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the switchgear had been removed and were never traced; all the coal handling plant and gear was in a worn and neglected condition, and much work was put in before it was fit for operation.
After superficial repairs had been carried out, it was found that two generating units having a total output of 17,000 k.w. were capable of being operated; at the beginning of October, 1945, it was possible to supply current to a limited area and sufficient power was available to operate a limited tram service. From that time the load rose steadily, often far above the limits usually considered safe in relation to the amount of standby generating plant. Two further ma- chines were repaired and brought into commission during 1946, raising the total capacity to 38,000 k.w.
As in many other undertakings the need for a comprehensive plan and policy for rehabilitation had to be subordinated to the importance of supplying immediate needs. Repairs had to be carried out on a short term basis and much improvisation was necessary in the replacement of substations and distribution equipment which had been damaged or looted and without which some areas could not be served at all. In spite of these difficulties a reasonably reliable supply was carried to most of the areas supplied before the war. When demand exceeded supply priority was given to transportation, lighting supply and power for rehabilitation purposes.
At the end of the year about three quarters of the pre- war load was being supplied and a cross-harbour cable had been laid capable of supplying to the Island 15,000 k.w. from the China Light and Power Company.
The charges to consumers had risen considerably:
1941.
Lighting 16¢ Power 512¢
1946. Lighting 48¢ Power 161⁄2¢
Coal costs were a great deal higher than the pre-war level, stores and materials had increased 300-500% and wages had trebled. The company had considerable indents outstanding in the United Kingdom for stores necessary to the further rehabilitation of the undertaking and to its efficient mainten- ance. Plans had been made for the purchase of a 15,000 k.w. high pressure turbine, boiler and ancillary plant, which it was hoped would be in service before the end of 1948.
The circumstances of the China Light and Power Com- pany, Ltd., who are the suppliers of electricity to Kowloon and the New Territories, were slightly better than those of the Hong Kong Electric Co. in that no generating plant was lost as a result of the war; but the plant, buildings and distribution system were in a similar state of neglect. Much equipment, records and valuable tools had been lost or looted and the boilers, which had been converted for wood firing, needed considerable repair before they could be brought into
use.