1904-1919
HONG KONG, 1918.
417
13
In Kowloon, the construction of a new road to afford more direct access to the southern portion of the Taikoktsui peninsula was undertaken, the work being well advanced by the close of the year.
Kowloon Marine Lot 83 and Kowloon Inland Lot 1178, situated in Hunghom Bay, were resumed by Government with a view to future railway developments and the provision of facilities for discharging and loading vessels. With the same objects in view, arrangements were made with the China Light and Power Company, whereby their present premises, situated on Hunghom Inland Lot 226, will revert to Government whenever their power station has been transferred to a new site granted by Government.
For the improvement of roads in the City of Victoria, Inland Lot 1375 and a portion of Inland Lot 59 were resumed in order to improve dangerous bends in Caine Road, whilst a portion of Marine Lot 239 was resumed in order to widen Belchers Street to 50 feet. In Kowloon, several resumptions and readjustments were carried out in connection with a scheme for widening Canton Road, Battery Street, and portions of Reclamation and Shanghai Streets so as to form a thoroughfare with a minimum width of 60 feet. Portions of Kowloon Inland Lots 106 to 109 were resumed to admit of development on suitable lines of certain Crown land adjoining Nathan Road. Certain lots and buildings were resumed to provide for the future construction of a main road, 100 feet in width, from Hunghom to Kowloon City.
The riding floors known as No. 148 Des Voeux Road West were resumed in order to improve the sanitary conditions of the locality.
The work of providing scavenging lanes continues, compensation being paid where necessary.
Substantial progress was made with the Shamshuipo Improvement Scheme, many of the old village houses being demolished and replaced with new houses fronting on good wide roads.
The Government having decided to exercise greater control over the ferry services between the City of Victoria and the western side of the Kowloon Peninsula, the various piers hitherto used by such ferries, with the exception of one which is situated in front of private property, were resumed by Government. Extensive repairs were executed to the piers and turnstiles and ticket offices were erected in readiness for the new services which were to be inaugurated on the 1st January, 1919.
The total amount expended on Public Works Extraordinary was $1,578,149.12 and on Annually Recurrent Works $712,675.37.
Railway.
The goods examination shed at Kowloon Station was completed early in the year, and in order still further to encourage this traffic, the building of a reinforced concrete wharf in front of the shed extending to a suitable depth of water has been decided upon.
The roofing of the passenger platforms remained in abeyance owing to the non-arrival of the steelwork. A portion of the steelwork was ready for delivery but owing to the conditions prevailing it was not possible to ship it.