39. Two sets of re-designed side-rod forgings were machined and fitted to two Class "B" locomotives. Coupler rod eyes were dispensed with. These eyes were considered essential when the locomotives were ordered, owing to the heavy curvature of the line, but many engine failures have been caused by them. The new type have so far proved quite satisfactory; in addition a considerable amount of noise or "clanking" has been eliminated.
40. The material for building two new fireboxes arrived in October and work is well in hand. One firebox is for an "A" class locomotive and the other for a "B" class. The latter is being built for superheating to enable another engine to be converted to a superheated type.
41. It has been found that considerable economy can be secured by washing down carriages after two years of service and then giving them one to two coats of varnish. This method, besides not detracting from their appearance, doubles the period between general varnishing of exteriors.
42. A new marking system for wagons based on Chinese Government Railway practice has been completed during the year.
43. At the request of the Government Auditor, a complete re-organization of the method of issuing and storing tools and plant has been carried out. The new scheme is a marked improvement on the old haphazard arrangement.
44. The motor repair shop has been kept fully employed throughout the year. In addition to normal repair work, major overhauls were carried out to two refuse lorries, four meat vans, four police vans, one air-port ambulance, and one fire engine. Three chassis were prepared for three new refuse tipping lorries and one ambulance was rebuilt for the Fire Brigade. Twenty-eight motor cycles and side cars and two armoured cars belonging to the H.K. Volunteer Defence Corps were transferred from the Island during May and are now garaged and serviced in the repair shop.
45. A considerable amount of work was undertaken for the Air Raid Precautions Department, the Fire Brigade, the Urban Council, the Medical Department and the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps. This work enabled the workshop staff to be kept busy when railway activity was at a low ebb.
V.-CIVIL ENGINEERING.
46. Way and Works have been maintained in good order and repair during the year.
47. Half the reinforced concrete gantries of the Goods Sheds at Kowloon Station, damaged during the heavy freight movements of 1937 and 1938, were reconstructed,
48. Detached kitchens were provided to Ganghuts 8, 9 and 10. This work completed the programme for improving subordinate staff quarters.
49. To prevent further accidents to pedestrians at Bridge 47, a side-walk, 158 feet in length, was erected.
50. As part of a plan to control ingress to the Colony, all superstructure of the central and southern spans of Bridge No. 49 (Shum Chun River), with the exception of the two main truss girders, was dismantled and removed. This task was performed at the end of August.
51. The painting gang was fully occupied, the principal work being the painting of all station buildings other than Kowloon.