
Mr. G. P. Norton
Mr. C. R. M.
Lawrence
Mr. E. L. Strange
Mr. T. P. Styles
Deputy Director.
Waterworks Engineer.
Chief Engineer.
Assistant Chief Architect (new post). Secretary (Acting).
Secretary.
Senior Accountant.
Mr. J. A. C. Hurlbatt
Senior Accountant (Acting).
ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE
Chief Architect, A. M. J. Wright, A.R.I.B.A., A.R.I.C.S.
General
7. It was not possible to commence building work on all the projects included in the 1954/55 Estimates. This was due partly to shortage of professional staff, and partly to the diversion of some of the staff to deal with the expanded Resettle- ment programme described later in this report.
8. In December the Chief Architect was authorized to let an annual contract, based on a Schedule of Rates, to cover the erection of new buildings estimated to cost less than $100,000 each. As a result, many projects in this category which had been held up were commenced between January and March.
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Office Buildings
9. Central Government Offices. This major long term development was described in considerable detail in last year's report. The second phase of the project-the extension of the East Wing and foundation work and basement for the Central Block-was completed in December.
10. Working drawings for the third phase-the Central Block-comprising seven floors of offices and the Legislative Council Chamber were completed by the end of March.
11. Sham Shui Po District Branch Office. A site with an area of 3,500 square feet has for some years been reserved for a Post Office in Sham Shui Po, but it has always been considered that to build a single-storey Post Office in the midst of a heavily developed urban area would result in waste of good building land. A decision was, therefore, taken last year that this site should be developed to a maximum, and sketch plans were subsequently prepared for a multi-storey building comprising the post office on the ground and mezzanine floors with six floors of general office space over. This office space-of which there will be approximately 1,550 square feet on each floor- will be allocated to various Government departments on com- pletion of the building.
12. Sketch plans were approved and working drawings commenced.
City Hall
13. Considerable difficulties were encountered in providing the accommodation required while keeping the estimated cost of the project within the limit of funds available. Because of these difficulties it was not possible to make any progress with working drawings; but by the end of the year it was thought that a solution to the problem had been found.
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Residential Buildings
14. Chater Hall Flats. This scheme was referred to in detail in last year's report. The contract for the erection of the superstructure, comprising fifty-nine flats, was signed in October.
15. Leighton Hill Flats. This scheme was also referred to in last year's report. The contract for the building, comprising forty flats in a single ten-storey block, was signed in September.
Civil Aviation Department
16. Extensions to Kai Tak Terminal Building. The exist- ing Terminal Building, though scheduled to be demolished on completion of the new Airport, had become so inadequate that some form of extension was essential.
17. In September, work was commenced on minimum extensions and improvements. These involved alterations to the existing structure to provide passengers assembly space and a reception hall in which the air-line offices are situated; together with a restaurant open to both passengers and visitors. In addition, a new building was erected, connected to the existing Terminal by a covered way, to provide baggage inspection facilities, offices for Immigration and Health Officers, and passengers waiting rooms and lavatories.
18. When these extensions had been completed in January, it was decided that still further enlargement was necessary. Plans were subsequently drawn up and estimates prepared for increasing the size of the passengers waiting rooms and lava- tories, and providing a covered verandah overlooking the harbour.
Education Department
19. Sha Tau Kok Primary School. This school providing nine classrooms, two handwork rooms, covered playground and six houses for married staff was referred to in last year's report. The school was completed in September.
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20. Ellis Kadoorie School Extensions. This building pro- viding six classrooms, one handwork and one domestic science room, staff rooms and additional lavatory accommodation was referred to in last year's report. The extension, which is a self- contained building separate from the existing school building, was completed in January.
21. Queen Elizabeth School, Kowloon. This school was referred to in last year's report under the heading "Kowloon Secondary School". Site formation was completed in September, and building work commenced in January.
22. Tsun Wan Primary School. Sketch plans have been prepared for what will eventually be an eighteen-classroom primary school. At present, however, it is proposed to build a school with eight classrooms-each for forty-five pupils, handwork room, domestic science room, model flat, covered playground with built-in stage, separate staff rooms for morning and afternoon sessions and living accommodation for three married staff. A separate building adjacent to the main entrance will house a schools medical clinic.
23. Working drawings for this project were commenced.
24. Extensions to Grantham Training College. Although Grantham Training College was only completed in 1952, large scale extensions have been requested, in order to deal with the increased need for the training of teachers.
25. Sketch plans were prepared and approved, and working drawings commenced. The accommodation to be provided comprises a lecture hall to seat 320, handwork room, pottery room, music room, general lecture room, library, projects room, tutorial rooms and additional staff accommodation. The exten- sion will be linked to the existing buildings by covered ways at each floor level and when completed will form an enclosed quadrangle about 200 feet square.
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26. Works by Private Architects. Three schools for which private architects were responsible were referred to in last year's report. They were Li Sing Primary School and North Point Primary School (Messrs. Leigh & Orange) and extensions to Kowloon Junior School (Messrs. Palmer & Turner).
27. Building work on these three projects was completed.
28. Preliminary Sketch Plans. Preliminary sketch plans were prepared for 24-classroom primary schools on very restricted sites at Mission Road and Sycamore Street, Kowloon, and at Hollywood Road, Hong Kong.
Judiciary
29. Alterations to Supreme Court Building. Alterations to this building, which were completed by June, consisted of:-
(a) Reconstruction of the Marriage Registry.
(b) Conversion of lavatories into offices.
(c) Construction of Staff Canteen and Kitchen.
(d) Dismantling of temporary District Court and re-
instatement of the Library.
(e) Construction of a permanent District Court.
Medical Department
30. Mental Hospital. When the site in the New Terri- tories was chosen the intention was to develop it with a 500-bed hospital, and preliminary plans were prepared on this assump- tion. Later it was decided that the final development might be for a 1,000-bed hospital. Consequently the overall planning required reconsideration and considerable amendment.
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31. Good progress on planning had been made by the end of the year. The overall plan had been approved; site forma- tion drawings for the hospital site had been completed; and working drawings for the custodial home and quarters, which will be the first buildings to be constructed, were in hand.
32. Kowloon General Hospital. In September, two part- ners from Messrs. Easton & Robertson, Chartered Architects, visited Hong Kong at the invitation of Government. Several discussions were held and as a result Messrs. Easton & Robertson were appointed architects in association with the Public Works Department.
33. Messrs. Easton & Robertson have been instructed to prepare sketch designs for a General Hospital (1,075 beds) and a Children's Hospital (200 beds) complete with operating suites, pathological and biochemical laboratories, physiotherapy and occupational therapy units, radiological department, casualty wing, blood bank, dispenseries, surgical supply service, and administrative block.
34. During March, preliminary sketch plans to a scale of 1. 16 inch to 1 foot, drawn up by Messrs. Easton and Robertson, arrived in Hong Kong to enable estimates of cost to be prepared prior to the expected arrival of the architects, during April, for further discussions.
35. Maurine Grantham Health Centre, Tsun Wan. This building was referred to in last year's report as "Tsun Wan Health Centre".
36. The building was completed in April, but, as has been the case with many buildings in the rapidly developing areas of the Colony such as Tsun Wan, extensions have already become
necessary.
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37. A private donor has offered to finance an extension comprising a Maternal and Child Health Clinic at ground floor level, extensions to the Maternity Ward at first floor level and additional staff accommodation at second floor level.
38. Plans and estimates for these extensions were com- pleted.
39. Queen Mary Hospital - Housemen's Casualty Clearing Station.
year's report.
Quarters &
This scheme was referred to in last
40. Building work commenced in March.
In
41. School Medical Clinic, Sai Yee Street, Kowloon. order to administer the School Health Service it is necessary to have clinics throughout the Colony, within easy reach of schools.
42. The Clinic here referred to is at the junction of Prince Edward Road and Sai Yee Street, next door to Queen Elizabeth School and conveniently situated for other secondary and primary schools in Kowloon.
43. The accommodation to be provided consists of:-
Ground Floor:
First Floor:
Waiting Room; Eye and E. N. T. Surgery; Dental Surgery.
Waiting Room; two Consulting Rooms; Treatment Room; Dispensary.
44. Building work commenced in March.
45. Maternal & Child Health Centre, Ho Mun Tin. Sketch plans were prepared, and approved by the Medical Department, for a clinic comprising a Waiting Room, two Consulting Rooms, Maternal Health Room, Child Health Room and Dispensary. Provision has also been made for living accommodation for two midwives and two amahs.
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46. Sai Kung Clinic. Sketch plans and estimates were prepared, and approved, for a clinic at Sai Kung. The accom- modation to be provided consists of:
Ground Floor:
First Floor:
Second Floor:
Waiting Room, two Consulting Rooms, Surgical Dressing Room, Dispensary, Health Office, Servants' Quarters.
Maternity Ward (six beds); Single ward; Labour Ward and Sterilizing Room; Duty Room.
Quarters for Medical Officer and three Nurse/Midwives.
47. Sai Ying Pun Clinic. Preliminary sketch plans were prepared to investigate the possibilities of building a multi- storey polyclinic on the site of the existing clinic at Sai Ying Pun.
48. Copies of these plans were sent to the Medical Depart- ment for their comments.
49. Government Chemical Laboratory. In order to free office space in the Fire Brigade Building urgently required by the Department of Commerce & Industry, it was decided that spare first floor accommodation at the Government Stores, North Point, should be converted into a laboratory for the Government Chemist.
50. As the existing building at North Point faces both East and West, the architect was faced with the problem of excluding direct rays of the sun but at the same time providing adequate light and ventilation to the laboratories. This problem was solved by the insertion of projecting sunbreaks and the use of glass bricks in conjunction with normal windows.
51. By the end of March, the work was nearing com- pletion.
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52. Auxiliary Medical Service Training Centre, Kowloon. This building has been constructed as an extension to "D" Block, Kowloon Hospital. The extension is of two storeys with a self-contained nine-bed ward unit on the first floor and storage space on the ground floor.
53. Work commenced in December, and was completed in March.
54. Malarial Stores, Kowloon. These two buildings-one at Lai Chi Kok and the other at Kai Tak-each comprise a floor area of 20 feet x 10 feet. Both have brick load bearing walls with reinforced concrete roofs and were completed in March.
55. Works by Private Architects. Two buildings, the Tsan Yuk Hospital (Architect-Mr. Eric Cumine) and Sisters' Quarters, Queen Mary Hospital, (Architects-Messrs. Palmer & Turner), were under construction and nearing completion at the end of the year.
56. Both buildings were referred to in detail in last year's report.
New Territories Administration
57. Shek Wu Hui Market. This market, covering an area of about 4,300 square feet, consists of a single-storey building with reinforced concrete columns, brick panel walls, steel roof trusses and asbestos roofing. A total of forty-eight stalls is to be provided.
58. Building work commenced in January, and was pro- gressing satisfactorily.
Police Department
59. Police Headquarters. This building was completed and occupied by the Police Department in August. Details of the accommodation provided has been given in previous reports.
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Sha Tau Kok Primary School, New Territories. (See paragraph 19 of the Report).
Maurine Grantham Health Centre, Tsun Wan, New Territories.
(See paragraphs 35-38 of the Report).
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Police Headquarters, (front elevation). Hong Kong.
(See paragraph 59 of the Report). Police Headquarters, (side elevation). Hong Kong.
(See paragraph 59 of the Report).
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Tai Hang Tung Resettlement Flats, Kowloon.
(See paragraphs 95-99 of the Report).
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Headquarters, Hong Kong.
(See paragraphs 103-104 of the Report).
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Survey party plane-tabling in the New Territories. (See paragraphs 157-164 of the Report).
Mobile Command Post vehicle designed and constructed specially for the Hong Kong Police Force. (See paragraph 194 of the Report).
POLICE
COMMAND POST
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60. Western Police Station & Quarters. The new police station, the first stage of the overall development scheme for this divisional headquarters, was described in last year's report. Building work commenced in July, and was nearing completion at the end of the year.
61. The second stage of development consists of the erection of:
(a) A block of Rank and File quarters with garages and stores on the ground floor and eight floors of flats above. Each flat will comprise a room about 260 square feet in area with a kitchen and verandah. Communal lavatory facilities will be provided and a total of 112 flats will be included in the block.
(b) An eight-storey block of inspectorate married quarters comprising eight two-bedroom and eight three-bedroom flats.
projects.
