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159. The temporary structure (timber and asbestos sheeting) formerly housing the blacksmiths and welders at Caroline Hill was transferred to the Kowloon Depot for a similar purpose there.
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Mechanical Section
160. At the end of the year the total number of Government vehicles in service was 856 against an authorized establishment of 910. The vehicles in service comprised 131 cars, 177 light utility vans, 393 heavy load carrying and special purpose vehicles and 155 motor cycles. 150 new vehicles were received and put into service and 165 old vehicles were taken out of service and disposed of on the recommendation of Boards of Survey.
161. Considerable progress was made with the replacement of the old ex-Army lorries by the putting into service of 67 new 3-ton lorries and the ordering of a further 59 new chassis for fitting with locally constructed bodies. The replacement programme for this class of vehicle was 50% completed.
162. The local construction of specially designed all-metal motor vehicle bodies during the year included four Heavy Cemetery Vans and two Insulated Meat Delivery Vans for the Urban Services Department, two Command Cars and 23 Light General Purpose Vans for the Police and six Station Wagons and two 15 cwt. Pickup Vans for general Government service. In addition, a total of 150 Refuse Hand Carts were manufactured for the Urban Services Department.
163. Two new 11-ton diesel engined road rollers were received, assembled and put into service to replace the remaining two old ex-Army rollers which had reached the end of their useful and economical life and for which spare parts were no longer available. The fleet of Government road rollers now totals 26, all of which are modern post-war design diesel engined machines in most cases fitted with fluid drive transmission and power assisted steering.
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