Pensions.
A 14
The under expenditure on this vote of $514,395 can be attributed almost entirely to the higher sterling value of the dollar.
Public Works Department.
A saving of $10,012 was made on Upkeep of Motor and Steam Rollers. Pending a decision on Wireless Telegraphy policy, the purchase of Transmitting and Receiving Equipment was not proceeded with, resulting in a reduction in expenditure of over $110,000. A saving of $4,340 was made on furniture due to increased workshop production. One commercial chassis estimated at $4,500 was not purchased.
Public Works Recurrent.
Expenditure was curtailed, resulting in savings of $70,038 on Maintenance of Buildings, $52,320 on Roads and Bridges. Under the new agreement, street lighting cost less, and a saving of $16,285 was effected on the Island. Less expenditure than was anticipated accounted for a reduction of $42,879 in maintenance of Water Works.
Public Works Extraordinary.
The total estimate of $3,079,450 was under expended by $277,530.93. There was a gross increase on certain subheads of $278,315.85, offset by savings on other subheads of $555,846.78. The principal excesses over the amounts originally estimated were Upper Levels Police Station $12,678, as the contract was completed earlier than estimated. New 100-foot Road between Causeway Bay and Quarry Bay $115,128, owing to rapid progress in the work, Magistracy at Yaumati $21,629 for the same reason, Rubble Mound at Sung Wong Toi $11,715, owing to extra dredging, Kowloon Tsai Development $23,989, cost of raising low-lying areas to surrounding level. The following are some of the more important works which were not estimated for originally but provided by Supplementary Votes during the year: Victoria Hospital, Hot Water system $11,114, Telephone Cable to Shaukiwan $8,632, Kowloon Hospital Additions $4,490, Construction of landing place opposite Arsenal Street $3,423, Widening of Plunkett's Road $4,000. Decreases were recorded on most of the subheads, the general explanation being that less work was done than anticipated. The more important decreases are Government Civil Hospital $118,368, certain indents not executed in time to be charged during the year, Wanchai Market $40,615, progress delayed owing to non-arrival of steel frame, Trade School $23,555, second instalment on contract not paid during the year, New Central British School $104,065, work not commenced as early as anticipated, Drainage Works New Kowloon $30,967, less work required.
Naval Arsenal Yard & Kellet Island.
Of the amount of $500,000 voted, the sum of $40,851 was retained pending decision on the question of the wire rope way.