Working drawings were commenced in March for both
62. Extensions to Eastern Police Station. The site is separated from, but adjacent to, the existing station. The new building has been designed with a U plan; the two wings of the U comprising forty flats for married rank and file; while the connecting link provides barrack accommodation for a hundred single men and twenty-four police-women with bed- sitting rooms for twelve single inspectors on the top floor. Each flat for the rank and file comprises a room approximately 260 square feet in area with its own balcony, kitchen and lavatory.
63. On completion of the new building minor alterations will be made to the existing station.
64. Working drawings for this project were nearly completed.
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65. Yaumati Police Station Extensions. These extensions, like those at Eastern, consist of a separate building adjacent, but not connected, to the existing station. Accommodation has been planned for 160 rank and file in barrack accommodation with bed-sitting rooms for 17 single inspectors on the top floors.
66. On completion of the new building considerable altera- tions and modernization will be put in hand to the existing station.
67. New Territories Depot, Fanling. A general layout plan for the proposed New Territories Depot and Headquarters was prepared and approved. This plan incorporates an Administrative building, barrack accommodation for rank and file (Chinese and Pakistani), rank and file married quarters, inspectorate quarters, workshops and garages, and a school.
68. Sketch plans were prepared and approved for the rank and file married quarters and the Pakistani barrack block.
69. Communications Building, Police Headquarters, Kow- loon. This building has been erected in the compound of the Police Headquarters Kowloon and accommodates: ---
(a) Police Automatic Telephone Exchange (P.A.B.X.) (b) Police Radio Workshop.
70. The Automatic Telephone Exchange portion of the building has been built in blast proof reinforced concrete and is air conditioned throughout. The Radio Workshop has been fully equipped for the maintenance and testing of all Police radio equipment.
71. Radio Workshop, Fanling Depot. This building has been erected as an extension to the existing store building at Fanling Police Depot. The building has been equipped for the repair and maintenance of Police radio equipment in the New Territories.
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72. Extensions to Police Training School, Aberdeen. Owing to the increasing calls on the existing facilities at the Police Training School, urgent additions were approved at the end of 1954 and building work commenced in February. tion under construction included:
(a) Dormitory block (size 135 feet x 31 feet).
(b) Three new lecture rooms.
Accommoda-
(c) Dining Hall with kitchen facilities for the cooking of
Chinese and European meals.
(d) Latrine and ablution block.
73. The buildings are all of single storey semi-permanent construction.
74. Ta Ku Ling Police Station-New Canteen. This canteen, designed to provide facilities for 150 police personnel, was completed in November.
75. Old Bailey Quarters Extensions. One of the cell blocks of the old Victoria Prison has been in use as temporary Police quarters. These quarters were improved by the provision of a communal kitchen, an additional staircase and other minor alterations.
Printing Department
76. New Printing Workshops. This development was referred to in last year's report.
77. Building work commenced in December, and progressed satisfactorily. This project was under the charge of a private Architect-Mr. S. E. Faber.
Prisons Department
78. Stanley Prison Annere. In order to make the Prison Annexe (which is used for young first offenders) independent of the main prison, additional accommodation consisting of a kitchen, storage space and office accommodation was provided.
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79. The work was completed in July.
80. Stanley Prison-Assembly & Dining Hall. This is an open sided structure, with a steel truss roof covered with asbestos sheeting, covering an area 123 feet by 61 feet. One end of the building has a built-up stage with a dressing room adjoining, so that in addition to dining, the hall may be used as an assembly or concert hall.
81. Building work was commenced in February,
82. Quarters for Stanley Training Centre. Working drawings were completed for a pair of semi-detached houses for the officers-in-charge, a block of four flats for schoolmasters, and a block of sixteen flats and five single rooms for Leaders and Instructors.
Pubic Works Department
83. New Electrical & Mechanical Workshops. Details of this scheme were given in last year's report. Building work on the Mechanical Workshops, which are 400 feet long and 132 feet wide, commenced in September.
84. Since the new building is within the same area as the existing workshops, which have had to be kept in operation during the process of re-building, the new construction has been planned to be erected in three sections; each section to be com- pleted and handed over ready for operation before the next section can be commenced. This process has considerably lengthened the time required for completion of the work, but by the end of March the first section had been completed and good progress had been made on the second section.
85. Preliminary sketch plans for the Electrical Workshop, Stores and Offices were also completed.
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86. Cadastral Survey of New Territories. In order to enable a complete new cadastral survey of the New Territories to be undertaken, camps for survey parties are required in various parts of the New Territories.
87. The first one to be erected was at Tsun Wan and consists of:-
(a) Living accommodation for Assistant Surveyors and
Survey coolies.
(b) Drawing Office, office for Surveyor-in-charge and store. (c) Two garages.
88. The buildings are of pre-fabricated timber units, which can on completion of the survey in that area be dismantled and re-erected elsewhere.
89. Construction of the Tsun Wan camp was started in January.
90. New Offices, etc. Kowloon. Preliminary sketch plans. were commenced for new Departmental Offices, Workshops and Depots in Kowloon. The proposed site for this development is at the corner of Ma Tau Wei Road and Farm Road.
Resettlement Department
91. Shek Kip Mei Resettlement Flats. A brief reference was made in last year's report under the heading of "Rehousing of Shek Kip Mei Fire Victims" to the preparation of plans for six-storey reinforced concrete buildings.
92. These blocks have been designed with back-to-back rooms, each set of rooms having external balcony approach and communal lavatory facilities. Through ventilation to the rooms has been provided by "honeycomb" building in the top four courses of brickwork of the dividing cross partition.
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"room" or "flat" consists of an area of approximately 120 square feet. Construction is such that at some future date the central cross partition can be removed and the resulting space, after provision of its own kitchen and w.c. can be converted into a self-contained low rental flat.
93. Construction work on these experimental flats at Shek Kip Mei was pushed forward as a matter of the utmost urgency and the first three blocks were completed by September, and all eight blocks had been completed by November; a total of 3,074 rooms being provided.
94. As a result of the success of these multi-storey flats, it was decided that this type of development should become standard.
95. Tai Hang Tung Resettlement Flats. A fire in a squatter area at Tai Hang Tung, which occurred in July, resulted in a large area being devastated.
96. The ruins of the old buildings were quickly cleared and plans were drawn up for the development of the whole area with multi-storey flats of the Shek Kip Mei type, amended slightly in the light of experience.
97. The chief amendments were an increase in height from six to seven storeys and the provision of roof playgrounds to each block.
98. While piling for foundations was still in progress, a building contract for the erection of eight blocks was signed on October 25. All eight of these seven-storey blocks were completed and handed over to the Resettlement Department on March 6.
99. The total number of "flats" or "rooms" provided at Tai Hang Tung is 4,606.
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100. Tonkin Street Resettlement Flats. A further site was made available for a single block of Resettlement flats in November. After piling had been completed in January, building of the superstructure commenced in February-and by the end of March the seven-storey building was 75 per cent completed.
101. In the completed block the total number of rooms will be 840.
102. Resettlement Office, Ho Mun Tin. A two storied semi-permanent office block for Resettlement staff was com- menced at Ho Mun Tin in May, and was completed in September. The building has brick load bearing walls, precast reinforced concrete first floor slab and a timber roof.
Royal Hong Kong Defence Force
103. New Headquarters, R.N.V.R.
This seven-storey build-
ing overlooking the harbour in Gloucester Road has been referred to in detail in previous reports.
104. It was completed in July.
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105. Magazine and Drill Shed, Force Headquarters. magazine for the storage of ammunition was commenced in January, and at the end of March was nearing completion.
106. A drill shed 90 feet long and 70 feet wide was also commenced in January. It is designed with open sides, asbestos roof and the whole is of steel framed construction. It is sited on the existing parade ground.
107. Signal Stores, Force Headquarters. Working draw- ings were completed for a single-storey reinforced concrete store for signal equipment.
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Social Welfare Office
of
108. Remand Home. This building, on the junction Ma Tau Wei Road and Farm Road in Kowloon, was referred to in last year's report.
109. A single storey, reinforced concrete building, it was commenced in October, and was nearing completion at the end of the year.
110. Camp for Disabled Destitutes, Lantao. This develop- ment, for which Messrs. Way & Hall had been appointed architects, was referred to in last year's report.
111. Building work was completed in March.
Urban Services Department
112. Kennedy Town Market. This market comprising 36 stalls was completed in September. It is a single-storey building constructed of reinforced concrete columns, brick panel walls, trussed roof with asbestos sheeting.
113. Kun Chung Market. This market, comprising 42 stalls, was also completed in September. It is a single-storey building, but owing to the irregular slope of both the site and the market, it is finished with a reinforced concrete flat roof.
114. Yaumati Market. Sketch plans for this important market were completed early in the year, but in September, revised plans were requested for an eleven-storey building with the following accommodation:-
Ground and First Floors:
Second to Eighth Floors:
Ninth and Tenth Floors:
Market (123 stalls).
Low cost flats for the Housing Authority.
Departmental quarters for market
staff.
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115. Revised sketch plans were prepared and submitted to the Director of Urban Services.
116. Latrines and Bath-houses. Two latrines at Tai Hang Road and Shaukiwan, referred to in last year's report, were completed.
117. Three new latrines and bath-houses were commenced, as detailed below:
(1) Latrine and Bath-house, Aberdeen. A three storied reinforced building commenced in February. Accom- modation provided consists of 21 male seats, 12 female seats, 15 male showers, and 10 female showers. Hot water will be provided to the showers.
(2) Latrine and Bath-house, Kowloon City. A three storied building similar in construction and accom- modation to that at Aberdeen. Building work com- menced in February.
(3) Latrine, Connaught Road West. A two storied reinforced concrete building built on a substructure previously completed by the Port Works Office. The superstructure was commenced in March, and when completed will provide 19 male seats and 12 female.
118. Working drawings were completed for a latrine and bath-house at To Kwa Wan and for a bath-house extension at the existing Carpenter Road Latrine, but it was not possible to commence building work before the end of the year.
119. Beach Staff Quarters, Repulse Bay. This two-storey, reinforced concrete building, with sleeping accommodation for ten persons on the First Floor and Dining Room, Kitchen, Lavatories and Store at Ground Floor level, was completed in May.
120. By-Products Plant, Kennedy Town. building was referred to in last year's report.
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121. The structure of temporary construction was completed in September, and the equipment was installed by C.E.M.E.
122. Changing Pavilion, Happy Valley. A changing pavi- lion with facilities for men and women comprising changing rooms, shower baths, lavatories and clothes storage racks was commenced at the end of January. The siting of this pavilion presented a problem as it was necessary that it should not cut off any view of the race track from the Jockey Club stands, but a satisfactory solution was reached.
123. Bone Cremator, Wo Hop Shek Cemetery. This build- ing was required to enable the Urban Services Department to deal with unclaimed bones after exhumation. Work was commenced in February, on a site within the existing cemetery.
124. Look-out, Victoria Peak. The end of Lugard Road, adjacent to the Peak Tramway Terminus, has always been a favourite spot for both tourists and residents as it is from here that one of the finest views of the City of Victoria and the harbour can be obtained. It was decided to provide facilities for these sightseers by erecting a covered shelter with a viewing balcony cantilevered over the hillside.
125. The structure was completed by the end of the year.
126. Victoria Park. The Architectural Office completed a considerable amount of work, in conjunction with other sub- departments, at Victoria Park.
127. This work comprised fencing, football back stops, and the equipping of the children's playgrounds. Preliminary sketch plans were prepared for an Olympic size swimming pool with public changing accommodation and a covered stand for two thousand spectators.
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128. Preliminary sketch plans were also prepared for children's shelters, changing rooms, lavatories and staff quarters required within the area of the Park.
Miscellaneous
129. Star Ferry Piers (Superstructures). Working draw- ings for the superstructures of both the Hong Kong and Kowloon Star Ferry Piers were prepared. On completion of these drawings, and the specifications, they were handed over to the Chief Engineer, Port Works Office, who will be responsible for letting the contract.
130. Queen's Pier (Superstructure). This pier was referred to in last year's report. The superstructure was completed in August.
131. Sookunpoo Stadium Pavilion. The planning details of this pavilion were referred to in last year's report. Building work commenced in November, and at the end of March, the building was nearing completion.
132. Military Cemeteries at Stanley and Sai Wan. This work, referred to in last year's report, was carried out for, and in accordance with drawings prepared by, the Imperial War Graves Commission.
133. Work at Stanley Cemetery was completed in July, and at Sai Wan in October.
134. Maintenance of Government Buildings. Approxi- mately 3.75 million dollars were spent on the maintenance of Government Buildings during the year. The bulk of this sum was spent on a planned programme which involved 232 buildings.
