S 2
8. Three special trains were run to and from Canton for tourists ex the S.S. "Empress of Australia" and the S.S. "Belgenland".
9. Four special trains were run to and from Fanling, each with accommodation for 800 men, during the visit to the Colony of the Japanese Fleet.
The usual special trains were also run for the Military Authorities during the camping season.
11. Arrangements were made for the permanent composition of local trains whereby considerable savings were effected in marshalling and shunting.
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12. Owing to a decided increase in the number of second-class through passengers, it was arranged, in consultation with the Chinese Section, to improve the second-class seating accommodation on the through trains in the coaches of both Sections, also to improve the lighting of both second and third-class coaches.
13. The Staff Rules and Rules for the Public were completely revised and reprinted. So also were the General Tariff and Tariff Regulations, in collaboration with the Chinese Section.
ENGINEERING.
14. The Fanling Branch Line between Fanling and Sha Tau Kok, 7.4 miles, 2 ft. gauge, was finally condemned as unnecessary since the new motor road to Sha Tau Kok was completed. The line was therefore closed on April 1st and completely dismantled by the end of June. Much of the permanent way and rolling stock from this line was disposed of later.
15. The only new works of significance were in connection with improvements to Taipo Market Station, providing for a proper passenger platform, a goods siding and dock, and the use of the loop line for all stopping trains. The work was completed and the new arrangements brought into use by the end of the year.
16. 5,070 reinforced concrete sleepers were made departmentally; the cost of manufacture, including supervision and all charges, was very much lower than previous contract prices.
17. 2,320 concrete sleepers, 431 wooden sleepers, and 73 crossing and bridge timbers were required to replace worn-out timbers in the track.
18. 35 reinforced concrete Kilometre posts were cast departmentally in the concrete sleeper depot, and will be erected along the line early in 1929.