23. Buildings of an improved Chinese tenement type comprise the bulk of the work undertaken but it is satisfactory to note that there is an increasing proportion of good class European type residences, mostly of a detached or semi-detached character. The districts wherein the latter form of development is most in evidence continue to be the areas adjacent to Prince Edward Road in Kowloon and Wong Nei Chong Valley in Hong Kong.
24. European type residences to the number of 309 were completed during the year. The number of Chinese houses was 1,121.
25. A comparative statement of the number and type of buildings in respect of which plans were deposited is given in Table XII.
26. On the Praya East Reclamation 254 Chinese houses with modern sanitation to all floors were completed. More important buildings at present under construction on this area comprise the Seamen's Institute, the Royal Naval Canteen and a large Chinese Hotel.
27. The introduction of water flush sanitary appliances is now common practice in all classes of buildings where facilities for obtaining independent water supplies exist. The number of water flush appliances fitted during the year was 5,572.
28. Nineteen fires occurred causing structural damage to properties which necessitated action by this department. The most serious occurred at Ap Lei Chau Island where fourteen houses were gutted, fortunately without causing any serious casualties. A fire involving the destruction of two houses with the consequent loss of eight lives and injury to seven persons occurred at Fei Ho Street, Kowloon.
29. A landslide occurred from Military land adjacent to Yat Fu Lane as the result of heavy rains. Three houses were partly demolished and one person was killed. Except for this unfortunate accident little damage was caused to private properties.
30. A concrete wharf 800 ft. in length and 48,000 sq. ft. in area opposite K.M.L. 11 and a concrete pier at Great George Street, 53 ft. long and 2,750 sq. ft. in area were completed during the year.
31. Reclamations in progress during the year were:- I.L. 2918, Shaukiwan Road, covering an area of 102,700 sq. ft. and 138,664 sq. ft. at K.M.L. 52, To Kwa Wan.
32. The Chinese Cemeteries in Hong Kong and Kowloon were maintained in good order and where required provision was made for additional burial areas.