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135. The more important buildings on which programme work was carried out included Government House, Eastern Police Station, the Supreme Court, Central Fire Station Build- ing, Western Market, Central Police Station, Stanley Prison, King George V School, and Leighton Hill Flats.
136. Alterations and Additions to Government Buildings. Some 184 works of Alteration and Additions were carried out.
137. Among works in this category were extensive improve- ments to Kowloon Post Office, the conversion of laundries at Canton Road and Hollywood Road Police Quarters to provide 46 additional flats, improvements to the Mental Hospital, Violet Peel Health Centre and Sham Shui Po Dispensary, and the erection of latrines at Lai Chi Kok Fuel Yard and Yaumati Slipway.
138. Conversion of Mains Water Flushing Supplies. The programme for the conversion of flushing supplies from mains water to well or nullah water was continued. The following buildings were converted: Central Market, Central Fire Station, Junior Technical School, Police Headquarters Kowloon, and three public latrines.
BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE
Chief Building Surveyor, J. H. Bottomley, M.I.Struct.E.
139. During the year the volume of private building work increased by nearly 40 per cent over the previous year. It is estimated that approximately $130,000,000 were expended in the erection of new private buildings.
140. 1,328 new buildings were completed during the year, of which 1,122 were for domestic use. The others included office buildings, factories, schools, churches, hospitals and theatres to provide for the Colony's expanding trade and increasing social activities.
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141. Details showing actual work done are as follows:-
In all, 5,036 plans were approved in respect of 9,669 buildings of which details are set out below:
297 plans for 717 European type houses
257
82
47
6
28
""
"}
"
"
*
24
15
3
4
ST
"
1040 Chinese type houses
84 Workshops and Factories
47 Godowns and Stores
6 Churches
28 Temporary Buildings
15 Schools
3 Garages
"
"
9 Quarters
15
"
*
15 Office Buildings
1
3
"
J
2
"
99
1 Hostel
3 Club Houses
2 Bathing Pavilions
2
2 Clinics
"
1
11
1 Temple
1
""
19
"
333
55
1
71
"
1
10 SD
16
5
""
**
11
2 Working Class Flats
19 Minor non-domestic Buildings
90 Site Formations
1 Mosque
1 Jockey Club Grand Stand
34 Buildings for Housing Scheme
17 Apartment Buildings
1 C. A. S. Training Centre
1
"
"
1
1 Ambulance Station
#9
"
88
"
19
101 Buildings for Repairs
867
1.
**
242
"
1126
""
1063
**
787
"
1004 Buildings for Alterations and Additions
462 Buildings for Demolitions
1992 Buildings-amended Plans
1977 Buildings to instal W.Cs, Drainage and
Water Tanks etc.
1994 Buildings to carry out R. C. C., & Piling
Works.
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142. Occupation Certificates were issued for 546 European type 578 Chinese type and 204 Non-domestic buildings.
143. Legal Notices issued comprised 333 for dangerous buildings, 7 in respect of emergency shorings, 180 in respect of 183 drainage nuisances and 1,663 for removal of illegal structures.
144. 715 drain tests were carried out in various districts.
145. In addition to the inspection of works for which plans were approved, 500 inspections of licensed premises were made on behalf of other departments. 43 building collapses and landslides, and 20 fires received necessary attention.
146. The Building Regulations Committee had nearly com- pleted consideration of the Draft Building Regulations and it appeared probable that a new Buildings Ordinance might be enacted at an early date.
CROWN LANDS AND SURVEYS OFFICE
Superintendent of Crown Lands and Surveys, M. I. De Ville, F.R.I.C.S.
Crown Lands
147. Revenue. The total amount of revenue billed including $799,899.34 collected by the District Commissioner, New Terri- tories, as compared with the previous year was as under:
1953/54
Fees
Premia on land sales etc. Boundary Stones and Survey
Permit Fees
$6,031,252.72
1954/55
$11,932,601.50
13.239.07 $3,158,538.34
15.197.84
3,379,368.20
Plans sold to the public
$
2,462.00
6,285.00
$9,505,492.13
$15,333,452.54
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148. A detailed comparison of premia derived from land sales, extensions and conversions with the figures for the previous year is as under:-
1953/54
1954/55
(1) Sales by Auction
Island
$ 693,920.00
$1,479,150.00
Kowloon
974,800.00
New Kowloon
New Territories
$ 782,300.00 $ 282,841.00
1,735,200.00 2,444,000.00
498,079.00
(2) Sales without Auction
Island
801,413.50
528,602.00
Kowloon
New Kowloon
New Territories
(3) Extensions Granted
Island
4,350.00
182,840.00
44,775.00
667,210.00
24,852.00
20,119.90
$1,647,783.85
$1,186,701.67
Kowloon
$ 122,551.00
636,849.99
New Kowloon
76,085.00
768,995.55
New Territories
1,243.00
1.883.00
(4) Conversions &
Exchanges
Island
Kowloon
New Kowloon
New Territories
(5) Extensions of Terms
of Leases
Island
Kowloon
New Kowloon
New Territories
(6) Grants on Short Leases
Island
Kowloon
New Kowloon
New Territories
25
3,036.00
256,832.00
32,748.25
21,364.18
7,309.45
32,234.40
169,960.00
233,469.60
$ 175,581.00
$ 185,703.67
267,904.05 924,818.32
46,347.84
$6,031,252.72 $11,932.601.50
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149. Twenty free grants were made to charitable institutions and schools during the year, twelve on the Island and eight on the Mainland.
150. Permits issued for the occupation of Crown land excluding the New Territories but including New Kowloon, for short periods were of a miscellaneous character; some details are as follows:
(a) 1,103 new permits were issued, 693 permits were cancelled and 552 permits were amended for various reasons. The total number of permits in force at the end of the financial year was 6,138 and fees collected amounted to $3,015,120.68.
to
(b) Eight temporary pier permits were issued and forty two were renewed and total rent amounting $159,244.02 was collected during the year.
(c) Eleven Encroachment permits were issued to the
Services at a normal annual fee of $1.00 each.
151. In the New Territories, excluding New Kowloon, the permit fees collected amounted to $205,003.50.
Drawing Office
152. The number of plans prepared was 34 sets for sales, 112 sets for leases and 40 sets for surrenders. 86 miscellaneous tracings and 14,102 sunprints were produced, including 4,674 for Government Offices and 332 for the public. 2 new tracings of Kowloon and New Territories and 4 of Hong Kong, 8 inches to 1 mile, were made. In addition 4 new tracings, 200 feet to 1 inch, of Hong Kong, and 1 new tracing of Yuen Long and 2 record plans of S.D. 1 at 32 inches to 1 mile scale were prepared.
153. The "Copycat" printing outfit produced 1,672 prints and an additional 2,091 by Cyclostyle. The "Photostat" repro- duction outfit produced 1,578 prints from 484 negatives.
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{
154. Maps of Hong Kong and Kowloon were amended and brought up-to-date. 136 survey sheets, 50 feet to 1 inch, were enlarged or reduced photographically and 114 sheets, 200 feet to 1 inch scale, were produced for the use of the Survey section. For other Sub-Departments 207 D/D sheets were photo- graphically copied.
155. Progress Report photographs were taken for the whole Department and numbered 1,407 negatives from which 2,847 contact prints and enlargements were made. In addition 876 miscellaneous photographs were supplied.
156. Drawings were also made for the coloured maps in the Colony Annual Report.
Survey
157. 52 main triangulation stations were visited during the year, 11
11 were repaired and 2 re-established. 48 minor triangulation stations were visited, 6 re-established and 5 new ones erected.
158. 12 miles of main traverse and 17 miles of minor traverse were run to establish 550 picket boxes and permanent survey marks.
159. Revenue surveys were made for lease plans for 295 lots covering 48 acres, and for surrender plans for portions of,183 lots. 129 lots covering an area of 85 acres were set out and 720 boundary stones were placed to demarcate 232 lots.
160. 614 acres at 1600 scale and 185 acres at 1/1200 scale were surveyed for revision purposes involving 58 miles of detail traverse. 22 survey sheets at 1/600 scale and 11 sheets at 1/1200 scale were opened. 9 sheets at 1/600 scale were completed.
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161. Contour surveys throughout the Colony were made for planning purposes covering 4 square miles and requiring 45 miles of tachymetric traverse.
162. The following miscellaneous work was carried out:
(a) For road widening and rebuilding schemes 3.03 miles
of road alignment were set out.
(b) 1.1 miles of building lines for 34 lots were checked.
(c) Surveys covering a total of 30 acres were made for 15 Police cases. To give evidence in connexion with such surveys, surveyors attended court on 17 occasions.
(d) 3 special surveys were made and 2.1 miles of ordinary
levelling was carried out.
163. 11 survey and contour sheets were traced on Euthulon for reproduction purposes.
164. One land Surveyor was engaged on preliminary work in the Tsun Wan area during the course of the year and carried out the following for the New Territories Cadastral Survey: --
(a) Visited 10 main and 26 minor triangulation stations,
refixed 7 and built 33 new minor stations.
(b) Ran 3 miles of main traverse and 4 miles of minor
traverse and established 99 permanent survey works.
Valuation & Resumption
165. Excluding resumptions, valuations for all other purposes totalled $182,000,000 for the year, and included in this sum is the value of 407 hereditaments inspected for the Estate Duty Commissioner. Advice and assistance in valuation matters was also given to other Government Departments.
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166. The scope of work covered by the Valuation and Resumption section included valuations for resumptions, sur- renders, renewal of Crown Leases, premia for renewal of restrictive covenants, extensions to lots, purchase and sale of land and buildings by Government, Estate Duty, and Town Planning.
167. In addition to the normal flow of negotiated surrenders and resumptions, the case for the Crown was presented before the following Arbitration Boards:-
(1) Fanling Cross Roads Resumption.
(2) Shek Kip Mei Fire Area Resumption.
(3) Resumption for site for Mental Hospital, Castle Peak.
(4) Resumption for Improvement of Castle Peak Road at
Tsun Wan.
(5) Resumption for Improvement of Chuk Yuen Village
Road.
168. There were three further Boards pending at the end of the year, and work was proceeding for the preparation of evidence and valuations required for future resumptions which will become necessary as development continues.
Planning
169. The preparation of outline development and layout plans proceeded during the year. Planning of 8 additional districts in the urban area was started, layouts now being available for 18 out of the 32 planning districts.
170. Layouts of six townships in the New Territories were extended and brought up to date.
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DRAINAGE OFFICE
Chief Engineer, W. A. Johnson, A.M.I. Mun.E., A.R.I.C.S.
General
171. Rainfall during the year was below average and rainstorm and typhoon damage was on a small scale.
172. The rate of building development showed little diminution and drainage extensions totalled a little over 9 miles of foul sewers and storm-water drains. Approximately half of these extensions served private estate development and were carried out at the cost of the developers.
173. The general maintenance and other necessary works in Government air raid tunnels was undertaken during the year.
Sewerage
174. Owing to the shortage of rain during the winter, nullah supplies of flushing water were unusually low and gave cause for anxiety in some instances. This shortage, together with the severely restricted hours of mains water supply, resulted in insufficient flow in many of the sewers and a large number of chokes and other minor nuisances occurred. The sewer gangs cleared approximately 8,000 chokages during the year representing an increase of some 500 over the previous
year.
175. Work continued throughout the year on the construc- tion of the main intercepting sewers for the Yaumati Drainage Scheme, and the large diameter trunk mains, together with the outfall to the shore-line, were completed. Plant was ordered from England for the pumphouses and outfall screens.
176. The steady development of the Wongneichong valley during recent years has transformed it into a densely populated area and the old sewers eventually became overloaded to such
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an extent that manhole covers were lifted by the pressure and sewage flowed over the roads at peak periods, even in dry weather. A relief sewer was designed to run from Sing Woo Road through the Race Course and via Canal Road West to a sea outfall, and the first section-South of the Race Course- was completed.
177.
Preliminary surveys and investigations were put in hand for future main sewerage schemes in three further districts, and the priorities to be allocated to the various schemes were under consideration at the end of the year.
178. The construction of a sewerage system covering the Tai Kok Tsui area was nearly completed, a main sewer to serve the new resettlement areas in Tai Hang Tung was in hand and the pumping equipment for the rising main section was ordered. Designs of Sewerage schemes for Tsun Wan, Un Long and Shek Wu Hui were commenced.
179. The Imhoff tank to serve the Repulse Bay area was under construction at the end of the year. This work was considered essential in order to effect an improvement to the amenities of the Repulse Bay Beach.
