52. Tests of two types of "Monarch" Points Levers were made in the early part of the year. The self-locking type proved so successful that it was decided to standardize it for Locomotive Yard use. It is simple and cheap and is being manufactured in our Central Mechanical Workshops. We are indebted to the Monarch Controller Co., Ltd., for waiving all royalties.
53. A tunnel, 6 feet by 4 feet by 96 feet in length, was driven through the railway embankment at Boundary Street, Kowloon, to enable a 24-inch water main to be laid.
54. The percentage of "Timeproof" concrete sleepers in the main line at the end of the year was 49.5, compared with 69.6 in 1934 when manufacture of this type of sleeper ceased.
VI. STORES.
55. Railway Stores were maintained satisfactorily during the year.
56. Prices for the period January-June were the same as for the latter period of 1938, but July-December prices affecting 156 items increased by some 13%, indicating nervousness in the local market.
57. The price of coal averaged $21.05 per ton as against an average of $21.96 per ton for the previous year, the source of supply being South Africa.
58. At the express request of the Audit Department, the Railway Stores adopted the loose-leaf ledger method of book-keeping towards the end of the year. The change was advocated in the interests of economy and standardization of forms. Whenever it has been possible to give effect to these principles without departure from established Railway practice, this department has co-operated to the full.
59. A statement of figures representing the Stores position as at December 31st 1939 is given below:-
Balance of Unallocated Stores as at 1.1.39 $147,952.03 Stores purchased in 1939:— Coal $104,966.05 Sleepers 11,360.27 By Local Contract 83,200.08 From Stores Department (Oil, petrol, etc.) 38,233.11 Transfer between stores 18,975.83 From other Departments 1,327.08 Crown Agents 103,691.45 Adjustment for stores not paid for 1,323.91 363,077.78 511,029.84 Less:- Stores issued 393,890.60 Deficiency written off 20.60 393,911.20 Balance of Unallocated Stores as at 31.12.39 $117,118.64Page 363