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16. A small slip occurred in the cutting at mile 153 and a low retaining wall of some 100 feet in length was built; further methods of draining the subsoil will be carried out later.
17. The existing 8-foot span bridge at mile 16 proves to have insufficient waterway, causing flooding of the railway bank, and an additional span will be added in 1921.
18. The reinforced-concrete sleepers referred to in report have proved most successful, and more have been laid in the track during the year.
In view of the increased cost of materials, and the high rate of exchange prevailing, it was considered more economical for the time being to delay the complete substitution of reinforced-concrete sleepers for the Australian hardwood sleepers.
19. About 2,000 sleepers were renewed in the Main Line and 1,200 laid in the sidings. Many of the condemned sleepers were halved and partly or wholly used again on the Fanling Branch narrow-gauge line.
20. Preparations were made for the introduction of the Metric System in 1921. A very convenient chart to facilitate the conversion of the weights now in use to the metric weights was prepared and lithographed, and considerable attention was devoted to new tariff rates, but the scheme is still in abeyance.
21. New axleboxes have been fitted to Locomotive No. 1, steam chest ports faced up, new slide valves fitted, and wheel tyres turned up to gauge and template. The new cylinders ordered for this engine, which were expected about July, unfortunately did not arrive owing to the Moulders' strike in England.
22. The tyres of Locomotives Nos. 3, 4, 5, and 6 have been turned up to gauge and template, and all have had the steam chest ports chipped and faced up and also new slide valves fitted.
23. No. 8 Locomotive has been fitted with new axleboxes and tyres turned up to gauge and template. It has been necessary to renew a large number of boiler tubes on all Locomotives, largely due to the inferior quality of the coal used during the year.
24. The two shunting engines have been in the shops for extensive boiler repairs, and an order placed for two new boilers for these Locomotives. Heavy repairs to the Fanling Branch Locomotives have also been carried out.
25. Carriages Nos. 5, 16, 21, 22, and 27 have been given a general overhaul, and the floors laid with decolite; new double roofs have also been fitted, and the coaches repainted inside and out. Nos. 1 and 28 have been fitted with new double roofs and given a thorough overhaul and repainted. Ten other carriages have also received general repairs.