Anti-Malarial Works
180. Repairs and minor extensions to anti-malarial channels were carried out as required, and the training of stream-courses with anti-malarial channels in the Wong Chuk Hang area, Aberdeen, and in the foot-hills North of Cornwall Street, Kowloon Tong, were completed.
Surface Water Drainage
181. The removal of sand and silt from nullahs and catchpits was carried out as normal maintenance and all clean sand con- sidered usable for building purposes was handed over to the Sand Monopoly for sale.
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182. Many areas which have been developed illegally and without any form of planning are not provided with sewers. Where these drain into open nullahs offensive smells are caused, more particularly during dry periods when the rate of flow is at a minimum and many complaints were received on that score. Similar nuisances occurred along the foreshores in the harbour near densely populated areas and were most noticeable at low tides.
183. The nullah decking programme for the year included Boundary Street west of Embankment Road, Sung Wong Toi Road and sections of the nullah at Mong Kok and Prince Edward Roads. Further culverting of an offensive tidal creek was carried out at Un Long and the construction of a large box culvert across the Causeway Bay Reclamation was completed.
184. Main storm-water drainage works were carried out in Tai Hang Village to reduce flooding.
Typhoon and Rainstorm Damage
185. No abnormally heavy rainstorms occurred during the year and only minor damage was caused.
Private Works
186. The number of drainage plans for proposed private works which were submitted for examination during the year was considerably higher than usual, and a total of 617 plans was dealt with. The number of requests for drainage reports on applications for the lease of land for private development also showed a marked increase and 325 such reports were made during the year. Consultations on drainage questions were given to private architects and property owners and to other Government offices.
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187. The number of works carried out on private account showed a large increase. Foul sewers, storm-water drains, house connexions and road gullies were provided for housing estates.
188. The previous highest number of house connexions made in any one year was recorded last year at 1,094, but during this year no less than 1,385 connexions were made thus establish- ing a new record.
ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE
Chief Electrical and Mechanical Engineer, J. C. Brown, B.Sc. (Edin.), M.I.E.E., M.I.Mech. E.
General
189. The maintenance and repairs on all Government electrical and mechanical equipment (exclusive of marine equip- ment), including motor vehicles, civil engineering plant, boiler installations, air-conditioning plant, lifts, motors, traffic control lights, printing machines, refrigerators, domestic appliances, etc., were continued throughout the year. In addition many items of new plant were installed.
190. Construction of the new Mechanical Workshop building at Caroline Hill commenced in October and progress was satis- factory, enabling approximately 50% of the building to be occupied and the old No. 2 Workshop Building to be demolished to make way for the construction of the remainder of the new building. The task of operating the workshops whilst building work is in progress on the same site was, however, a most difficult one.
Mechanical Section
191. There was no material change in the motor vehicle position and the total number of Government vehicles in service at the end of the year was 853 against an authorized establish-
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ment of 895. 67 new 3-ton chassis (to be fitted with locally built bodies) to replace approximately 50% of the old ex-Army lorries were ordered during the year.
192. Two new 7-ton diesel road rollers were placed in service as replacements for old motor rollers.
193. Two 85 K.W. diesel generating sets were installed at Police Headquarters, two 15 K.W. sets were installed at the Radio Sonde Station, one 10.5 K.W. set at Waglan Island and fourteen 6 K.W. and ten 3 K.W. generating sets were received and installed at various locations.
194. The local construction of specially designed all-metal motor vehicle bodies during the year included ten Insulated Meat Delivery Vans, one Police Mobile Command Post, one Heavy Cemetery Van, one Light Ambulance, six Police Heavy General Purpose Vans, two Police Personnel Carriers and a 21 seater Bus. Designs were also prepared and contracts let for the construction of Police Light General Purpose Vans, Police Command Cars and Station Wagons for general Government service. A Light Stretcher Carrier was built on an electric battery chassis for the Medical Department for the purpose of conveying patients from the Reception Building to the Main Hospital Building at Kowloon Hospital. A total of 106 hand carts for use by the Urban Services in the collection of refuse and litter from the streets were constructed.
195. A programme of completely overhauling the Urban Services Department's "moving floor" type refuse collectors including the fitting of new chassis frames and the complete re-building of the bodies was proceeded with during the year. The purpose of this programme is to give these vehicles, which have already been in operation 5 years, a further 5 years economical service. In order to assess the relative suitability of an alternative type of refuse collecting vehicle to stand up to the highly corrosive effect of Hong Kong's "refuse", all new refuse collectors ordered during the year were of the hydraulic ram-loading type with aluminium alloy bodies.
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196. The installation of the machinery, boiler and fuel tank (including all steam and service connexions) for the new By- Products Plant at Kennedy Town was completed and handed over to the Urban Services Department in full working order on 20th September, 1954; an additional 500 gallon steam heated fat settling pan was subsequently constructed in the workshops and installed to increase the fat storage capacity. One 2,000 gallon and two 1,200 gallon fuel storage tanks were installed at Police Headquarters.
197. The mechanical plant was fully employed during the year. The 19 R.B. excavator and the four shuttle dumpers car- ried out levelling work at the Ma Tau Kok Ferry Pier site, the Mission Road hill site and the Sheung Shui fire site; the two Challenger III bulldozers were in continuous use on various re- clamation sites and at the Sookunpoo Sports Stadium.
198. The number of jobs completed during the year by the mechanical workshops totalled 33,225.
199. 136 applicants for posts as motor drivers were tested and 98 who passed the test were engaged.
200. Government vehicles were involved in 751 accidents.
Electrical Section
201. The number of items of electrical plant and appliances in use at the end of the year reached a total of 15,587-about 14 per cent more than in the previous year. The periodical main- tenance programme for servicing and maintaining in good run- ning order the 763 motors (totalling 4,309 H.P.), 6,252 fans. 3,867 heaters and radiators, 936 cookers and hotplates, 1,363 water heaters and boilers, 1,055 domestic type refrigerators, 127 air conditioning and refrigerating plants, 19 dehumidifiers and 1,205 miscellaneous items including such diverse equipment as clocks and electrical calculating machines etc. was carried out satisfactorily.
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202. The installation of air conditioning plants in the New Police Headquarters (350 tons), Film Censor's Theatre (3 tons), Operating Theatre Kowloon Hospital (3 tons), Operating Theatre Laichikok Hospital (3 tons), Dental Clinic Kennedy Road (7 tons), Police Communication Centre Kowloon (3 tons), was satisfactorily completed. The total capacity of the various air conditioning plants in Government use at the end of the year was 915 tons.
203. Lift installations completed under contract were 3 at the New Police Headquarters, 1 at H.K.R.N.V.R. Building and 1 at Queen Mary Hospital. These five new lifts bring the total of the lifts in operation in the various Government Buildings to 43, of which 20 are directly maintained and serviced by this Section.
204. A total of 80 new wiring installations was carried out during the year. These included perimeter lights and an alarm system at New Police Headquarters, lighting at New Queen's Pier, extension of the main switchboard and connexion of the new secondary crusher at Hok Un Quarry, emergency lighting for Operating Theatres at Queen Mary and Kowloon Hospitals, power and lighting at G.P.O. Pier, Connaught Road Central, rewiring the power and lighting circuits at Waglan Island Light- house, power and lighting circuits at Kennedy Town Abattoir, rewiring of Water Works' Quarters at 5B Garden Road and at Elliot Filters, in addition to many other miscellaneous items such as traffic lights, air raid sirens, market stalls etc.
205. The electrical workshop was fully employed during the year.
In addition to the repairing and overhauling of electrical plant and appliances, totalling 2,074 in number, the following items were fabricated and installed:-58 traffic island bollards, 13 traffic point duty stands, and the main switchboard in the Sea Water Pumping House on the Central Reclamation. In addition two switchboards for the New Tsan Yuk Hospital were fabricated and the main switchboard for the New Police H.Q. was installed and connected.
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206. Electrical drawings and specifications were prepared on behalf of the Architectural Office for the wiring installations of New Police H.Q., H.K.R.N.V.R. Building, and Government House (rewiring).
PORT WORKS OFFICE
Chief Engineer (Acting) J. Alexander, B.Sc. (Eng.) A.M.I.C.E.
General
207. The work carried out can be considered under four main heads:
(a) the maintenance of sea walls and piers and mis-
cellaneous dredging work;
(b) new construction work on reclamations and public piers
and other Public Works Extraordinary projects;
(c) the design and investigation of future works;
(d) supervision of the Materials Testing Laboratory.
Maintenance
208. The repair and maintenance of the Colony's public piers and seawalls were carried out, as in previous years, under an annual Maintenance contract. The majority of this work com- prised the repair of broken fenders and rails, steps and pier structures generally, together with painting of steelwork.
209. Typhoon and stormwater damage was less than the previous year. Walls were breached however at several places and damage was caused to the breakwaters at Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter. At Shatin an earth bund protecting low lying paddy fields was extensively damaged and this was reconstructed with imported filling and faced with granite.
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210. The department's two dredging units each comprising a tug, a grab dredger, and three hopper barges were operated continuously in the removal of silt alongside sea walls and at the outfalls of nullahs and stormwater pipes.
211. The dredgers were also made use of in forming marine foundations for a new box culvert at Sung Wong Toi Road, Kowloon. In addition they were used to expose existing cross- harbour water mains and to form a trench to accommodate new cross harbour water mains where diversion was necessary on account of the new Central Reclamation.
212. A total of 158,000 cubic yards was dredged during the
year.
213. Underwater supervision of the work on the diversion of the cross harbour water mains was undertaken by the Govern- ment divers.
214. Diving surveys were made by the Government divers at various piers and sea walls in addition to miscellaneous diving work carried out for the Marine Department and the Police. Underwater work was also carried out for the Drainage Office on an experimental outfall pipe at Tai Kok Tsui.
215. Public dumping at Cheung Sha Wan, Sung Wong Toi, Hung Hom, Ma Tau Kok and Central Reclamations produced a quantity of fill of some 470,000 cubic yards during the year.
New Construction
216. Kun Tong Reclamation. To meet the growing demand for suitable sites for industrial development, Government decided to reclaim some 78 acres at Kun Tong Bay. The main refuse dump in the Colony, which meantime occupies more than half of this area, is to be resited at Gin Drinkers' Bay as described later. It is estimated that approximately 2 million
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cubic yards of fill will be required at Kun Tong. This filling is available from adjacent hills which appear to consist mainly of decomposed granite. To gain additional information on the nature of these hills, and also on how the existing refuse dump will react under the weight of fill, a pilot contract for 300,000 cubic yards of filling was let. Work commenced on this contract in February and by the end of the year 65,000 cubic yards of spoil had been dumped. To protect the seaward end of the reclamation, 1,000 feet of sea wall consisting of precast concrete toe and foundation blocks with granite rubble masonry face-work was under construction on an existing rubble mound foundation.
217. Rubble Mound at Gin Drinkers' Bays. This work was commenced in January to form a new site as a Colony Refuse Dump, the Kun Tong site now being required for another purpose. To contain the refuse within the allotted area it was decided to construct a rubble mound connecting Tsing Chau Island and the mainland. This mound 1,500 feet long is being constructed by tipping graded quarry stone of up to one ton weight upon the sea bed formation and will eventually be brought up to a level of 5 feet above Highwater Spring Tides. At this level a concrete foot-path, providing access between the island and the mainland, will be constructed. Some 7,000 cubic yards of stone had been tipped by the end of the year out of a total of 80,000 cubic yards required.
218. Central Reclamation Scheme. This scheme was almost completed during the year except for a small part of the earth filling. When completed it will provide a further 9 acres of re- claimed land and contains the proposed site for a new City Hall. Consequent on the diversion of the two 21 inch diameter cross- harbour water-mains, work was recommenced in December on the construction of some 267 feet of sea-wall to close the gap pre- viously left open for the work on the cross-harbour pipelines. Before dumping the rubble foundation mound for the portion of sea-wall which fronts the new Star Ferry Pier, it was necessary to drive some of the 80 feet long reinforced concrete piles required for the future pier. Incorporated in the design of this
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same section of wall is a pumphouse to supply cooling water for the airconditioning plant of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.
219. Demolition of Old Queen's Pier. This was commenced in December, and by the end of the year all the structure with the exception of some piles, broken whilst being withdrawn, had been removed.
220. Kowloon Public Pier. The new Star Ferry Piers pro- gramme necessitated the construction of a new pier for small craft to replace the existing Public Pier at Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, which occupies part of the site required for one of the new ferry piers.
221. Work commenced in June on this new pier and the sub. structure to deck level was completed by the end of the year. The new pier is 150 feet long by 50 feet wide, and provides four sets of landing steps each capable of taking large launches. It is of reinforced concrete construction built on precast piles and pedestals. Rubber packings are incorporated into the fendering system to absorb impact from the larger launches.
