No.
63
2
96
HONGKONG.
REPORT OF THE ACTING SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE BRIGADE FOR 1895.
Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of
His Excellency the Governor,
FIRE BRIGADE DEPARTMENT,
HONGKONG, 27th January, 1896.
SIR, Herewith I have the honour to forward the annual return of fires and fire alarms for the year 1895.
During six months of the year the supply of fresh water was cut off, being turned on only on an alarm of fire and its use dispensed with as soon as salt water was obtained.
The amount of coal used by the Brigade during 1895 was 29 tons as against 13 in 1894.
The floating fire engine used 19 tons flushing drains in April, working at fires, (on one occasion for two days at a fire on board the Wandering Jew, American ship) going and coming from shelter at Causeway Bay during typhoon season, and keeping up steam day and night whilst the water was cut off.
There were 35 fires in 1895 as against 29 in 1894:—
1894.
1895.
No of buildings destroyed
No of buildings destroyed
Estimated Damage.
Estimated Damage.
Wholly.
Partly.
Wholly.
Partly.
22
31
$ 323,650
23
33
$ 297,980
and one Ship damaged by fire.
There were 87 incipient fires in 1895 as against 106 in 1894.
Damage.
1894.
$8,432.50
1995.
$788.25
List of places where Fire Despatch boxes are located and copy of Mr. KINGHORN's report on the state of the Engines attached.
The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,
Colonial Secretary.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
Wм. C. H. HASTINGS,
Acting Superintendent, Fire Brigade.