1947-1948 — Page 12

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48. Buildings.

The camouflage on Kowloon Station build- ing, the Clock Tower and Goods Shed was removed by sand blast from the cement gun.

All the missing and damaged columns and parapets on the roof were replaced at the same time, and the clock faces in the tower were re-laid with white opal glass.

49. A new booking office, circular in shape and considerably larger than the old one was built in the centre of the Kowloon Station concourse. A cash-shaft connecting the booking office with the accounts office was constructed in order to eliminate the necessity of transporting cash bags through the crowded compound. A public address system was installed at Kowloon Station in June, 1947, five loud speakers being erected at key points for broad- casting instructions and notices to passengers.

50. Two 25,000 gallon pressed steel tanks with towers were erected in the Hung Hom Yard, one for oil and the other for water. A pump-house was erected near the former and two ashpits, 60 feet long were constructed near the latter.

51.

Two new 4-room bungalows were erected at Taipo Market and Fanling for housing Station Masters at those stations.

A new hut was built at Kowloon Tong to accommodate 24 platelayers and 3 headmen, and four new small quarters were built at Shatin, Taipo, Taipo Market and Fanling for housing keymen. This was the first part of a two year programme to provide all keymen with family quarters. They had previously been provided with a bunk's space each.

An old building near the Mechanical Engineer's Office, Hung Hom Loco Yard, was completely overhauled and used as quarters for the Locomotive Department foremen.

All other native quarters in the Traffic, Locomotive and Way & Works Departments were repaired.

52. Three pit-type latrines were erected at Shatin, Taipo and Taipo Market Stations in place of the old bucket type latrines which were demolished. This was the second part of a 3-year programme to improve the sanitary conditions at all out-stations.

53. General. Considerable trouble was experienced owing to petty thefts at out-stations. The worst were the thefts of several hundred yards of signal wires which occurred on five occasions within two months, and caused delay and inconvenience to traffic operations.

54. A large rock which had obstructed the view of motorists at Lok Lo Ha level crossing for many years was removed by the P.W.D. in August, the Railway paying 50% of the cost.

Triangular road signs at all level crossings in the New Territories which had been looted during the occupation were re-installed.