73. Tunnel. The steel arch-ribs in Taipo Tunnel were encased with reinforced cement concrete.
74. Tenders and Contracts. During the year, 19 tenders were gazetted and 21 contracts were signed.
75. Weed-killer. A weed-killing experiment was carried out by a representative of the Imperial Chemical Industries (China) Ltd. on a portion of the railway track at Blackhead's Point on 10.10.50. Pure fernoxone was used. An inspection after three weeks showed no marked result. Other chemicals are being tested.
76. Staff. In compliance with an audit request a new storekeeper/ clerk was employed on 1.8.50 to record permanent-way stores.
STORES.
77. There has been a general improvement in the rate at which indented stores have been received, but as seen in the Colony there is a tendency still to accept any facile excuse offered by the manufacturers without a threat of financial penalty.
penalty. The Hong Kong Government regularly collects penalties for contract delays, but no single instance has been experienced of any such action having been taken by the Crown Agents so far as this department is concerned.
78. Coal. Throughout the year coal has been obtained from the Kailan Mining Administration. The cost of the No. 1 lump coal was approximately $80.00 per ton delivered to bunkers. This type of coal was used for the first nine months of the year, but as the quality appeared to be gradually deteriorating it was decided to purchase their special lump at a cost of $102.40 per ton. This coal was being used at the end of the year and gave satisfaction.
The total amount of coal purchased was 5,550 tons, an increase of 150 tons on the previous year.
79. Oils. The cost of fuel oil increased slightly during the year, the average cost being $140.00 per ton whilst the actual cost at the end of the year was $150.81 per ton. Purchases show a big reduction on last year, 2,423 tons as compared with 5,076 tons; a saving of over $300,000 in actual cost.
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