1960-1961 — Page 42

for over 14 hours before they were satisfied that no further danger existed.

MISCELLANEOUS

136. The routine work of the Architectural Section has included the provision of emergency lighting in lifts on all the Authority's estates, the consideration of various methods of refuse disposal in the light of problems which have arisen connected with the Urban Services Depart- ment standard 20 cu. ft. bins, research and investigations into the costs and durability of rust proofing of metal windows, the preparation of standard forms of contract and tender procedure, and a certain amount of drawing office work connected with other branches of the Authority's work.

137. Investigation into new building methods and the use of new materials continued. This included the consideration of the implications and economics of various rust-proofing methods on steel windows, permanent coloured finishes for external walls, relative costs of various forms of internal partitions, plumbing fixtures and flushing cisterns, and the use of locks, burglar bars, and other protective devices on housing units generally.

138. Problems arising on the completion and occupation of the flats have been dealt with in association with the Management Section. At So Uk some trouble was experienced with bursting of the salt water flushing mains, electric cables were damaged during trenching opera- tions, and difficulties with refuse collection vehicles was experienced.

Typhoon Damage

139. In June 1960, typhoon 'Mary' hit the Colony, with wind speeds, in gusts, of up to 120 m.p.h. The storm was accompanied by torrential rains (more than 16" of rain fell in 24 hours), but the estates generally were not unduly affected. At So Uk some slight damage was caused to the site formation, embankments were washed out in several places and there was some silting up of surface channels and catchments. There was also some disruption of formwork and to the reinforcing of several blocks. Scaffolding was blown out of shape and position. Due to adequate precautions being taken by the various contractors before the storm, very little delay was caused in construction work and the damage was put right in two or three days.

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