Sessional_Paper_1915 — Page 51

47

No. 1915

HONGKONG.

KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION,

REPORT ON PROGRESS UP TO JUNE 30Tu, 1915.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor, July 8th, 1915.

Kang On's Contract No. 212 has now run for 16 months out of the contract period of 2 years.

The brickwork in the main building is practically finished.

Granite work is up to the course below the top cornice, and will possibly be com- pleted as far as the main building is concerned by the end of August.

The tower is up to the level of the roof of main building and will proceed faster when masons and bricklayers can be relieved from the latter.

The colonnade which was up to roof level at the time of last report is now asphalted and only requires the parapet walls fixing and floor surfacing.

The timber in roof is all in place and awaiting tiling when masonry is completed. Tiles are all on ground, rain water gutters and down pipes are being fixed.

Materials and fittings indented for through the Crown Agents have now all arrived with the exception of lavatory fittings and clock.

Plaster work is well in hand, all covered verandahs and colonnade being completed.

Drains are being laid as the work proceeds or necessitates.

Of the approximate amount of Kang On's Contract, namely, S173,847 there has been paid to date of report the sum of $101,000.

There is every reason to believe that the contract will be completed to time, except perhaps with regard to the tower, which may be somewhat behindhand owing to the delay in arranging about the clock. This however should not prevent the station being opened in March, 1916, as intended.

H. P. WINSLOW,

Manager, Railway.

ROBERT BAKER, Engineer of Ways and Works.

29th June, 1915.