7.18. Modifications were carried out to existing vehicles over a varied field. Examples were:
(i) A 2-ton tipping lorry modified to allow for the fitting of seats for loading personnel;
(ii) three standard covered lorry bodies and one dropside lorry body completely rebuilt;
(iii) a nightsoil bucket carrier remodelled with a standard 3-ton dropside body;
(iv) fifteen dual-tip refuse collecting vehicles fitted with seats and canopies;
(v) six street washing vehicles fitted with rear standing platforms and swing-arm pavement washing assemblies;
(vi) a police van equipped with radar apparatus;
(vii) a 5-ton tipping lorry fitted with a gritting attachment;
(viii) an X-ray van altered for the Medical and Health Department;
(ix) thirty-four Police 3-ton covered lorries fitted with protective wire mesh screens.
7.19. During the year, 64 vehicles became uneconomic to operate and were put up for Board of Survey. The majority were ultimately sold by public auction.
7.20. In February 1963, a night shift was inaugurated for the servicing of ambulances. This step had been made necessary by the increased calls made upon the ambulances, necessitating maximum availability during daylight hours.
Plant
7.21. Personnel engaged in the operation and maintenance of plant were employed on equipment comprising boilers, calorifiers, generators, pumps and air compressors.
7.22. The old coal-fired boilers at both the Hong Kong and the Kowloon Disinfecting Stations were replaced by packaged oil-fired burners, the generating capacity of each being 575 lbs. of steam at 120 p.s.i.
General Engineering
7.23. During 1962-63, 1,677 parking meters were installed bringing the total under maintenance on both sides of the harbour to 2,069. Parking meter servicing depots were established in Victoria and Kowloon.
7.24. Other equipment installed and maintained included swimming pool pipework, sewage gear, crematorium equipment, mechanical handling gear and printing machines.
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