222. When work was started it was found that cross harbour telephone cables had drifted from their original positions and were obstructing pile driving. Arrangements were however made with the Hong Kong Telephone Company to re-route the cables thus making it possible for work to proceed.
223. Sports Stadium, Sookunpoo. Construction in the Soo- kunpoo Valley of the sports stadium, designed to accommodate 28,500 spectators, was continued during the year. Levelling, consolidation, and turfing of this full international size football field was completed and construction of the 450 metre, seven-lane, cinder running-track which surrounds the field was well advanced by the end of the year. Progress on the construction of the seating terraces, which are being cut from the sides of the valley, was impeded due to the large amount of rock encountered. The
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...
Kun Tong Reclamation viewed from Top of Ngau Tau Kok Resettlement Area. (See paragraph 216 of the Report).
same section of wall is a pumphouse to supply cooling water for the airconditioning plant of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.
219. Demolition of Old Queen's Pier. This was commenced in December, and by the end of the year all the structure with the exception of some piles, broken whilst being withdrawn, had been removed.
220. Kowloon Public Pier. The new Star Ferry Piers pro- gramme necessitated the construction of a new pier for small craft to replace the existing Public Pier at Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, which occupies part of the site required for one of the new ferry piers.
221. Work commenced in June on this new pier and the sub- structure to deck level was completed by the end of the year. The new pier is 150 feet long by 50 feet wide, and provides four sets of landing steps each capable of taking large launches. It is of reinforced concrete construction built on precast piles and pedestals. Rubber packings are incorporated into the fendering system to absorb impact from the larger launches.
222. When work was started it was found that cross harbour telephone cables had drifted from their original positions and were obstructing pile driving. Arrangements were however made with the Hong Kong Telephone Company to re-route the cables thus making it possible for work to proceed.
223. Sports Stadium, Sookumpoo. Construction in the Soo- kunpoo Valley of the sports stadium, designed to accommodate 28,500 spectators, was continued during the year. Levelling, consolidation, and turfing of this full international size football field was completed and construction of the 450 metre, seven-lane, cinder running-track which surrounds the field was well advanced by the end of the year. Progress on the construction of the seating terraces, which are being cut from the sides of the valley, was impeded due to the large amount of rock encountered. The
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Kun Tong Reclamation viewed from Top of Ngau Tau Kok Resettlement Area. (See paragraph 216 of the Report).
Hit
Sports Stadium, Sookunpoo. (See paragraphs 228-227 of the Report).
Jpgle
Ma Tau Kok Ferry Pier, Kowloon. (See paragraph 229 of the Report).
Shap Long Dam, Lantao. (See paragraph 381(b) of the Report).
terraces are arranged in 33 sections on three sides of the ground, and 26 of these, involving the removal of some 80,000 cubic yards of rock, have now been completed. Over the central western block of seats a roof to provide covered accommodation for over 5,000 spectators was under construction. This roof, comprising the fabrication and erection of steel trusses supported on circular steel columns 22 feet high and covered by asbestos cement sheet- ing, extends over 7 sections of terracing. Advantage has been taken of the excellent vision cbtained at roof level to construct two boxes for use by radio commentators and one for Police Control. Access to the boxes is by ladder and cat-walk over the roof. During the year, roof covering for 4 sections of terracing and one radio box was completed.
224. Access to and exit from the ground is by a 20 feet wide upper terrace level periphery road on which are situated 22 ticket offices and 24 exit gates leading to and from the 33 sections of seating terraces. In addition 6 further exit gates flank the new Pavilion at the northern end of the ground. During the year some 12,000 square yards of road formation, including the new 40 feet wide frontal road from Caroline Hill Road to the Pavilion and Administrative Block, 2,500 yards of surface water sewers, and 14 ticket offices and gates were completed.
225. Advantage was taken of the stream which flows down the valley to construct a small dam and 50,000 gallon water storage tank. It is hoped that this will ensure an adequate supply of water throughout the year for watering the football field and running track, cleaning the terraces and provide a flushing supply for the 17 underground toilets situated around the stadium at upper terrace level. The dam, tank, and 14 of the toilets were completed.
226. In keeping with the present popular trend of staging sports events in the evenings, the design and specifications for the provision of a floodlighting scheme were put in hand.
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227. The whole site, including parking facilities for some 500 cars, occupies an area of over 16 acres.
228. Sung Wong Toi Reclamation. This work which consists of the construction of 300 feet of new seawall adjacent to the proposed new airport runway at Kai Tak and of the exten- sion by 450 feet of a large box culvert was almost completed by the end of the year. The culvert was of precast invert sections set on a rubble mound foundation and the top half was cast in situ.
229. Ma Tau Kok Reclamation Scheme. This comprised a new sea wall 500 feet in length together with 200 feet of pitched slope retaining wall and was completed during the year. An area of approximately 6 acres was thereby reclaimed and this is intended to provide a suitable concourse for vehicles serving the passenger ferry pier under construction at this site for the Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Company. This pier which is 235 feet long by 60 feet wide, in reinforced concrete, will provide two berths each capable of taking the largest ferry vessel in use or envisaged.
230. Site Preparation for a Low-Cost Housing Scheme, Hung Hom. The removal of a hill adjacent to Ma Tau Wei Road. Hung Hom, was commenced in June. The scheme is being carried out with Colonial Development and Welfare Funds to provide sites for low-cost housing. The work was half completed by the end of the year, some 270,000 cubic yards of earth and rock having been removed, and an area of about 143,000 square feet cut down to housing formation levels.
231. All the earth removed from the site was dumped at Hung Hom Bay for reclamation purposes.
232. New Star Ferry Piers. These two piers were described in last year's Annual Report. Working drawings and contract documents were completed by the end of the year.
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Investigations and Miscellaneous Works
233. Borings. The following were carried out:
(a) The land boring gang continued their work at various sites in the Colony including bores made at Piper's Hill. Tsun Wan, Slow Sand Filter Beds at Taipo Road, Caro- line Hill Government Depot site etc., etc., the total number of bores taken being 70.
(b) The marine boring gang, apart from their normal duties, were also engaged on investigations of the sea bed in connexion with the development of Kai Tak Airport under the direction of the Consulting Engineers for the new Airport. They also assisted the Stores Department in their search for seabed sand outside the harbour limits. Bores were also made at Tai Kok Tsui, Ma Tau Kok, Kowloon Bay, Hung Hom Bay, Kun Tong, Gin Drinkers' Bay and other sites. The total number of bores made were 88.
234. Minor Works. Minor works carried out or commenced
were:
(a) King Shan Pier was extended an additional 36 feet in
timber construction.
(b) A further section of the hill at Mission Road, Kowloon. was levelled and the spoil dumped in Ma Tau Kok Reclamation.
(c) Detailed drawings were commenced for a new ferry pier at Stewart Road for the Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Co.
(d) A new radar reflector beacon consisting of precast concrete sections was completed on Tathong Rock as a navigational aid to shipping.
(e) Investigations and designs were made for many other minor projects, plans and calculations submitted by private architects for new piers and repairs to piers were checked, and inspections of sites for private leases carried out.
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235. North Point Blockyard. The casting yard was extended by approximately 2,000 square yards of 6 inch thick reinforced concrete slab in order to enable it to cope with the large volume of work in hand.
236. Beams, bracings, rocker pile bases, waling brackets, pedestals, piles, landing stages and platforms were all cast for the new Ma Tau Kok Ferry Pier and Kowloon Public Pier in the Blockyard. In addition, 246 18-ton blocks and 237 23-ton blocks for sea walls at Ma Tau Kok and Sung Wong Toi Road were prepared.
237. Invert sections for the box culverts at Sung Wong Toi Road were precast in the blockyard and then taken to the site at Sung Wong Toi where they were placed between tides on a prepared rubble foundation.
238. Other minor works completed in the blockyard included 3-ton and -ton mooring blocks for the Urban Services Depart- ment and small marker beacons for erection in Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter.
239. Survey. The survey section was fully employed on many diverse types of surveying including both land and marine work. All the work described in the preceeding paragraphs was set out and the earth quantities measured by this section. In addition, preparatory surveys were carried out for design pur- poses such as a survey of the foreshore from Gin Drinkers' Bay southwards to include Tsing Chau Island, and soundings of an area 6,000 feet by 4,000 feet for the siting of the new Refuse Dump. Sea current strength observations were also carried out to estimate the probable future current rate due to the proposed marine obstruction at the same site. Many soundings and levels were taken before and after dredging and in connexion with reclamations, land excavations and sea wall constructions. Progress surveys were also kept up-to-date of public dumps at Sung Wong Toi, Ngau Chi Wan, Cheung Sha Wan and Hung Hom Bay and investigations of reported under- water obstructions off Kai Tak Airport, Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter, etc., were carried out.
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Materials Testing Laboratory
240. The Laboratory widened its scope still more during the year with an increased number of tests carried out not only for the Department but also for cutside firms. No less than 4,600 were made on the compressive strength of concrete and this in- cluded 218 tests for outside firms and 1,181 for the Tai Lam Chung Dam. In addition tests were also carried out on cement, the flexural strength of concrete beams, sieve analysis of aggre- gates, percussion strength and organic impurities of aggregates, extraction tests on tar macadam and tar tops from the Govern- ment quarries, and tests on bitumen, asphalt, roofing tars, and crude oils.
241. Soil tests amounted to 569 and included major jobs such as the following:-
(a) Settlement analysis for Tai Kok Tsui drainage scheme; (b) Foundation soil investigations for the American Con-
sulate Building and for the Wing On Building;
(c) Soil investigation for the Taipo Road Slow Sand Filters.
242. In order to enlarge the scope of the Laboratory still further an Indent for steel-testing equipment was placed with the Crown Agents.
ROADS OFFICE
Chief Engineer, R.A. Mirams, A.M.I.C.E., A.M.I.W.E.
General
243. Exceptionally good weather permitted a full programme of works to be carried out and, in addition to routine maintenance of the roads and bridges, particular attention was given to the improvement and reconstruction of major roads and junctions to & standard suitable for the ever increasing volume and weight of traffic.
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244. Other works included operation of the two Government Quarries, the organization and improvement of street lighting, maintenance of roadside verges, culverts, channels, cuttings, footpaths and street name plates together with maintenance of runways and hardstandings at Kai Tak Airport. For the control of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, signs, white lines, island refuges and guard rails were maintained and new ones erected as necessary.
245. A labour force of nearly 1,200 artisans and workmen was directly employed on minor road maintenance and for the operation of quarries. Improvement and reconstruction works were carried out by local contractors.
Reconstruction Policy
246. In order to reduce future maintenance costs, the policy of building new and reconstructed roads to a high standard was continued; the benefits of this policy have already become apparent.
247. In reconstructing City roads of restricted width, full allowance was made for future widening; levels and cambers were arranged so that they would fit in with the eventual road layout without further reconstruction.
248. Segregation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic was effected wherever possible on new and reconstructed roads in less developed areas by the use of verges between carriageways and footpaths. These verges are also used to accommodate public utility services and to provide space for bus bays and parking areas where required.
Reconstruction-City Roads
249. To link up with Queen's Road Central at the point where work terminated last year, the section of Queen's Road West from Possession Street to Western Street was reconstructed,
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using vibrated cement concrete slabs of 8 inch thickness. To avoid affecting the floor levels of buildings, only the minimum of super-elevation and variation of level was possible.
250. Further improvement of the main traffic routes from Western to Central Districts was effected by the reconstruction of Connaught Road West and Central from Gilman Street to Des Voeux Road and Wing Lok Street junction. The granite sett seawall apron was in very poor condition and since the re-use of the old setts was not practicable they were replaced by 9 inch thick vibrated concrete. The old concrete and asphalt surface on the South side of the carriageway was replaced by 8 inch thick vibrated concrete with a 1 inch wearing course of inch bitumen macadam. The 14 feet wide central car park was also resurfaced and is available for additional traffic lanes when required.
251. Major improvement works were completed at the four- way junction of Causeway Road, Yee Wo Street, Leighton Road and Tunglowan Road. Causeway Road is the only link between the City and the densely populated North Point and Shaukiwan Districts and thus carries very heavy traffic. Traffic control by point duty policeman was eliminated by the construction of an oval roundabout or "circus", 190 feet x 110 feet lying partly on land recently reclaimed from Causeway Bay.
