reinforced concrete structures was essential in the interests of public safety.
125. Contractors generally co-operated well and a marked improvement in the technique and quality of work resulted. It is hoped that this improvement will be maintained and that a further concerted attempt by all concerned will be made to achieve even better quality workmanship.
126. Considerable relaxation was granted to permit the use of higher stresses in piling and the component parts of the structure, but full relaxation to the limits of the latest Codes of Practice has of necessity to be closely related to the quality of workmanship.
127. Continued emphasis was placed on the correct positioning of steel reinforcement and the grading of aggregate. To some extent the placing of wet concrete and its compaction left room for improvement in many works.
128. The tendency to build very high structures necessitated closer investigation into the effects of wind on such structures and the effects due to column moments.
129. The figures set out below give further information on the work of the office in its various functions.
130. 1,277 new buildings were completed, of which 860 were for domestic use.
131. In all 5,059 approvals were issued for plans in respect of 8,128 buildings, of which details are set out below:
Domestic Buildings : 103 plans for 330 2 108 34 2 " 2 27 25 39 A 29 "" 1 "" "" 6 34 254 European type houses 785 Chinese type houses 8 Blocks of tenement buildings for a housing scheme 116 Apartment buildings 69 Blocks of flats 2 Staff quarters 1 Hostel 6 Hotels Non-domestic Buildings: 72 plans for 27 23 75 Factories and workshops 27 Godowns and stores 23 Schools 19