# REPORT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE HONG KONG WATERWORKS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER, 1939.
I.
The Report is arranged under the following heads :—
INTRODUCTORY
II. GENERAL RESUME
Paragraphs
1-4
5-18
III. WATER WORKS RECURRENT ;-
(i) Maintenance of Waterworks :-
(a) Island, (b) Kowloon, (c) New Territories.
19-86
(ii) Maintenance of Meters
87-92
(iii) Maintenance of Workshop
93-96
(iv) Renewals and Improvements
97-109
IV. PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY
V. WORKS NOT APPEARING IN ESTIMATES
110-119
120-131
VI. LOAN WORKS
VII. OTHER WORKS
VIII. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE
IX. CONCLUSION
132-198
199
200-202
203-204
I. INTRODUCTORY.
2. Since 1st January 1939 the Waterworks have been administered on a separate financial basis the charges for the services being based on the cost.
3. A new Waterworks Ordinance (No. 20 of 1938) which generally modernised the old Waterworks Ordinance (No. 16 of 1903) was brought into force on the above date.
4. The effects of the above changes were briefly as follows:-
(a) The free allowance of water, hitherto in force, equivalent to 2% of the rateable value, was abolished, all water consumed and registered by meter now being charged for and in addition a 1% charge being made for the privilege of having a supply available and to provide water for street fountains, Government buildings, fire fighting and street washing.
(b) The new rates for water consumed compared with those formerly charged for excess over the free allowance were generally reduced as shown in Appendix I.
(c) The licensing of plumbers, the standards for fittings and power to demand deposits were authorized.
(d) A Renewals Fund was established for the purpose of replacing existing works, plant and equipment.
II. GENERAL RESUME.
5. The Staff of the Waterworks as authorized for the year ending December 31st 1939 and not including those engaged on Contract work, consisted of ...(European) 1 Waterworks Engineer in charge, 4 Engineers, 1 Accountant, 14 Inspectors of Works, (Non-European) 1 Apprentice Engineer, 1 Draughtsman, 28 Clerical and Office Staff, 28 Meter Readers and House Service Inspectors, 12 other...