1.
APPENDIX I
HONG KONG UNIVERSITY
61
A cursory preliminary inspection of the damage done to the buildings in the Univer- sity was made by Lt. Col. Gordon King, A.D.M.S. (CA) and Lt. Col. L.W. Amps, R.E. S.O. I Works on November 26th. The following findings are the result of a rapid superficial
survey and should not be taken to represent a technical opinion on the situation. They may, however, be of use as giving a view of the general condition of the buildings of the University.
2. None of the buildings has been appreciably damaged by bombing or enemy gun fire. Destruction consists practically entirely of looting: primarily to obtain wood for fuel, but also for the lead piping, copper and brass fittings, etc.
3. Structurally, the majority of the buildings are in very good condition. In many of them, windows, doors, floor-boards, door and window frames and other joinery work have been removed. The buildings which are fitted with steel windows and doors can in general, have them rapidly replaced, as most of the windows, doors, etc., are still lying in the vicinity of the buildings.
4. With certain exceptions, sanitary fittings have been removed or broken and will require replacement. Electric wiring and fittings have mostly been removed.
5.
The plaster work in practically all buildings is still in remarkably good condition and can be easily repaired.
6.
The following are some general notes on individual buildings:-
(a) NORTHCOTE SCIENCE BLOCK. Structurally sound except for one crack across the
building which can be repaired without difficulty. This building is fitted with steel windows, doors, etc. All woodwork requires renewal.
(b) PEEL LABORATORY AND HO TUNG WORKSHOPS. Both these buildings are in excellent
condition and can be used at any time after the plant is replaced.
(c) SCHOOL OF SURGERY. This building is structurally sound; requires renewal of
joinery, sanitary and electrical fittings.
(d) SCHOOL OF ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY.
(•) SCHOOL OF PATHOLOGY & TROPICAL MEDICINE.
ditto
ditto
all the
(f) ENGINEERS HOUSE AT ENTRANCE GATE. An old house with stone walls;
wooden floors and wood beams have been removed. This building requires exten- sive reconstruction if it is to be used again.
(g) BIOLOGY BLOCK AT ENTRANCE GATE.
Practically untouched.
(h) UNIVERSITY UNION. All woodwork removed, including the large timber trusses
which supported the roofs of the two large halls on the upper floor. Nevertheless, the rest of the building is structurally sound and the plaster work (notably the ornamental plaster in the ceilings of the large rooms on the lower floor) is in first class condition. If the two roofs are replaced and the joinery refixed, the building can be brought into use again without difficulty.
(i) UNIVERSITY MAIN BUILDING.
(i) Great Hall. The timber beams supporting the roof have been completely
removed, also the wood floor. All steel roof trusses are, however, still in position, and the elaborate ornamental plaster on the walls is in very good condition. It is suggested that the Hall should be reroofed as soon as timber can be made available, or alternatively, that it should be temporarily