P.W.E. Hong Kong
Size
Q 58
The old lavatory which was inadequate was increased in size.
The area situated between the lavatory and Crush Hall was roofed over with patent glazing and transformed into a conservatory. The floor and walls were laid with green and white Italian marble. On the East wall, a marble niche was formed having a white marble faun's head from which water plays into a basin below.
A new office was erected for the Custodian at the South West corner of the building.
An improvement was made in the serving facilities of the supper room in the basement, and a gas hot plate and additional sinks were installed.
When work to the Ball Room was commenced, it was discovered that the old wooden trusses and roof timbers were in an advanced state of decay owing to white ants and dry rot, and the roof was therefore replaced by a flat one of steel and concrete. To enable the new flat roof to be used as a place for sitting out, a teak stair was constructed from the Crush Hall to a panelled mezzanine floor, and a white cast concrete stair led from there to the roof, which was decorated with ornamental bronze lamps.
At the same time, it was decided to include the South verandah in the Ball Room by removing the dividing wall and substituting reinforced concrete columns. New decorative plaster was fixed throughout to the walls and ceiling of the Ball Room.
Small alterations to the Guard House and the formation of lavatories, etc. for the guard necessitated additional accommodation being provided to the Servants Quarters. This work formed a separate Contract, and was carried out by Messrs. Kien On & Co. at a total cost of $3,250.00.
Work was commenced in February and completed by the end of November.
Estimate, Sup. Vote,
Expenditure,
$ 48,500.00 $104,000.00 $152,500.00 $152,430.17