17--
B. O. Work.
27. Improvements, &c., of Public Streets.-The policy of requiring houses, when undergoing reconstruction, to be built at a higher level where necessary in order to provide for the future raising of certain low-lying areas in Hongkong and Kowloon has been continued. In some cases, arrangements are made with owners whereby the ground floors of their houses are retained at their former levels upon their giving an undertaking to raise such floors when the raising of the street is carried out.
In the case of some streets, steps have been taken towards effecting improvements in the building lines whilst in others schemes for widening have been decided upon. These proposals are being carried out into effect as opportunity arises.
The schemes for widening Wanchai Road, Queen's Road Central and East and Shanghai Street have been proceeded with, and, in the case of several premises, the widening scheme is being put into effect.
28. Footways.-Attention has been given to footways under balconies and verandahs, notices having been served upon owners to repair such footways.
29. Typhoon and Rainstorm Damages.-There is no damage to record under this heading.
30. Landslips.-As a result of excavating on the site of St. John's Cathedral Hall, a boulder became dislodged causing the death of two men whilst three others were injured.
There were a few other landslips of a minor nature, none of which call for special comment.
31. Collapses.--The following collapses occurred :-
A retaining wall at No. 4, Peace Avenue.
The roof of No. 88, Temple Street.
A portion of No. 114, Queen's Road East, causing the death of one person.
Several others of a minor nature which do not call for special comment.
32. Tests of Mortar.-Attention was given to the testing of mortar, 170 samples being taken from works in progress, but in no case was the mortar found to be below the accepted standard.
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