13
A general improvement in maintenance has resulted through some saving in fuel consumption and lubricating oil on locomotives over the previous year. This is indicated in the statistical tables attached.
50. Carriages & Wagons. There have been 16 carriages given general repairs and painting. 14 of these had the A.A.R. type "D" couplers fitted to replace the obsolete type considered unsafe. All of the 34 carriages are now equipped with this A.A.R. type "D" couplers and yoke type tandem spring draft
gears.
painted.
In all, 29 wagons were given general repairs and
First class wooden coach No. 105 was reconstructed as an all-steel vehicle.
51. Hong Kong Government Departments. Considerable repair work as well as the manufacture of spare parts was carried out in the Hung Hom Workshops for other Government Departments such as the Public Works Department, Royal Observatory, Medical Department, Gardens Department, Fire Brigade, Crown Lands & Survey Office, and the Police Depart- ment. Some work has also been performed for the Works Office of the Air Ministry.
There have been four armoured bodies built for the Police Department on a 2 ton motor truck chassis supplied by the Police.
There has been one fire appliance built for the Fire Brigade on a Dodge chassis supplied.
52. Motor Vehicles. There are 7 railway trolleys, 3 motor cars and 1 lorry maintained for departmental use and these have all received attention as required.
53. Machines and Hand Tools. Up to the end of 31st March 1950, about 92% of the 42 machine tools indented for in the United Kingdom in 1946 have been received and erected for use.
54. In conclusion, the railway plant, locomotives, carriages, wagons, tools and equipment have been maintained up to a satis- factory standard for safety and service.
WAY AND STRUCTURES.
55. Maintenance. Way and Structures have been main- tained in a satisfactory condition although the supply of hard- wood sleepers was not forthcoming.