252. Improved traffic flow enabled the carriageway of Yee Wo Street to be narrowed and footpath widths to be increased from 10 to 13 feet-an improvement most necessary on account of the large crowds of pedestrians going to and from adjacent cinemas. Footpaths at the junction were provided with guard rails and zebra pedestrian crossings were formed in 'in situ' concrete.
253. The carriageways were constructed in 8 inch vibrated concrete with a 1 inch bitumen macadam wearing carpet, kerbs were granite and footpaths of 3 inch concrete with granolithic finish.
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254. The new reclamation in Causeway Bay also permitted the widening of Causeway Road and the provision of a 15 foot footpath flanking Victoria Park.
255. Reconstruction of the last remaining unimproved section of Wongneichong Road, 1,100 feet in length, between the entrance to the Colonial Cemetery and Village Road, was com- pleted between December and March. The road adjoins the Hong Kong Jockey Club and is subjected to intense traffic on race days. To obtain a good alignment and sufficient width for a second footpath, it was necessary to resume strips of land from the Colonial Cemetery and the Parsee Cemetery. A 35 foot car- riageway was provided and two concrete footpaths each 6 feet 6 inches wide. The tramway track was re-aligned to run in the centre of the road thus removing a number of traffic bottlenecks. Old boundary and retaining walls were demolished and recon- structed on the new lines in mass concrete with granite facings.
256. The junction of Castle Peak Road and Taipo Road was reconstructed to a revised layout during the year. A leading island 400 feet long separates traffic on Castle Peak Road from Tai Po Road; next to this a 90 foot diameter roundabout was constructed to channel the traffic, which is directed by six illuminated traffic bollards installed on subsidiary islands.
257. One-way carriageways, 22 feet wide on the straight and 26 feet around curves, were made of 8 inch vibrated concrete with a wearing coat of 1 inch bitumen macadam. The traffic islands were built of rubble masonry walls 18 inches high and were filled with earth to permit turfing.
258. Guard rails were erected with openings at pedestrian crossings and an experimental "Zebra" crossing was laid consist- ing of "Snowcrete" and black "Colourcrete".
259. Following the several fires along the East side of Taipo Road to the North of the traffic islands, a strip 46 feet wide was cleared and formed to provide an 11 foot verge, a 10 foot footpath of 1 inch thick macadam and a 25 foot unsurfaced road as access to the hillside for quarry traffic.
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260. In addition to the major schemes already described, other reconstruction works in the City during the year included the resurfacing of Fleming Road, Tsui Man Street, Pokfulam Road between Second Street and Bonham Road, Jaffe Road between Fenwick Street and Stewart Road, North Street, Forbes Street, Wyndham Street, part of Glenealy above Robinson Road, Douglas Street and Gresson Street.
Other Reconstruction Works
261. The development of Victoria Park made it necessary to reconstruct Hing Fat Street and to extend it from Lau Li Street to Causeway Road. The longer section of the road was provided with a two-way carriageway, a 15 foot footpath on Victoria Park side and a 10 foot footpath on the other. The width of the carri- ageway was reduced to 24 feet between Causeway Road and Lau Sin Street for one-way traffic.
262. The reconstruction of a length of 1,000 yards of Island Road from Shaukiwan to the road leading to the Chai Wan Resettlement Area was completed. This work, which was re- ferred to in last year's report, provided a 24 foot carriageway and to 13 foot footpaths separated from the carriageway by 10 foot verges.
263. A major three-year scheme for the reconstruction and widening of Castle Peak Road between 6 and 91⁄2 milestones was commenced. This road links the rapidly developing New Terri- tories areas of Tsun Wan and Kwai Chung with New Kowloon. The old poorly surfaced road is tortuous and narrow and with the ever increasing volume and weight of traffic, has become the scene of much traffic delay and many accidents.
264. The new scheme allows for a 58 foot wide roadway consisting of two footpaths, a verge and a 22 foot carriageway. Allowance has also been made to permit a further carriageway and verge to be added if warranted by traffic and also to expand later to the standard 100 foot layout for main roads in the New Territories. The verge is to accommodate the 48 inch diameter water main from the new Tai Lam Chung Reservoir.
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265. The first contract for part of this work, was let in September and consisted of the removal of over 100,000 cubic yards of earth and rock, the construction of mass concrete retaining walls and extensions to box culverts. The excavated material provided fill for embankments, while the rock was broken down to small size and used to form a 9 inch foundation to the carriageway. This contract was 90% completed by the end of the year.
266. The second contract, let in December, provided for the replacement of two weak bridges at Tsun Wan and Kwai Chung by box culverts. Work was 60% completed by the end of the year.
267. Just before the end of the year work commenced on a third contract for the replacement of the narrow bridge in Tsun Wan by a new bridge and approaches. The new bridge is of continuous beam and slab design with two 51 foot spans to Ministry of Transport loading for highway bridges. It will carry two 22 foot carriageways, two 14 foot footpaths and a 6 foot central verge with provision for cable ducts and pipes under- neath the footpaths.
New Roads
268. Many small new roads were constructed at the expense of property owners for the development of private housing estates. They were located mainly at Jardine's Lookout, Kowloon Tsai, and Yau Yat Chuen Estates. The normal specifi-
cation for this type of road was 3 inch hardcore foundation, 4 inch thickness of 14 inch bitumen macadam with a 1 inch wearing coat of bituminous material.
269. Work was completed on the first section of the 'Road off Boundary Street', originally intended to serve new develop- ment to the North of Kau Lung Tong, but following the decision to erect resettlement flats at Tai Hang Tung, arrangements were made to extend it to provide access to that area. The work was divided into three sections, the first 1,000 feet, the second 1,100
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feet ending at the West side of the nullah, and the third 850 feet long through a very heavy cutting to join the existing road at Shek Kip Mei Resettlement Area. Section one was finished before the end of the year and section two was approximately 30% completed.
270. The plan provides a 60 foot total width made up of a 22 foot carriageway of 6 inch vibrated concrete on 3 inch hard- core with 1 inch wearing course of bitumen macadam, two 9 foot verges, and two 10 foot footpaths of 2 granolithic concrete with granite kerbs, passing and parking bays are provided at intervals.
271. As a continuation of this work a trained nullah between Tai Hang Tung and Tai Hang Sai was decked for some 1,000 feet and a 40 foot road formed, partly on the nullah deck. The nullah walls were incapable of taking the decking load and piles were driven at intervals through the walls. The carriageway was made 22 feet wide and two 9 foot footpaths were provided.
Miscellaneous
272. To alleviate the shortage of parking space in the City a temporary car park of 16,860 square yards, providing accom- modation for 443 cars on the central reclamation, was surfaced with 1 inch thickness of bitumen macadam of a foundation of consolidated building debris. The road around three sides of the parking area acts also as the approach road to the New Queen's Pier.
273. Causeway Bay reclamation was re-opened for free dumping to form to level the 55 acre Victoria Park. Selected building debris was brought to the areas earmarked for football pitches, paths and roads, while soft materials were directed to areas to be turfed and to the artificial hill situated at the north west corner of the park.
274. Roads and paths were formed with 4 inch thickness of 14 inch waterbound macadam, 1 inch wearing course of bitumen macadam and concrete margins. Football pitches etc. were laid
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265. The first contract for part of this work, was let in September and consisted of the removal of over 100,000 cubic yards of earth and rock, the construction of mass concrete retaining walls and extensions to box culverts. The excavated material provided fill for embankments, while the rock was broken down to small size and used to form a 9 inch foundation to the carriageway. This contract was 90% completed by the end of the year.
266. The second contract, let in December, provided for the replacement of two weak bridges at Tsun Wan and Kwai Chung by box culverts. Work was 60% completed by the end of the
year.
267. Just before the end of the year work commenced on a third contract for the replacement of the narrow bridge in Tsun Wan by a new bridge and approaches. The new bridge is of continuous beam and slab design with two 51 foot spans to Ministry of Transport loading for highway bridges. carry two 22 foot carriageways, two 14 foot footpaths and a 6 foot central verge with provision for cable ducts and pipes under- neath the footpaths.
It will
New Roads
268. Many small new roads were constructed at the expense of property owners for the development of private housing estates. They were located mainly at Jardine's Lookout, Kowloon Tsai, and Yau Yat Chuen Estates. The normal specifi-
cation for this type of road was 3 inch hardcore foundation, 4 inch thickness of 1 inch bitumen macadam with a 1 inch wearing coat of bituminous material.
269. Work was completed on the first section of the 'Road off Boundary Street', originally intended to serve new develop- ment to the North of Kau Lung Tong, but following the decision to erect resettlement flats at Tai Hang Tung, arrangements were made to extend it to provide access to that area. The work was divided into three sections, the first 1,000 feet, the second 1,100
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feet ending at the West side of the nullah, and the third 850 feet long through a very heavy cutting to join the existing road at Shek Kip Mei Resettlement Area. Section one was finished before the end of the year and section two was approximately 30% completed.
270. The plan provides a 60 foot total width made up of a 22 foot carriageway of 6 inch vibrated concrete on 3 inch hard- core with 1 inch wearing course of bitumen macadam, two 9 foot verges, and two 10 foot footpaths of 24 granolithic concrete with granite kerbs, passing and parking bays are provided at intervals.
271. As a continuation of this work a trained nullah between Tai Hang Tung and Tai Hang Sai was decked for some 1,000 feet and a 40 foot road formed, partly on the nullah deck. The nullah walls were incapable of taking the decking load and piles were driven at intervals through the walls. The carriageway was made 22 feet wide and two 9 foot footpaths were provided.
Miscellaneous
272. To alleviate the shortage of parking space in the City a temporary car park of 16,860 square yards, providing accom- modation for 443 cars on the central reclamation, was surfaced with 1 inch thickness of bitumen macadam of a foundation of consolidated building debris. The road around three sides of the parking area acts also as the approach road to the New Queen's Pier.
273. Causeway Bay reclamation was re-opened for free dumping to form to level the 55 acre Victoria Park. Selected building debris was brought to the areas earmarked for football pitches, paths and roads, while soft materials were directed to areas to be turfed and to the artificial hill situated at the north west corner of the park.
274. Roads and paths were formed with 4 inch thickness of 14 inch waterbound macadam, 1 inch wearing course of bitumen macadam and concrete margins. Football pitches etc. were laid
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with an experimental 1 inch thickness of vibrated stabilized laterite; two coats of sprayed bitumen and fine sand provided a sealing coat to the stabilized laterite and formed a resilient playing surface. Approximately 8,700 square yards of roads and paths and 16,000 square yards of playing areas were complete by the end of the year.
275. Maintenance work was carried out at the Kai Tak Air- port as necessary and included patching of the taxi track, 13/31 and 07/25 runways with bituminous materials, and the resur- facing of a further section of 2,600 square yards of the hard- standing. All markings were repainted.
276. To alleviate traffic congestion at the Terminal and to provide an enclosure where friends can greet passengers, the concourse area near the Terminal Building was increased by about 3,200 square yards. This provided a 5 foot footpath in front of the building, a traffic island, a taxi rank, additional parking space and a fenced enclosure.
Quarries
277. Quarrying, crushing and screening of granite continued throughout the year at Hok Un Quarry (Kowloon) and at Tsat Tze Mui Quarry (Island). Both plants were operated by direct labour and supplied the bulk of the Public Works Department's needs for concrete aggregate, roadstone and bitumen macadam.
278. The plant used and the methods of operation were similar to those described in previous reports. Early in the year, however, one of two new Pegson Telsmith 36 inch cone crushers was installed in Tsat Tze Mui Quarry as a secondary crusher in place of the Broadbent 16 inch × 5 inch granulater and the output of small size crushed stone was considerably increased.
279. Installation of the second 36 inch cone crusher and a new 10 feet X 4 feet triple deck Pegson Telsmith vibrating screen in Hok Un Quarry was started.
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280. Compressed air at Tsat Tze Mui is supplied by two "Broomwade" Type EH 330 cubic feet per minute twin cylinder stationary compressors, working together, and at Hok Un by two Broomwade Type E 600 cubic feet per minute 4-cylinder com- pressors working alternately. Extensive overhauls and replace- ment of parts were carried out on these latter machines which have now given many years service. Increasing output from both quarries made it necessary to install a portable 210 cubic feet per minute compressor at each to supplement supply from the stationary machines.
281. Demands for stone continued to make it necessary for both quarries to work 16 hours a day, 6 days a week, throughout the year.
Total output of crushed stone for the first time exceeded 200,000 tons, the actual increase over the previous years' production being 14.5%.
282. The following table shows the output from the Quarries in comparison with the figures for the four previous
years.
