115. 205 bays of new steel pale-fencing were erected in No. 1 Cutting in front of the "B" Class European quarters, and in Taipo Market station, to prevent trespass through the yards.
116. "Sika" waterproofing compound No. 3 proved successful in stopping leakages through a portion of the lining of Beacon Hill Tunnel. In view of the excellent results obtained, it is the intention to treat the remainder of the brickwork next year. The arch of one of the small refuges in this tunnel had to be rebuilt, due to deterioration of the bricks.
117. The south outer home signal at Taipo station was shifted 96 yards southward to increase its visibility to drivers. This was necessitated by increased train speeds.
118. The behaviour of the concrete sleepered track throughout the year was most unsatisfactory; gauge spread to a dangerous extent on sharp curves, and joint sleepers disintegrated. The cause is attributed to the combined and cumulative effects of pounding and vibration on a material which has no inherent resistance against shock. The bond between steel reinforcement and concrete is destroyed, and the fastenings fail by abrasion of the holes by the bolts. In addition to these faults, it was found necessary to fit rubber auxiliary springs to all express locomotives to reduce the abnormal number of hanger-bolt breakages. The riding at speed over concrete sleepers is particularly harsh due to the lack of resiliency, and the excessive vibration set up is regarded as the primary cause of the breakages. As funds permit, concrete sleepers are being replaced with wooden ones at rail joints and on sharp curves, and the sleepers recovered are being repaired and used in loops and sidings. At the end of the year 65.2% of the sleepers in the main line were concrete, as compared with 69.6% the previous year.
119. 4,000 Kempas sleepers were ordered from the Director of Forestry, Federated Malay States, in August, and the first consignment arrived in October. The standard size was reduced from 8'6" x 9" x 5" to 8.0" x 9" x 5". These sleepers cost 3s. 8d. c.i.f. Hong Kong. Kempas, although a hardwood, takes preservative particularly easily, and it is intended to treat the sleepers in an open tank with a mixture of creosote and Diesel-fuel.
120. The following permanent way materials were used for renewals:
3,009 timber sleepers. 1,309 new concrete sleepers. 334 second-hand concrete sleepers. 93 bridge and crossing timbers. 2 sets of crossings. 1 pair of switches. 31 lengths of rails.$ 22