1958-1959 — Page 32

with channels and catchpits, was well tested by the heavy rains which fell in May 1958, and no damage occurred. Block A was completed and taken over on 17th September, Block D on 19th September, and Block E on 2nd October, 1958, almost exactly on schedule, The Estate Office was completed and occupied in September 1958, to expedite lettings. The Hong Kong Engineering & Construction Co. completed the piling at a cost of $178,875.00.

64. It was found that the dry-weather yield for flushing water supply from the well constructed under the contract was about 17,600 gallons per day, and a second well was sunk which should yield about 10,000 gallons per day during the dry season. An underground spring was also tapped, which should yield about 6,000 gallons per day, and it is hoped that these arrangements will provide an adequate supply during the winter months. Minimum daily requirements, when the estate is fully occupied, with a population of about 4,000, are estimated at 30,000 gallons per day (or 71 gallons per head). Drainage works and connexions were completed by the Public Works Department a cost of $19,363.77.

65. Following advertisement of the godown accommodation in Block E in the local press a number of enquiries were received, but the premises were still vacant at the end of the year.

66. The Authority paid $7,200 to the Hong Kong Telephone Co. for laying main and service telephone cables, and for the pre-wiring of blocks. 70 circuits were made available and as there was spare capacity on the local exchange tenants could be given service on request. So far, however, in contrast to the situation at North Point, there has been little or no demand.

67. The estate is insured against fire and public liability and the employees concerned are insured against cash-in-transit, and fidelity guarantee risks.

68. Arrangements were made for a contractor to undertake the work of collecting refuse and cleaning the communal parts of the estate. This is by way of an experiment, and the results will be compared with those obtained at North Point, where direct labour is employed. A Head Caretaker and Caretaker are resident on the estate to supervise outdoor work, and to deal with emergencies.

69. The Hong Kong Jockey Club has kindly offered to build a clinic at the lower end of the approach road; work will be put in hand in the near future.

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