Quarry
Crushed Stone (Tons)
Bitumen Macadam (Tons)
Hok Un Morrison Hill
(a) Hung Shui Kiu
(b)
50/51|51/52| 52/53 | 53/54 | 54/55 | 50/51 | 51/52 | 52/53 | 53/54 | 54/55
46,776|60,203 92,521 84,980|105,331| 32,233 22,885|23,656|26,938 25,107
29,887 11,626
6,670 2,229
Tsat Tze Mui
29,506 88,646 97,383 103,457
10,537 25,339 21,326 24,826
(c)
Total...
53,446 91,938 181,167 182,363 208,788 62,120 45,048 48,995 48,264 49,933
(a) Closed down in September 1951. Quarry was operated by contract,
mixing plant only operated by Roads Office.
(b) Closed down in August, 1951.
(c) Started full production in September 1951.
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283. Rapid building development near Tsat Tze Mui Quarry has resulted in the operation of the plant creating a nuisance in what has become partly a residential neighbourhood. The de- velopment has also restricted the quarry working face and its possible extension and a decision was taken therefore to resite the quarry on an area on the flank of Mount Butler at the head of the Tai Hang Valley.
284. Work was started on the construction of an access road to the new site from Tai Hang Road and on the preparation of the quarry site, plant areas etc. A provisional plant layout was prepared, for which quotations were received at the end of the year. The Mount Butler Quarry is intended for a daily out-put of 800 tons of crushed stone, including 240 tons of bitumen macadam.
Street Lighting
285. The improvement and extension of public street lighting was continued and the total number of electric lamps was increased by 599.
286. As in previous years the street lighting programme was based on a priority list compiled by the Commissioner of Police.
287. Particular attention was given to the lighting of busy road junctions in conjunction with the construction of traffic islands. 250-watt gaseous discharge lamps were installed at the junctions of Tai Po Road with Castle Peak Road and Ma Tau Wei Road and Chatham Road while at the new roundabout at the junction of Causeway Road with Yee Wo Street the lamps crected were of the cut-off type which give a more even distribu- tion of light and reduce glare which would otherwise be parti- cularly noticeable at this junction.
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288. The progress made is indicated in the table below:
Gas
Electric
1953/54
1954 / 55
Type
Island Mainland! Total
Island
Mainland
Total
580
165
745
549
100
649
1,855
1,770
3,625
2,060
2,164
4,224
Other Works
289. The formation of terraces, access paths, steps, channels and catchwaters at the Chinese Cemeteries at Wo Hop Shek and Sandy Ridge continued. Normal maintenance work was carried out to other cemeteries within the urban areas.
290. The Roads Office Storm Damage Squad was on call during the typhoon season for general emergency work which included the clearance of landslides, trees and boulders from roads and also rescue work and clearance of debris from col- lapsed huts and houses. In spite of the very dry summer, 39 calls for assistance were answered during the year.
291. A 3-year contract was let for the cutting down of Morrison Hill to Town Planning levels. The contract was framed to permit the contractor to quarry, crush and sell stone from the hill. During the year approximately 62,000 cubic yards of crushed aggregate and 14,000 cubic yards of overburden were removed from the site.
Traffic Control and Aids
292. Many miles of white lines were painted along road centre lines, in car park areas, traffic lanes and at pedestrian crossings; well over 5,000 gallons of white paint was used and experiments were made with different brands to determine the most economical. Work continued on the fabrication and erection of new traffic signs and the maintenance of existing signs. Extended use was made of pedestrian railings.
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293. In Kowloon twenty new traffic beacon lights were installed to replace obsolete types at important traffic junctions. and experimental traffic lights were erected at the narrow bridge carrying the railway over the main road at Taipo.
WATERWORKS OFFICE
Waterworks Engineer-R. H. Woodman B.Sc.
General
294. The upward trend in the demand for water was main- tained during 1954/55. The average daily consumption during periods when supply had to be restricted to only 5 hours per day being:-
In 1952/53
In 1953/54
27.80 Million Gallons per day
29.38
30.87
"
"
"
In 1954/55
91
The increased consumption can be attributed to the expansion of industry, large new building projects and large scale resettlement schemes.
295. The unusually dry summer necessitated the imposition of the severest restrictions ever experienced in the Colony and saw the introduction of zoning, or the splitting up both of the Island and Mainland into two groups of districts, each group receiving its supply during different periods of the day. This had the effect of increasing pressures and thus ensuring a more equitable distribution of water than could otherwise have been attained.
296. At the beginning of May an 8-hour supply was still being given, but continued lack of rain made it necessary to reduce this to 5 hours per day on May 10th and again to 4 hours per day on May 20th. Zoning was introduced on May 24th, and on May 31st the hours of supply were further reduced to 3 per day. In spite of the enforced low consumption, maximum storage was never reached but by the Middle of August the re- servoirs were approximately 80% full and the hours of supply
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were accordingly increased to 4 per day. On October 9, however, lack of rain made it necessary to reduce them once more to 3 where they remained until the end of the year.
297. The unprecedented curtailment of supply and the intro- duction of zoning brought many problems. A large programme of renewals and improvements including temporary alterations to the distribution system was carried out to obtain the maximum benefit from the limited amount of water available. The wash water from the Rapid Gravity filters at Shek Li Pui and Eastern which normally runs to waste was recovered, refiltered and put into distribution. In addition, temporary pumps were installed in stream courses at Deep Water Bay and Lai Chi Kok to raise the water from the streams into the Aberdeen East Catchwater and the Kowloon Filter Beds respectively.
Supply
;
298. Rainfall. The rainfall was the second lowest on record, only 50.99 inches being measured by the Royal Observatory as against 89.33 inches during 1953 54 and an average of 84.74 inches. The average recorded by raingauges in the Waterworks catchment areas was 59.31 inches.
299. Storage. The following table gives details of storage in the impounding reservoirs:-
Date
Storage in Million
Remarks
Gallons
1st April 1954
2,382
Slightly above normal.
31st May..
1,257
Minimum for the year.
23rd September..
4,893
11th & 12th Sept. (2 days)
13th to 15th Sept. (3 days)
1st April 1955
1,987
Maximum for the year. 81.9% of
total capacity.
Aberdeen Lower and Pokfulam Re-
servoirs overflowing to waste. Aberdeen Lower Reservoir overflowing
to waste.
Below normal.
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300. Consumption. 9,971 million gallons of water were sup- plied to the Urban areas and a further 501 million gallons to the New Territories villages during the year, a decrease of 3,057 and an increase of 3.55 respectively on the corresponding figures for the previous year.
301. In the Urban areas the hours of supply totalled 1,441.5, making an average of about 4 per day as against a total of 3,397.5 with an average of 9.3 for the previous year. This represents a reduction of approximately 57%.
302. During the 8-hour supply period a peak consumption of 40 million gallons per day was recorded on May 8th, and during the 3-hour period when zoning was in force another peak consumption of 28 million gallons was recorded on July 17th. The maximum daily consumption, however, occurred on the 23rd January during the Chinese New Year holidays, and amounted to 51.4 million gallons. This was the highest ever recorded.
303. It was not possible to allow a full supply over any public holiday with the exception of Chinese New Year when water was made available between 0600 hours on 23rd and 0900 hours on 25th January.
304. Distribution. The very short hours of supply made it very difficult even with zoning to ensure a really equitable distribution of the water. To improve the situation a con- ́siderable amount of main and sub-main laying was carried out and low pressure areas were connected direct to high pressure trunk mains.
305. Water Analyses. The usual close watch on the quality of water was maintained and numerous samples of raw, filtered and chlorinated filtered water were tested by the Government Pathologist and Chemist. The general standard was good and in the few samples which were not of the required standard of purity, the source of pollution was traced and eradicated. The whole of the distribution system in the Peak district
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became polluted and after extensive investigation it was decided that the pollution was caused by leakage into two of the service reservoirs. Repairs were put in hand.
306. Out of a total of 305 samples taken from service reservoirs, 288 were of the required standard of purity, 10 of the bad samples being from the Peak area. The overall percentage of samples which showed absence of B. Coli in 100 c.c. was 95%.
307. A total of 618 samples, of which 555 were up to the required standard, was taken from consumers' taps. With the exception of the Peak district the source of pollution was in all cases traced to defects in the consumers' inside services.
308. Pumping. The number of gallons pumped during the year as compared with the previous year was as follows:-
Raw Water Filtered Water
2,470 million 1,646 million
1954/55
Total
1953/54
Decrease
gallons
gallons
4,116 million gallons
3,273
803
"
2,482
5,755
13
""
836
"
**
1,639
The total quantity pumped was approximately 281
less than during last year.
309. Waste Detection. The necessity for a restricted supply again prevented much real work being done on waste detection. Attention was confined to tracing visible defects in mains and inside services and the prevention of use of water by consumers for any purposes other than purely domestic.
310. Metered Services. During the year 2,225 additional metered services were installed on the Island and 2,615 on the Mainland, bringing the total to date up to 44,465 of which 23,135 are on the Island and 21,330 on the Mainland.
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Workshops
311. Due to the extensive new works in progress at Tai Lam Chung and elsewhere the workshop staff, particularly welders, were kept extremely busy during the year but by working overtime where necessary no important work was delayed.
312. In order that the machine shop may be better able to cope with the demands placed upon it, two new machine tools. were ordered. One, a vertical shaping machine, arrived in October and was satisfactorily installed.
313. A total of 1,762 orders was dealt with during the year, 1,701 of these being for the waterworks.
314. In the meter repair workshops, 26,120 meters were overhauled and tested and a further 10,177 repaired on site making a total of 36,297. This represents 82% of the total meters installed, an increase of approximately 0.5% the number overhauled last year.
Renewals and Improvements
315. Mainlaying. In order to counteract the poor conditions brought about by the zoned short periods of supply, mainlaying was concentrated on extensions to new development, alterations necessitated by road reconstruction and the replacement of undersized pipes in areas where pressures were inadequate.
316. A total of 138,575 feet of piping between 11 inches and 18 inches diameter was laid, the more important work com- pleted being as follows:-
(a) Kowloon Tsai Service Reservoir to the eastern end of
Cornwall Street.
To improve pressures and the supply to the upper Kowloon Tong area a new direct 12 inch outlet pipe was laid from the Kowloon Tsai Service Reservoir.
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(b) Boundary Street between Waterloo Road and Embank-
ment Road.
The existing 8 inch pipe was replaced in 12 inch to cope with the increased demand in the Tai Hang Tung Resettlement Area and the Yau Yat Chuen Housing Estate.
(e) Nathan Road between Hillwood Road and Ning Po
Street.
The 8 inch and 10 inch undersized pipes were replaced in 12 inch to improve the supply to the Tsim Tsa Tsui
area.
(d) Ma Tau Wei Road between Chi Kiang Street and Tin
Kwong Road.
In connexion with the road reconstruction, a new 18 inch main was laid which will form part of the outlet from the new Ma Tau Wei Service Reservoir.
317. Service Reservoirs. All the service reservoirs were cleaned and examined. Repairs were carried out as necessary, which in the case of Mt. Gough tank involved the laying of a new invert and guniting the inside walls of the tank. Arrange- ments were commenced for the Peak tank to be similarly treated as part of the effort to eliminate the pollution of the Peak supply.
318. Catchwaters. Minor maintenance repairs were under- taken to all catchwaters and foot bridges were replaced on the fourth section of the Shing Mun Catchwater.
319. New Pumping Plant. The electrically driven set for Bowen Road which was mentioned in last year's report was received in March and its installation commenced. The new unit for Elliot Pumping Station was not received. An order was placed for the switchgear and cables required for this unit. The need for additional pumping capacity from Eastern to Jardines Lookout etc. was explained in last year's report. The oil engine on order was, however, not delivered.
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320. Kowloon Rapid Gravity Filters. A contract was let in September for the construction of a filter house and the installation of rapid gravity filtration equipment capable of filtering 7 million gallons per day as against 4 million gallons per day by the existing slow sand filters.
321. Preliminary investigations were completed for the construction of a 5 million gallons capacity service reservoir on the site now occupied by the slow sand beds.
322. Taipo Road Waterworks Staff Quarters. The Rapid Gravity Filters at Shek Li Pui and the new ones under con- struction at Taipo Road are adjacent to one another and are situated in the country approximately two miles from Kowloon. A staff of 41 will be required to operate both plants and as there is virtually no convenient accommodation, a contract was let and construction commenced the erection of the necessary quarters.
323. Fanling Waterworks Depot. The Fanling water supply now covers a wide area some 22 miles from the main Waterworks Depot in Kowloon. As a considerable amount of maintenance and repair work is now required a contract was let and work completed on the erection of a depot to serve the needs of this area.
