26
RAILWAY.
The Water Tank and Tower at Kowloon was completed. The old tank together with the wooden coal ramp was dismantled and the existing water column connected by a 6 inch pipe to the new tank. The base of the tower was covered with a cement concrete floor.
A contract for the Extension to Platform Awnings, Kowloon was let in October of last year. Owing to the softness of the column foundations, hardwood piles had to be substituted for the usual China fir piles. Apart from this, the construction was exactly similar to the existing portion. Considerable delay was experienced in completing this work owing to the Asbestos Corrugated Sheets arriving in a badly damaged condition. Approximately only 50% were intact and fresh sheeting was obtained through a local firm. This arrived in good order and the work was completed before the end of the year.
2,200 feet of Cement Concrete Channels were laid in No. 1 Cutting. A good deal of rock cutting was involved.
At Taipo Station a considerable amount of work was carried out. All drains at or near the station have been attended to with a view to preventing as far as possible mosquito breeding areas within the Railway boundaries.
A portion of the existing channel in Gills Cutting was taken up and relaid.
A further 3 bays of the Running Shed roof were stripped and replaced with Asbestos Corrugated Sheeting. Only 2 bays now remain to be done.
The brick arches formerly partitioning the old and extended portions of Running Shed No. 2 were dismantled in order to give more room for overhauling locomotives. The glazing in the roof of the Machine and Erecting Shops was painted green in an endeavour to lower the temperature of these shops which is very oppressive during the summer months.
A new butt end loading ramp for vehicles was constructed at the siding near the Railway Pier, Kowloon Station.
The Sea Wall in front of Kowloon Station was grouted with cement mortar.
The shafts on both sides of Beacon Hill Tunnel were found hollowed out on the top. They were filled in, and turfed and channels constructed around them.
Attempts were made to lessen the water leakage inside the tunnel.