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programmes were relatively simple. and when structural systems and the range of materials were limited.

Few of them had the opportunity to carry out the research and inves- tigation into the new facets of their work. More often they avoided them. either through prejudice or because of not having time for research.

Architects today had to be prepar- ed to abandon methods they had cherished in the past. If the architect did not lead the way in producing the new environment of today, then it would be done by the scientist. the engineer ... or the traffic branch of the police department.

Throughout the world today the motor car had been allowed to shape lives. Rebuilding in Hong Kong was doing the same. Buildings which were quite fine in themselves were in association with others creating a new crowded and cavernous environ- ment which people would not be able to tolerate.

In Hong Kong they were allowing schools to have the worst possible sites, built off the lot boundary on dangerous bends, across nullahs, on steeply sloping ground, where traffic noise challenged the voice of the teachers and where facilities could not be provided for adequate recrea- tion or the development of a broad cducational background so necessary for the young, on whom the hopes for the future rested.

It was difficult not to take the cynical view and say "I do my hest, but it is the client who dictates the terms and the Government who allows him to do so".

But that only stressed the need for the architect to resist those views and to raise himself to such a posi- tion and standing that he would be looked to for leadership and guidance

ALL LIFTS AND ESCALATORS in Hong Kong have to registered before the end of February, 1961, with the Director of Public Works.

This is required by the Lifts and Escalators (Safety) Ordinance which came into effect on February 1.

All lift and escalator engineers and contractors also have to be registered in the two registers to be kept by the Director of Public Works.

In future no lift or escalator will be allowed to be operated until after it has been certified by the registered engineers or contractors as being in safe working order.

Any alterations to the equipment must be reported to the Director of Public Works and be certified to be in safe working order before being used.

It will be obligatory on owners of lifts and escalators to service their equipment once a month and to undertake complete overhauls once in twelve months in the case of lifts and once every six months in the case of escalators. Safety equipment is to be tested at fixed intervals.

ASANO

PORTLAND

И

TRADE

CEMENT

MARK

ASANO

#

NIHON-CEMENT-CO

TOKYO-

CEMENT

NIHON CEMENT CO. LTD.

OHTEMACHI BLDG, CHIYODA KU TOKYO

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SANOCEMEN

THE HONG KONG & FAR EAST BUILDER — VOLUME 15, NUMBER 5