CO129-591-20 Reports on current situation 18-10-1945 - 7-11-1945 — Page 61

HSR/bmo

To: From :

CCAO

G

DD Wks.

CAS (Works),

H.K. Bank Bldg., 2nd. Fl.

13 Oct 45

64.

Subject

Progress Report from 7th. September to date.

ACCOMODATION :- Preparation of departmental work is in hand to provide for a Secretariat, P.W.D. including Lands. It is hoped to complete in 3 days - 2 weeks. BUILDINGS:- Private: A survey of all these is in progress by a section of the R.A.F. Several buildings found to be unsafe have been cleared of inmates. The properties of essential utilities Electric Co., Green Island Cement, Dockyards

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for rehabilitation and some work is in progress.

are under consideration, CONTRACTORS :· Owing to a wide diversion of prices received, work at present is not being executed in this manner but by directly

employing labour.

DRAINAGE :- A general examination has been made and many minor

stoppages cleared. Work is in progress on the main connection on the Seamen' and Sailors Institute in Wanchai. Nothing has been possible in connection with repairs to trained nullahs. ENGINEER BOARD :- Seven meetings have been held to date and organisation

for control of labour and use of materials is emerging. ESTABLISHMENTS :- War Establishment : There has been a most meagre

increase to date and local appointments to positions are being made on a purely temporary month to month basis.

Civil Establishment : A return of previous employees has been taking place and is as high as approximately 75% in the Land Survey branch. FINANCIAL : It is hoped to introduce collection of revenue from land

permits and water accounts within the next 4-6 weeks.

area.

INDUSTRY : No requests for help have been received under this head. KAOLIN : The R.A.F. have rediscovered the deposits in the Castle Peak

Developments here and at opposite Shaukiwan must wait. LABOUR :- Wages, rates for : These are engaging the attention of the

Engineer Board and it is hoped to finalise them within the next week. OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTS : Many enquiries are being received from

contractors in relation to this.

PORT:

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The survey of refuse peers has progressed well and several have been brought into operation. Land walls on the Kowloon Peninsula have been surveyed and temporary repairs made were called for. The Officer in charge of this division has been in contact with the R.A.F. in respect to the proposed new aerodrome. QUARTERS :- Government : A survey of conditions of these is still

in progress.

ROADS : Provision of a single width traffic lane has been made on all

main roads in the Colony. Further clearances are in hand. RAILWAY :- A survey shows conditions to be fair and traffic has been

carried on with two trains in each direction daily. Further rolling stock and equipment has been found in the custody of the Chinese authorities and steps are being taken for its return. RESUMPTION: - Beyond those called for in connection with the new

aerodrome none are contemplated at present.

SURVEY :-

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Recovery of plans has improved with the finding of a complete set of DD sheets (New Territories cadastral plans) forming the high point. It is hoped to obtain a return of the triangulation values record book.