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There are now 15 refuse-lorries in use, 11 being used in Hong Kong and 4 in Kowloon.
The apparent increase in cost of Scavenging is due to the increase in standing charges, the salaries of Inspectors and Foremen having now been added, and the depreciation of lorries based on 10% of their initial cost.
Aberdeen and Aplichau are now scavenged departmentally (cost included in Appendix I(i)), incinerators having been built for the disposal of refuse from this area. Refuse from Stanley, Repulse Bay and Pokfulam is conveyed to the refuse depot at Kennedy Town by lorry.
It should be noted that the difference in the amount of refuse received at the depots (361 tons per day) and the amount collected by lorry, is due to a large quantity of refuse taken to the depots by private firms and individuals; also the quantity shown as having been removed by barge is approximate only.
There was a slight increase in mileage for the year due to opening up in Hong Kong of Stanley and Repulse Bay, and Kowloon Tong and Kowloon City on the Peninsula. The increase being 2% for the former and 10% for the latter.
9.-REFUSE REMOVAL.
The bulk of the refuse from the City of Victoria and Kowloon was, as hitherto, taken by barges and dumped at sea. Some 18,204 tons were dumped at Cheung Sha Wan where a reclamation is being gradually formed.
Appendix I, Table (ii) shows cost of removal from Victoria, the Hill District and Kowloon Peninsula. Figures for the last two years will be found in Table (iii). Barges were delayed on two occasions by weather conditions.
10.-NIGHTSOIL REMOVAL.
The contractors for the removal of nightsoil from Victoria and Kowloon were relieved of the contract on the 31st January. New contracts for a period of five years from February 1st were signed. The sum payable monthly to the revenue under the new contract for Victoria is $550 and for Kowloon $460. During the year the payment due from the contractor was reduced by $1,235 in respect of flush closets opened in Kowloon.
The contract for the removal of nightsoil from Shaukiwan was carried out satisfactorily.
Separate contracts for the removal of nightsoil from Aberdeen and Aplichau and from Stanley and Taitam were signed. A monthly payment of $35 and $50 respectively was paid by Government for this service.