hospital at Lai Chi Kok was in the planning stage, as were proposals for improvements in the steam and fuel system at Kowloon Hospital.
7.24. The Passenger Ferry Pier tidal lifts and ramps at Wan Chai were erected and brought into use in March 1968, when the pier was opened to the public.
Motor Vehicles Section
7.25. During the year specifications were prepared for 466 vehicles while 264 were taken into service. Special purpose bodies were fitted to 14 of these and 85 standard bodies were also made and fitted. Vehicles were modified for other departments including a tunnel wall washing vehicle for the Lion Rock Tunnel (converted from a conservancy collector) and a Land Rover towing vehicle for the Police. A crash programme was carried out to fit extra wire mesh protection to 200 vehicles for the Police and Hong Kong Regiment during the disturbances, while a meat delivery van was rapidly converted to an explosives delivery lorry after explosives had been withdrawn from quarries and work sites.
7.26. As a result of a bus accident, a comprehensive survey was undertaken of all the Tilling Stevens Buses in service with the Kowloon Motor Bus Co., and the China Motor Bus Co. This was completed in June and the report was submitted to the Commissioner for Transport.
Transport Section
7.27. The entire staff of the transport pool remained loyal throughout the disturbances and many emergency operations were carried out by this Section in addition to their normal duties. These included the collection of private buses stranded in the New Territories by lightning strikes, the delivery of fresh fish for the Aberdeen Wholesale Market, the delivery of explosives for the Mines Department and the distribution of sand bags for the Police Force.
7.28. The Government transport pool made 31,589 trips with 128 vehicles during the year. In addition commercial lorries were hired on 4,484 occasions to supplement pool lorries. 886 candidates for motor driver vacancies throughout the entire public service were tested and 218 were engaged. Government vehicles of all departments were involved in 1,098 accidents. 222 vehicles were withdrawn from service.
7.29. 43 vehicles were taken over in connection with the integration of H.B.M. Ministry of Public Building and Works responsibilities into Public Works Department.
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