# V.—CIVIL ENGINEERING.
94. Way and works have been maintained in good order and repair during the year.
95. The wooden type level-crossing at Blackhead's Point, Kowloon, was renewed by reinforced concrete slabs covered with chequered steel plates. This replacement completed the programme for the modernisation of all road level-crossings.
96. Platform No. 4, Kowloon Station, was extended from 830 to 900 feet, and Platform No. 3 from 670 feet to 800 feet. Extra length was made available by fixing sand drags in front of all buffer stops. These additions increased the capacities of Platforms 3 and 4 to 11 and 18 coach trains respectively.
97. Goods accommodation at Kowloon Station was improved considerably by the construction of new sidings and by alterations to the existing layout. Second-hand materials were used throughout.
98. Four new sidings measuring 649 feet, 642 feet, 614 feet, and 914 feet in the clear were laid at Hung Hom Station, the first three to store 22 Wagons-Lits coaches which had been diverted to Hong Kong from Shanghai, the fourth for the use of the Purchasing Commission of the Ministry of Railways, China.
99. The Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock Company's premises were connected to the Hung Hom Locomotive Yard by means of a siding 1,090 feet in length, laid down Baker Street.
100. Bridges Nos. 35, 36, 37, 38, 41, 42, 43, 45 and 46 were reconditioned.
101. Extensive damage to Railway property amounting to $80,883 was caused by a typhoon of record intensity which hit Hong Kong in the early hours of September 2nd. The greatest destruction occurred between Shatin and Taipo Market where over a mile of track was washed out by a tidal wave. Labour and materials were at a premium due to the Colony's requirements exceeding the available supply; for this reason repair work could not be rushed at the speed planned, although 16,755 coolie-days labour enabled two through passenger trains to run after a lapse of 10 days. Normal traffic, at restricted speed, was resumed on September 18th, and all repairs were completed by the end of November. New filling, fronting the sea, was protected by concrete slabs 5 feet square and one foot thick which were laid in the dry.
102. The dilapidated wooden island platform at Shatin Station was demolished and a permanent concrete one was erected in its stead.