194. To gain an accurate knowledge of the contents of hills, provisionally considered suitable for formation into residential zones and as sources for fill in adjacent valleys and reclamations, large scale subsoil investigations had to be undertaken. In consequence February saw the letting of a specialist contract for subsoil investigations by penetration boring in the areas of Ngok Yu Shan at Kwun Tong, at Ho Man Tin and on the line of the proposed Tai Po/Castle Peak Roads link.
195. Bores to the extent of 5,260 feet were sunk at Ngok Yu Shan and on completion of this work the contractor began boring at Ho Man Tin.
196. In consultation with the Crown Lands Planning division, plans were drafted for the Lai Chi Kok and O Pui Shan areas in the vicinity of the projected road to link Castle Peak Road with Tai Po Road. As a result, a revised road alignment was proposed which, besides shortening the distance, could open up a considerably greater area of land.
## SURVEYS
197. Topographical surveys were carried out at Smugglers' Ridge for a firing range and at Lai Chi Kok and O Pui Shan for development schemes. Base lines were established for the guidance of subsoil investigation teams. The extent of this work can be gauged from the fact that nine base trigonometrical stations were required in 420 acres of broken hilly country. Measurement surveys at Ngau Chai Ridge and King's Park accounted for much of the surveyors' time.
## DRAINAGE OFFICE
Chief Engineer,
J. ALEXANDER, B.Sc. (Eng.), A.M.I.C.E.
Assistant Chief Engineer (Acting),
T. K. HUM, M.Eng. (McGill), A.M.I.C.E., M.E.I.C. (Canada).
## GENERAL
198. Exceptional rainstorms in June washed down large quantities of silt and debris. Some of the drainage systems were obstructed and damaged and it was necessary to enlist the help of the military forces and additional contractors equipped with mechanical plant in clearing choked nullahs, culverts and drains.
36