1950-1951 — Page 23

utilized as a temporary measure. An indent was placed on the Crown Agents in April, 1947 for the supply of missing parts, and the materials arrived in Hong Kong in December, 1949. Similar signalling systems were installed at Shatin and Taipo Stations. On completion, the services of the pointsmen at all stations in the New Territories (with the exception of Lowu) were dispensed with.

The colours of the point indicators (which were not considered as signals under paragraph 4, Chapter II of the Staff Rules) were changed from white/green to white/amber following a minor accident on 1.8.50 when an engine driver entered Yaumati Station limit against the sema- phore signal; his excuse was that he mistook the indicator light as a green signal.

At Hung Hom Block Station, a 25-lever cabin with mechanical signalling was erected in order to control the train movements between Kowloon-Yaumati and Kowloon-Hung Hom Loco Yard, as

as well as entrance to sidings in the locality.

70. Station Buildings. The Station buildings and waiting shelters at Taipo and Taipo Market Stations were repaired and decorated.

At Kowloon Station the goods examination shed and the goods clerks Office were renovated. Counters, iron grilles and steel doors were fitted to the latter for better security. Two water-closets were added and six automatic locks (for two 10-cent coins) were fitted to the 1st class lavatories.

71. Staff Quarters. The General Manager's quarters were repaired. Practically all doors and windows were renewed.

A building at Hung Hom was converted into traffic staff quarters for two families.

A signal-fitter's house was built at Blackhead's Point with old materials at a cost of $1,450.00.

72. Central Mechanical Works. The 32,000-gallon water tank and tower at Hung Hom Loco Yard was cleaned and tarred.

Ten motor garages were overhauled; the tile-roofs were com- pletely renewed.

Carriage-sheds, 503′ × 60′ were thoroughly repaired.

Damage of $4,570 was done to a workshop building when express train No. 14 hit a stationary locomotive in front of the Hung Hom Work- shops on 24.1.51 due to a switch point having been wrongly set.

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