The Assistant Superintendentship of the Fire Brigade has, during the past year, been mainly filled by Mr. Chief Inspector MATHIESON who has proved himself a valuable acquisition to the Brigade.
The thanks of the Brigade are also due to Mr. KINGHORN, the Engineer, under whose supervision the engines are kept in excellent order, and to Mr. CAMPBELL, Assistant Engineer, who has the important work of generally superintending the upkeep of the gear and of attending to the proper carrying out of the orders in force for the general arrangements that have been made for the guidance of the Brigade.
The clerical work of the Department, which requires considerable care and attention, has been admirably performed by Mr. CHAU SHAU, than whom it would be impossible to find a more painstaking and trustworthy officer.
The conduct of the Brigade throughout the year has been satisfactory.
I have the honour to enclose Mr. KINGHORN's report on the state of the Engines together with the Return of Fires and Alarms.
I have the honour to be,
The Honourable G. T. M. O'BRIEN, C.M.G.,
Colonial Secretary.
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
H. E. WODEHOUSE, Superintendent, Fire Brigade.
HONGKONG, 19th January, 1893.
SIR, I have the honour to forward my report on the state of the Government Fire Engines for the year ending 31st December, 1892.
STEAMER No. 1.
(Floating Engine) by Merryweather & Sons.
This Engine has been 26 years in service, during the year it has not been disabled at a fire, but on the 2nd December, while testing the Boiler under Hydraulic pressure, the tubes gave way, and they had all to be renewed, and the Boiler repaired, the time occupied by these repairs was ten days, and the Engine and Boiler are now in good order.
STEAMER NO. 3.
Land Engine by Shand & Mason.
This Engine has been 14 years in service, during the year it has been carefully overhauled, and has done its work well; it has not been disabled at a fire and is now in good order.
STEAMER No. 4.
This Engine has been 11 years in service, during the year it has been overhauled and put in good order; it has not been disabled at a fire and is now in good working order.
STEAMER No. 5.
Land Engine by Shand & Mason,
This Engine has been 7 years in service, it has been carefully overhauled during the year, and required no repairs; it has not been disabled at a fire and is now in good order and condition.
STEAMER No. 6.
This Engine has been 14 years in service, (9 years in Volunteer Brigade), during the year the Boiler has been carefully overhauled and the working pressure reduced; it has not been disabled at a fire and is now in good order.
MANUAL ENGINES.
Nine Manual Engines are all in good order.
The Assistant Engineer and Engine drivers have done their work during the year to my satisfac- tion, and have promptly attended the calls on the Fire Department.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
JOHN W. KINGHORN,
Engineer, Government Fire Brigade.
H. E. WODEHOUSE, Esq., C.M.G.,
Superintendent,
Government Fire Brigade.