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Certain improvements and re-arrangements were carried out at Tsat Tsz Mui Quarry.
Certain electrical works, thirteen telephones etc. were installed for Shing Mun Valley Scheme.
Fifty-six buildings in various places were either rewired or had electric joints installed for the first time.
The usual maintenance to Wireless Stations, Telephones etc. was carried out. Two self-supporting wireless masts were erected in the Hung Hom Reclamation and the Broadcasting Set was transferred to a new building on the same Reclamation.
8. Buildings Ordinance Office. The building industry continued to evince considerable activity throughout 1933 but failed to reach the level of the previous year and noticeably receded from the high peak reached in 1931.
The total number of plans approved for new works was only slightly less than for the previous year. The number of new buildings covered by such plans shows an appreciable decline; this is particularly noticeable in Chinese tenement property. The falling off in the number of European houses erected does not truly reflect the amount of new accommodation provided. The type of development tended towards the provision of flats three, four, and in some cases five storeys high. These flats afford the accommodation hitherto provided by the erection of detached and semi-detached houses which had figured largely in the Returns of the preceding three years.
Buildings of a non-domestic or commercial character show an increase over the Returns of the preceding year.
Amongst the more important buildings completed, the following are noted:- Emporium and Restaurant in Queen's Road Central, Bank building and office in Des Voeux Road Central, School and Quarters for the Salesian Society on Island Road, Chapel at Shaukiwan, Theatre in On Yan Street, Cinema in Boundary Street, two knitting factories, one on Tai Po Road and one at Ma Tau Wai, a leather factory in Pak Tai Street, a factory in Kai Yee Street, and Printing Works at Ma Tau Kok, School in Waterloo Road, Building for Aged Women and Sisters' Quarters at Ngau Chi Wan, and the Hong Kong Brewery erected at Shan Tseng Bay.
European-type flats of moderate rental have been a feature of the past year's construction, although Chinese tenement property is still the largest factor.
The number of European houses completed during the year is 259. The number of Chinese houses is 832.