P.W.E. Hongkong.
— P 50 =
99. Gaol Extension.-A Contract for the first section of this work, which comprised the construction of a block in the lower yard of the gaol containing 78 cells, was let to Messrs. Sang Lee & Co., in July. The building is a 4-storied one but the ground storey is entirely open at the sides, being intended to form a covered yard.
The construction of the building necessitated the demolition of sundry sheds and this was carried out by Prison labour which is also being utilized for the preparation of some of the woodwork required for the new building. As the work is being carried out within the Prison yard, special fences have been erected and a separate entrance from Arbuthnot Road, which is constantly guarded by an Indian Sentry, has been formed.
As the three upper storeys are supported entirely on concrete piers and beams, reinforced with steel rods, the details and execution of the work have called for very careful supervision.
All reinforcement boarding having been prepared and placed in position, concreting of the foundations was begun on the 29th September and, by the 28th November, the piers had been constructed to the underside of the main girders, the work being carried up in layers about one foot thick. The form-work for the girders and slab forming the first floor was then proceeded with, all reinforcing rods and stirrups being set in position and preparations for concreting being completed by the end of December.
An alteration was made in the design of the cell windows in order to admit more light and ventilation, the new windows consisting of a reinforced concrete frame with wire-glass louvres, protected from the inside by a wrought iron grill and wire netting. A number of these frames had been made before the close of the year so as to obviate delay in the progress of the work when the brickwork above the first floor level was proceeded with.
1914 Estimates,...... $25,000.00 | Total Estimates,......$65,000.00
Expenditure to
31/12/14,............
1914 Expenditure,... 9,425.76
9,425.76
100 Queen's College Improvements. --Three designs were prepared for this work before the approval of the College Authorities could be obtained. The work comprises the provision of lavatory and latrine (trough-closet) accommodation in substitution for that hitherto existing, the erection of a small store, the removal of the massive granite stairs which absorb a large portion of the lower playground on the north side of the College and the substitution of two much smaller flights of steps in lieu of same.
The approved design provided for the construction of the trough-closet, etc., underneath Staunton Street at the south-east corner of the College compound. Tenders were received on the 16th November, but, as the amounts quoted were excessive, fresh tenders were called for and these were not received until the 28th December,