324. Tytam Tuk-Shaukiwan Supply. Reference to this scheme has been made in previous reports. During the year a small quantity of the filtration equipment was received, the design of the filter house and the 4 million gallons capacity service reservoir were completed and working drawings prepared. The construction of access roads to the filter house and the service reservoir sites was commenced and approximate- ly 3,000 feet of the 18 inch outlet main from the service reservoir were laid in connexion with a road surfacing programme.
325. Central Reclamation Scheme. This project was men- tioned in last year's report. All outstanding materials were received and the laying of the pipeline on the land which had
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TAI LAM CHUNG SUPPLY WORKS. Tunnel No. 2, 1350 feet From Portal C looking towards Portal D.
TAI LAM CHUNG TREATMENT WORKS. View from Chlorine Store Roof.
View from Causeway Road showing the junction of roads following recent road improvements.
(See paragraphs 251-254 of the Report).
Island Road from Shaukiwan to Chai Wan Resettlement Area, Hong Kong.
(See paragraph 262 of the Report).
PHIL
I
been commenced the previous year was completed. A contract was let for the diversion of two 21 inch diameter submarine pipes, and work was completed early in 1955 and the new pipe- lines put into service. Approximately 800 feet of the old 21 inch pipes were salvaged.
326. Albany Service Reservoir. The reconstruction of the north wall and the provision of a reinforced concrete roof to the service reservoir were completed. The majority of the area of the new roof was let on permit to the Ladies Recreation Club who fenced in the area allotted to them and on it laid out three hard tennis courts.
327. Realignment of 24 inch main to Kowloon Tsai Service Reservoir. Some of the hills to the north of Boundary Street are to be removed to improve the flight funnel for the new Airport at Kai Tak. The 24 inch trunk main feeding Kowloon Tsai Service Reservoir crossed part of the area to be excavated and it was therefore necessary to realign it. A contract was let for laying approximately 2,000 feet of new 24 inch diameter steel main and salvaging the abandoned section. The laying of the new main was completed and the recovery of the disused pipes was commenced.
328. Tai Lam Chung Scheme. This project, which has been described in previous reports, will increase the Colony's storage of water by more than 5,000 million gallons and will provide a maximum of 40 million gallons per day of potable water when the full scheme is completed. The works now in hand when completed will increase the amount of water available per day by 20 million gallons only, but arrangements are being made to implement the full scheme as early as possible.
329. The balance of the plant for the construction of the dam, the provision of which was a Government responsibility, was delivered and installed, after which construction work on the dam was accelerated. A seam of poor quality rock was en- countered in a section of the dam foundations. Its removal was
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of course essential and by the end of the year more than half of it has been excavated, but this unforeseen work has caused some delay. The majority of the steel pipes for the trunk mains were received and also sufficient of the Paterson Engineering Co.'s filtration equipment to enable its installation to be commenced. An erector from the suppliers arrived in February to supervise this work.
330. Separate contracts were let and satisfactory progress was made on the following works:
(a) The construction of approximately 8,700 yards of tunnel generally 6 feet 9 inches in diameter between Tai Lam Chung and Tsun Wan.
(b) The erection of a building to house a 20 million gallons
per day filtration plant.
(c) Excavation for a 10 million gallons service reservoir
near Lai Chi Kok.
(d) The construction of a 12 million gallons service
reservoir at Kau Wa Kang.
(e) The construction of a 5 million gallons service reservoir
at Ma Tau Wei.
(f) The construction of a 5 million gallons service reservoir
at Diamond Hill.
(1) The laying of approximately 20,000 feet of 30 inch, 4,000 feet of 24 inch and 3,000 feet of 21 inch diameter steel pipes.
Miscellaneous Work
331. New Territories' Supplies.
(a) Ping Chan Island-Mirs Bay. The sinking of 3 wells approximately 10 x 10 x 40 feet deep was completed making, with the 5 sunk during the previous year, a total of 8. The wells enabled the Island to be self- sufficient until approximately the end of February
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when, as a result of the exceptionally dry year, all except 2 were dry and water had to be conveyed there by boat. Sites for 3 additional wells were located.
(b) Cheung Chau. This scheme has been described in previous reports. A contract was let in September for the construction on Lan Tau of a dam to impound approximately 30 million gallons of water and for the construction, on Cheung Chau Island itself, of roughing filters, pumphouse, service reservoir and attendants' quarters. Satisfactory progress was made on this work. The completed scheme involves the laying of approximately 12,000 feet of 6 inch diameter cement asbestos pipe on the land and a 6 inch diameter steel submarine pipeline 4,400 feet long between Cheung Chau and Lan Tau. The laying of the cement asbestos pipes was practically completed and plans were pre- pared for the laying of the underwater pipeline.
(c) Sha Tau Kok, Shatin and Sai Kung. The schemes prepared during the previous year to provide water supplies at the above villages were completed. Two intake dams and two roughing filters were constructed and approximately 22,000 feet of 4 inch diameter and approximately 12,000 feet of 6 inch diameter cement asbestos pipes laid.
332. Resettlement Areas.
(a) King's Park, Homantin and Chuk Yuen. A water supply was laid on to the higher levels of the three resettlements. The work involved the installation of five pumps, the construction of two 15,000 gallon and one 25,000 gallon reinforced concrete service tanks, the laying of approximately 11,600 feet of piping and the installation of 42 standpipes.
(b) Shek Kip Mei. The re-housing of fire victims at Shek Kip Mei was continued and the water supply scheme through standpipes, which was commenced during the previous year, was extended and completed. The work
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involved the installation of 77 standpipes, the provision of 8 connexions to multi-storey blocks of flats and the laying of approximately 18,000 feet of piping from 6 inch to 1 inch diameter.
(c) Tai Hang Tung. As a result of a disastrous fire in September, a resettlement scheme consisting of many multi-storey blocks of flats to accommodate ap- proximately 60,000 persons was commenced at Tai Hang Tung. To provide a water supply for many people in an area which had not previously been supplied with mains water required the enlarging of principal mains in the vicinity. Work was accordingly commenced on the enlarging of the existing 6 inch and 8 inch mains to 8 inch and 12 inch respectively. Inside the area itself the laying of distribution mains and the installation of standpipes was also put in hand.
333. Boring. A new diesel powered diamond rotary core drilling machine was received. The new machine and the two old rigs were fully employed on work in connexion with the Tai Lam Chung Scheme, the Cheung Chau Scheme, the new airport and various proposed service reservoirs.
334. Irrigation-New Territories. Fourteen schemes which will benefit approximately 2,300 acres in various parts of the New Territories were completed. The work involved: -
(1) the construction of 23 diversion dams;
(2) the formation of 5 ponds to retain spring water;
(3) the sinking of 9 wells each 30 feet deep;
(4) the formation of approximately 13,500 feet of concrete
lined channels;
(5) the installation of one 6 inch diesel pumping set and the laying of approximately 1,000 feet of 6 inch diameter pipeline.
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+
!
1
335. Detailed investigations were carried out and estimates prepared for a further programme of work which will improve the irrigation of approximately 2,800 acres.
Revenue and Expenditure
336. Water accounts were, as usual, sent out quarterly and supplementary and miscellaneous accounts rendered as due. Approximately 171,000 water accounts were dealt with during the year compared with 158,000 in the previous year. The water rates at $0.80 per unit of 1,000 gallons for the trade and domestic supply and $2.00 per unit for shipping and construction purposes remained unchanged.
KAI TAK AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT
Consulting Engineers, Messrs. Scott & Wilson, Kirkpatrick & Partners.
337. The Ministry of Civil Aviation submitted a Report in June, 1951, on development plans for Kai Tak Airport. This was accepted by Government, and in August, 1952, Messrs. Scott & Wilson, Kirkpatrick & Partners, Consulting Civil Engineers, were appointed to submit a Project Report on the engineering aspects and estimated cost of the development. During the Engineers' investigation the plans for the layout of the airport were amended, and a Project Report on the revised layout was submitted in June, 1953. The financial, economic and commer- cial implications of the project were reviewed in a "Report of an Inter-Departmental Committee on a Scheme for Airport Development at Hong Kong," as a result of which Government decided to proceed with the project subject to a reduction in the overall size of the layout. The Engineers prepared a contract for the first stage of the new development, and this went out to international tender in March, 1955.
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338. The proposed layout consists of a single runway 7,200 feet long with parallel taxiway built on reclaimed land in Kowloon Bay, with a new terminal area and building sited at the western end of the present 07 25 runway. The reclamation for the runway will consist of a strip of land 795 feet wide, extend- ing from the north-west corner of Kowloon Bay to a point 1,800 feet short of Channel Rock. The project will be developed in two distinct stages. The first stage, which forms the main bulk of the work, entails the reclamation and the construction of the runway, parallel taxiway and taxi connexion to the present terminal area. On completion of this stage, for which the contract period is three years, the new runway will be opened to aircraft, operating from the present terminal area, and the existing two runways on the airport will be closed. The second stage, which is estimated to take about a year, will comprise the construction of the new terminal area and building. Ancillary works in connexion with this project include realign- ment of the main nullah bordering Kai Tak, partial realignment of the Clearwater Bay Road, and extension of the main sewer in the area to an outfall at the seaward end of the new runway.
339. The reclamation work involves the construction of about 31 miles of seawall, and the placing of about 11 million cubic yards of fill. About 21 milion cubic yards of this will be obtained from the excavation of hills in the approach to the new runway, and the balance will be dredged from an area of sea bed off Hung Hom. The runway and taxiway pavements will consist of a crushed stone base course with asphalt surfacing, apart from the runway ends which will be concrete. The contract for this first stage of development will be the largest contract to be placed in the history of the Colony.
EXPENDITURE
340. The total expenditure during the year amounted to some $82,845,000 as compared with $75,052,000 in 1953 54. Approximately $45,100,000 was spent on major public works and
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$17,480,000 on recurrent maintenance works. Salaries and other administrative costs accounted for some $16,888,000. The following comparative statement shows the expenditure on Public Works during the four years 1951/52 to 1954 55.
Personal Emoluments. Non-
and Other Recurrent
Charges
Recurrent
Rehabili- Mis- tation Loan cellaneous
Total
1951/52...... 7,401,000 21,430,000 14,937,000
1952/53...... 12,742,000 | 37,113,000 | 17,387,000
1953:54...... 16,277,000 | 30,608,000 | 19,629,000
1954/55...... 16,888,000 45,100,000 | 17,480,000
1,966,000 1,614,000 47,348,000
1,178,000 6,680,000 75,600,000
25,000 8,513,000 75,052,000
3,377,000 82,845,000
STAFF WELFARE
341. Canteen. The canteen provided in the new Government Office Building has proved very popular with members of the staff who work in the vicinity.
342. Education. Arrangements were made for assisting various members to attend educational classes at the Evening Institute, Technical College, the Hong Kong University, the Storekeeping Methods Class organized by the Controller of Stores, and the Clerical Staff Classes organized by the Colonial Secretariat. Approval was also freely given to members of the staff who so applied to undertake teaching duties at these institutions outside of normal office hours.
343. Four local officers returned during the year from courses of study overseas; three had been on Colonial Develop- ment & Welfare Scholarship and one on a United Nations Fellowship.
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344. Sports, Picnics etc. The Roads Office organized a football team during the year and entered the 3rd Division of the Hongkong Football Association where they achieved a reasonable degree of success. An inter sub-departmental minia- ture football contest was also organized during the year for a shield presented by Mr. R. A. Mirams, Chief Engineer, and known as the "Mirams" Shield. Many keen and exciting games were contested and a team from the Electrical and Mechanical Office won the competition.
345. Full use was also made for hiring Government trans- port by groups of members for recreational purposes, especially during the summer months to visit the bathing resorts of the Colony.
346. Two rest rooms at headquarters are equipped for table tennis and this proved to be most popular with the staff. Mr. N. K. Littlejohn, Assistant Director (Engineering) presented a trophy for annual competition amongst the table tennis enthu- siasts and the organizing of competitions for this trophy was in hand. The same officer also presented a trophy for annual competition amongst the golfing members of the staff.
347. Welfare Officers. Senior members of the department continued to make themselves readily available to all members of the staff who were in need of advice or assistance.
APPRECIATION
348. The year has been again one of record expenditure and I wish to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to all the members of my staff who have worked loyally and untiringly in the interest of the Public Works Department.
29th July, 1955.
THEODORE L. BOWRING, C.M.G., O.B.E., M.I.C.E., M.I.STRUCT.E.,
'Director of Public Works.
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