difficulties are likely to persist. In order to maintain the railway track to a reasonably good standard the staff had to work considerable overtime. This, however, is an undesirable alternative as it tends to lower the efficiency. Consideration is being given, therefore, to the increased mechanization of track maintenance to cope with the anticipated expansion of railway activities.
43. Corrosive discharge from the cold storage wagons of the Chinese Section remained a matter of concern for the maintenance staff. Some improvement, however, has been made by applying protec- tive coating to the metallic components of the track. In an effort to reduce further the effects of corrosion, galvanized iron fittings will be installed on a trial basis on a section of the track.
44. Track. The following work was carried out during the year: (a) All fishplates were carefully inspected and greased. 615 lengths of 95-lb. rails, 3,961 timber sleepers and 710 cubic yards of stone ballast were renewed.
(b) 677 pairs of fishplates, 2,064 fishbolts and 9,415 dogspikes were replaced and 23,450 Macbeth spikes were used on the main line. (c) Two 1 in 10 Turnouts were renewed at University and Tai Po Market Stations and one set of 18-foot switches was replaced at Mong Kok Station.
45. Formation and Line Protection. The embankments and cut- tings along the main line were well maintained. 4,050 cubic yards of earth were sent by ballast trains to repair the shoulders of embank- ments along the line. All mile, kilometre and gradient posts were repainted.
46. Signalling. The gantries, brackets and arms of all signals along the line and all point indicators were overhauled and repainted.
47. Tunnels. All tunnels were inspected and maintained in good order.
48. Bridges. The following work was carried out during the year: (a) The steel superstructures of Railway Bridges Nos. 4 and 36
were overhauled and all corroded parts were renewed.
(b) The steel superstructure of Railway Bridge No. 15A was re-
painted.
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