1970-1971 — Page 14

deposit safes, 1 wire-twisting machine, 2 high pressure oxygen chambers, 60 guide rails and the repair of 107 items of hospital equipment.

38. Statistics. The average consumption of diesel oil was 3.12 kg. per engine km. compared with 3.21 kg. per engine km. in the previous year. Statistical statements relating to the analysis of train and locomo- tive running, fuel oil running expenses, consumption of lubricants, the cost of repairs to locomotives, carriages and wagons will be found in Appendices VI to IX while classifications of rolling stock are at Appendices X to XIII.

WAY AND STRUCTURES

39. Maintenance. Way and structures were maintained to a good standard during the year.

40. Although some progress was made in providing protection to the metallic components of the railway from the corrosive liquid dis- charged from the cold storage wagons of the Chinese Section, the problem of corrosion is still a matter of concern for the maintenance staff.

41. Track. The following works were carried out during the year: (a) The main line track was maintained to a good standard. All

fishplates were carefully inspected and greased. Some 760 lengths of 95-lb. rails, 2,500 cubic yards of stone ballast and 9,050 timber sleepers were renewed during the year.

(b) During the year, some 1,100 pairs of fishplates, 5,100 fishbolts and 13,400 dogspikes were replaced and 49,110 Macbeth spikes were used on the main line.

(c) For the purpose of restoring the rails to their proper inclina- tion, the rail seats on the sleepers of the main line curves at Mile 3 were adjusted by adzing.

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(d) The expansion gaps of the rail joints in the main line from Mile 14 to Mile 13, from Mile 21 to Mile 31, from Mile 121 to Mile 13 and from Mile 16 to Mile 17 were adjusted. A total of 1,420 rail anchors was added or replaced along the line. (e) 10 sets of 1 in 8 turnouts were renewed at Kowloon, Black- heads, Hung Hom, Mong Kok and Lo Wu Station yards and

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