B. O. O. Work.
37. Modifications.-Written modifications of various sections of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance granted in 27 cases under the powers conferred by Section 264 b. This shows a decrease of 53 as compared with the year 1925.
38. Applications and Appeals to the Governor-in-Council under Section 265.-Applications for modifications of various sections of the Ordinance were made to the Governor-in-Council in 5 cases, of which 3 were granted and 2 refused.
There was one appeal to the Governor-in-Council which was disallowed.
39. Cemeteries.-Work in connection with the formation of new terraces, paths, etc., to afford additional grave spaces was carried out in the following cemeteries in Hong Kong:-
Chai Wan,
Kai Lung Wan, East,
Shum Wan.
In Kowloon extensive works have been carried out in the development of new areas for terraces and trenches at the Kowloon Central Cemeteries and the construction of permanent paths, channels and the training of stormwater nullahs were also proceeded with.
40. Fires.-Several fires occurred during the year of which the most serious took place at the following properties:-
January. On the morning of January 1st a fire broke out in the Hong Kong Hotel. The Northern Block, i.e. about two-thirds of the total building was gutted down to the level of the second floor. The masonry and brick walls remained practically intact. The fire was only got under by the united efforts of all available pumping plant, and by the co-operation of the Naval and Military Forces. There were no casualties from the fire, but one of the Naval working party fell from a height whilst carrying out his duties and died as a result of his injuries.
March.
April.
Nos. 9 and 10 Kwai Wah Lane. Both houses were badly damaged, and four lives were lost.
No. 162, Wellington Street. The second and third floors were gutted. There were no casualties.
November. No. 29, Yu Chau Street, a joss stick factory, was badly damaged. No casualties occurred.
December. Nos. 26-34, Temple Street. Of these Nos. 30 and 32 were gutted, causing the death of one person.