fitted isolating dampers into the common hot gas duct, between the inner and outer units and secondary air systems to all units. They also fitted, under the supervision of an erector from the supplier, high duty flame hardened gears for the holding and closing line of No. 1 overhead crane. The moving of the main by-pass damper to a position further from the after burning zone and the modification to the damper to permit on-load changing of damper blades was carried out under contract. Progress was made in the setting up and organizing of an unallocated supplies depot within the plant to provide adequate spares backing for all incinerator plants and abattoirs. Preparation has been made for the commissioning of the boilers and turbo-alternator. The plant H.V. switchboard was energized and the sea-water pump commissioned and taken over. The superheater of one boiler is in the process of being modified by the removal of some elements and the installation of a by-pass to facilitate flashing-up without damage to the superheater. A by-pass is also being fitted to the economiser to prevent low temperature corrosion during flashing-up. During the period under review 315 mechanical and 90 electrical repairs were carried out.
8.28. The Compost Plant at Lai Chi Kok has been in production throughout the year, but despite a series of modifications the glass content of the compost still appeared to be too high for the consumers' husbandry methods. In a further effort to reduce the glass content attempts were being made to obtain a maturing site adjacent to the plant; a screening and crushing plant is in the process of being constructed by plant staff. The staff also carried out 61 mechanical repairs.
8.29. No difficulties have been experienced with the Cheung Sha Wan Abattoir equipment during the period under review. Preventive maintenance, on cessation of slaughtering, continued to have first priority. Various modifications and alterations were carried out and investigation and design work was in hand for the installation of a third pig-slaughtering line. 588 mechanical, 171 electrical and 4 refrigeration repairs were carried out by Incinerator Plant staff.
8.30. The Kennedy Town Incinerator Plant was shut down for maintenance after fifteen months operation. During the maintenance period all grate bars were renewed on the main burning grate for the first time. The old bars had been in use for almost four years. The replacement of these bars has led to an improved performance on the main grate. In the gas ducts two modifications were carried out
107