10 -
-
х
X
X
PUBLIC WORKS.
58.
It is everywhere apparent that little or no effort was made by the Japanese during the last year or so of the occupation to maintain any of the public services, although generally speaking damage is less (or of a different kind) than was indicated in the various reports reaching London during the occupation period. Work on repairs has been somewhat restricted owing to the lack of supervisory staff and the paucity of some materials, particularly timber, but considerable advances have been made in the organisation of labour generally.
59.
Within the city and its immediate precincts, such damage to buildings as appears is mainly the result of lack of all maintenance. Bombing and shell- fire damage are of relatively minor account. The effects of looting, however, particularly in the Peak district and in the rural areas is serious. In some cases only the walls of buildings remain, stripped of every vestige of woodwork.
60.
The
The main damage to Government buildings is in the Leighton Hill Quarters which were destroyed by gun fire, and the Government schools of King's and Queen's Colleges which are completely gutted. Several of the University buildings have suffered in like manner. old Government building which formerly housed the Colonial Secretary's Office and the Council Chamber, found in fair condition and is now in use as the Head- quarters of the Civil Affairs Administration.
was
61.
A preliminary survey of dangerous buildings has been made and in some cases notices calling for demolition have been served. Accommodation generally is severely taxed to meet the demands of those branches of the Navy, Army and Air Face which require offices and establishments ashore. The situation seems unlikely to improve in the near future.
62.
By Froclamation, dealings in land, except for a lease or tenancy for periods less than one year are forbidden, and in consequence no sale of Crown Lands has taken place. A six months renewal of permits to pre-war holders will be made as from January 1946, and it is expected that some considerable revenue will result.
63.
Although roads are on the whole still in good condition after 4 years' neglect and stand as a notable reminder of past efficiency, a large repair programme is to be expected both in respect of the urban districts and of the trunk communications in the New Territories. With stocks of bituminous materials at a very low ebb and with quarries swept clean of all broken stone, only first aid repairs are possible at present. The avail- able quarry plant has been overhauled and is now being put into commission. Lack of maintenance has resulted in progressive and heavy damage to all drainage systems.
64.
Over and above the 12 miles length of A.R.P tunnels constructed prior to December, 1941, many others
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