Q 29
B. O. Work.
The typhoon which occurred on August 18th was responsible for damage to house property in all parts of the Colony. The most serious damage occurred on the mainland where a large cracker factory was destroyed, and an extension to a tannery building partially wrecked. Some seven houses collapsed, resulting in the death of nine persons. A large number of houses were so severely shaken that they were subsequently condemned.
Throughout the Island of Hongkong, the damage occasioned to house property, whilst being extensive, was not of a very serious nature, due probably to the comparatively short duration of the storm. The Peak district suffered much more than the lower levels, roofs being torn off, and windows blown in. The Military Sanatorium was partially destroyed.
A statement of landslips, as affecting land other than private lots, will be found under the heading "Typhoon and Rainstorm Damages," paragraphs 60, 79 and 89.
32. Collapses.--Apart from those referred to above in connection with Typhoon and Rainstorm Damages, there were no serious collapses. Several collapses of a minor nature occurred owing to defective floors and roofs, but in connection with these no casualties were reported. In several cases shoring was erected by this Department to prevent further damage to private property.
33. Prosecution. The following is a tabulated statement of the cases in which legal proceedings were taken with regard to illegal works and other nuisances, the number of convictions obtained, and the amount of fines imposed.
Nature of Offence. No. of Cases. No. of Convictions. Amount of Fines Illegal works (i.e., divergence from approved plans, non-submission of plans before commencing building operations, construction of illegal works, and occupation of matsheds, etc., without permission), 41 38 $1,570 Other cases (i.e., non-compliance with notices issued under the Public Health & Buildings Ordinance), 52 12 $1,70334. Tests of Mortar.—Owing to shortage of staff and abnormal increase of work, it was not possible to give as much attention to the testing of mortar as was desired.