26
RAILWAY.
The extension to workshops started in June, 1924, was completed in April and handed over to the Locomotive Department. The blacksmiths moved into the new portion of the building, and the old smithshop was overhauled and converted into a Store for tools.
The 5-cwt. pneumatic hammer, punching and shearing machine, power hack saw, electric motors and shafting were removed from the old Shop and re-erected.
The 360-ton wheel press was moved to a more convenient position in the new extension, and four other machines, 18" shaper, power screwing machine, axle-box boring machine and air compressor were re-arranged in more convenient places.
Four tracks on the site of the proposed extension of the carriage shed were extended for the full length of 500 feet to accommodate stock.
Two three-storied tenement houses adjoining the Locomotive Yard, known as 70 and 72 Chatham Road, were taken over and reconditioned as quarters for workshops staff.
A small area of Railway land measuring 80 feet by 60 feet, situated in the Locomotive Yard at Hunghom, was transferred to the Public Works Department for the purpose of building a permanent workshop and quarters for electricians.
The materials for the new water tank and tower at Kowloon arrived in May and a contract was entered into for erection. This work was nearly completed by the close of the year.
The materials for the extension to the awnings over the main platform at Kowloon arrived from England and Canada in August and September, and erection was commenced in December.
The bridge at the second mile, known as No. 4 Bridge and referred to in last year's report, was completed in May and traffic diverted back over the eastern spans.
The laying of underground cables in substitution for aerial telephone wires was continued back from Taipo at Mile 13 to Mile 9. This work is being carried out by the Public Works Department.
At Lowu the sidings were extended for about 300 feet to facilitate shunting operations.
Considerable damage to the Railway was caused by rainstorms in July which culminated in a heavy downpour on the 16th when 13.48 inches of rain were registered. A 3-foot culvert at Yaumati Station was choked up by debris from private works on the hillside above, and the line flooded with slurry. Later on a heavy slip took place and buried both tracks to a height of four or five feet, thus interrupting traffic. At Mile 34, private works caused a diversion of the flood waters which cut away the railway bank for some hundred yards, and all traffic had to change trains at either side of the breach for two days.