No. 1903
14
HONGKONG.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE BRIGADE FOR THE YEAR 1902.
Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor.
FIRE BRIGADE DEPARTMENT,
HONGKONG, 16th March, 1903.
SIR,---I have the honour to submit the following report on the Government Fire Brigade for the year 1902.
2. There were 76 Fires and 95 Incipient Fires during the year. Details re- garding each are attached. The Brigade turned out 70 times during the year.
The estimated damages caused by the Fires was $2,144,919.50, and by the Incipient Fires $1,159.50.
3. A list is attached showing the number of Fires that have occurred during each of the last ten years, with the estimated value of property destroyed in each
case.
4. The water in the mains was turned off from 11th November, 1901, to 24th May last, and again from 1st November last, during which period the steam engines and sea water were used.
5. Two large Fires occurred during the period of intermittent water supply. That of the 29th March was the largest conflagration that has taken place for several years. The Fire broke out at No. 280, Queen's Road Central, at about 3.10 a.m., and fanned by a strong breeze quickly spread across the street and up the hill. Before water was available a large area was in flames. By 7 a.m. it was well un- der control, though it continued to smoulder for many days; 47 houses in all were wholly or partially destroyed, and the total damage was estimated at $990,000, most of which was covered by insurance.
Another large Fire occurred on the 19th May in Wellington Street, near the Fire Brigade Station, which destroyed 15 houses.
6. Four Fires occurred in the Harbour during the year.
7. A case of attempted arson was discovered at No. 335, Des Vœux Road West on the morning of the 6th December by P.C. 382 Ng Luk. The Fire had already got a good hold of the boarding of the staircase and the Constable with quick presence of mind beat out the Fire with his cape. He.then examined the place and found some apparatus obviously intended to produce arson, but there was not sufficient evidence to prosecute any person.
8. A prosecution for arson was instituted in respect of the Fire at No. 318, Queen's Road West, on the 26th December. The two defendants were found guilty and sentenced to seven years' imprisonment with hard labour at the Criminal Sessions.
9. I attach a list of places where Fire Despatch Boxes are kept, and copy of re- port by the Engineer on the state of the Fire Engines, which are all in good order.
10. The conduct of the Brigade has been good.
11. I was appointed Superintendent of the Brigade from the 23rd April in succession to the Hon. F. H. MAY, and Captain F. W. LYONS, of the Perak Police, was appointed Assistant Superintendent and arrived on the 17th September last, Chief Inspector MACKIE was appointed Second Assistant Superintendent from the 17th September.
The Honourable
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
F. J. BADELEY, Superintendent of Fire Brigade.
F. H. MAY, C.M.G.,
Colonial Secretary.