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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
OF THE FIRE BRIGADE.
There were 29 Fires and 56 Incipient Fires during the year against 20 and 29 in 1915. Details are given in Table I.
The estimated damage caused by Fires was $229,425 and by Incipient Fires $1,817.80 as against $393,668 and $1,391 in 1915. The Fire Brigade turned out 39 times during the year (17 in 1915).
2. There was constant supply of water in the Fire Mains throughout the year.
3. Four fires occurred in the Harbour and one off Castle Peak during the year.
4. There were no prosecutions for arson during the year.
5. There are 24 Despatch Boxes kept in different places in Victoria and 12 in Kowloon, 8 different telephones to which the Police can have access to communicate with the Central Station in the event of a fire, and 12 Street Fire Alarms.
6. I enclose copy of a report by the Engineer on the state of the Fire Engines (Annexe A).
7. The conduct of the Brigade has been good.
C. McI. MESSER,
Superintendent of Fire Brigade.
19th February, 1917.
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ANNEXE A.
HONGKONG, 15th February, 1917.
Sir, I have the honour to present the Annual Report on the condition of the Fire Brigade Machinery and Equipment for the year ending 31st December, 1916.
No. 1 Fire Float.
This Float has been on regular duty for 7 years. The Hull, Machinery and Boilers were thoroughly overhauled during the month of December, tested for efficiency under full steam pressure (140 lbs.), and found to be in thorough good working order. The Machinery and Boilers have also been tested during the year at monthly drills.
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