Sessional_Paper_1908 — Page 131

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Bridges Major.

About the estimated expenditure has been expended on the large Bridges. Of these 18 Bridges work has started on all except about 3 as regards at least collecting of material. Four are complete with the exception of the Ironwork and 3 Arched Bridges are practically keyed in and about 3 are about half finished. The rest are well in hand. I would consider there will be saving of about $50,000 under this head but it is difficult to say as all the foundations are not in as yet.

Bridges Minor.

About of the estimated expenditure on this sub-head has been incurred and I consider a good deal more than of the work has been finished. Rather a larger number of Minor Bridges have to be built than was at first expected. Owing to the complicated systems of irrigation in the New Territories the water could not be collected and run through one opening but had to be split up into several Minor Bridges and Culverts. There will be over 30 Minor Bridges when the Railway is complete and of these seven have been absolutely completed with a saving of about 10% on the estimate. Work is well in hand on the other Bridges and there is no reason why the saving on these should not be at least 10% or about $50,000.00.

Bridges Culverts.

The expenditure on these are keeping well within the estimate though the number is rather in excess of that estimated for. These culverts are as a rule made only for single line owing to there being no difficulty in lengthening them when the line requires doubling.

The decrease in expenditure during 1907 in the Main Head of Bridges was owing to the fact that the Survey took rather longer than was expected and as there was no reason for picking up lost time, no extra rates were given to hurry up the work.

Track Ballast.

Not much work was done under this heading during 1907 owing to the high rates asked by the Chinese Contractors. As there was no object in collecting ballast at this early stage no large contracts were let. A large amount has been put down for 1908 but it is hoped this amount will not be required. The rates are falling gradually and it is probable that this will be done for the estimated amount.

Track Permanent Way.

The unforeseen expenditure during 1907 under this sub-head was for rails and sleepers for the reclamation of Kowloon Station Yard. It was decided to use the permanent rails and sleepers for this work as the use of narrow guage rails and sleepers similar to what is in use at the Tunnel would flood the Colony with such a large amount of this material that it would be difficult to get rid of at the completion of the work. This expenditure was for material only.

Plant.

Under this heading the increase of expenditure was owing to Broad-guage Engines, &c., being required for the reclamation in Kowloon Station Yard. These Engines will form part of the permanent equipment of the line. No permanent increase is foreseen.

General Charges.

The increase here is due to a large original under-estimate and to the difficulties of the line rendering it necessary to increase the superior grade of the Supervising Staff.