26. The number of water flushed sanitary appliances approved amounted to 1,403.
27. Twenty-four fires were reported. The most disastrous was that caused by the ignition of escaping gas from a large Gas Holder in Hong Kong Gas Co.'s premises at West Point at approximately 11.00 a.m. on the 14th May. The following houses were involved:-Nos. 13-17 Chun Shing Street; Nos. 1-12 Clarence Terrace and No. 1a Yu On Terrace. Of these houses, Nos. 2, 4 and 8 Clarence Terrace were completely gutted, while the remainder were all more or less seriously affected. A great number of lives were lost and many persons were injured.
28. Eleven fires occurred in Chinese tenement houses of non fire-resisting floors and staircases; in nearly every case the houses were gutted-casualties amounted to four.
29. Six fires occurred in Chinese tenement houses of fire-resisting construction and in almost every case the fire was confined to the storey in which it originated.
30. The value of R.C.C. construction in preventing the spread of fire has been amply demonstrated and the security afforded to occupants by concrete stairs with alternative exits, marks a definite step forward in this class of property.
31. Reclamation of I.L. 2918 was completed, and work on I.Ls. 3538, 3539 and 3540 remain in progress. An area of approximately 207,000 square feet is embraced in the above. Reclamation work on Kowloon Marine Lot 102 was continued, the total area involved being about 200,000 square feet.
32. Minor landslides occurred as a result of heavy rains. They were not of a serious nature nor were there any casualties.
33. The Chinese Cemeteries in Hong Kong and Kowloon were maintained in good order and, where required, provision was made for additional burial areas.
34. Table XV shows the number of notices dealt with in connection with dangerous structures and miscellaneous works, private street improvements and nuisances.
VALUATIONS AND RESUMPTIONS.
35. The total valuations made during the year comprised 903 properties with a total estimated value of $14,547,711.99.
36. Valuations were made for the purpose of resumption for street widenings and the development of areas in accordance with the approved Town Planning Scheme, for anti-malaria works and sundry other purposes. Table XVI shows the resumptions actually effected.