Sessional_Paper_1926 — Page 73

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II.-Sub-Stalions.

The Sub-Committee recommends the immediate erection of a Central Station at the junction of Prince Edward Road and Coronation Road. This is a most central location for Shamshuipo, Mong Kok and Yaumati, and if the station is not to be erected at pre- sent, this site should be reserved for this purpose. The erection of a sub-station at Hung Hom is also recommended.

With reference to the proposed Sub-stations on the Hongkong side, the Sub-Com- mittee considers that a Sub-station at East Point would for the present be more couve- nient than one at Bay View. The Chief Officer, Fire Brigade, agrees and it is recom- mended that two sub-stations be erected in Hongkong, one near the Lee Garden at East Point and one in the Western District, if possible somewhere near the Sailors Home. A small station is also required at Shaukiwan, near the Taikoo Dock.

III-Mains.

In the case of large fires when additional pressure is required, the Brigade is entirely dependent on the Turncocks of the Waterworks Department. There is a European Officer of the Waterworks Department who is responsible for seeing that these Turn- cocks carry out their duties efficiently, but he is not always available as he has other duties to perform. It is recommended that two officers be detailed for this work, so that they could arrange for one to be always available, and that the allowance for such work be considerably increased. Direct telephone communication should be provided from the Central Fire Station to the Overseers' Quarters, both in Hongkong and Kow- loon.

The Sub-Committee further recommends that, when the new Fire Brigade men arrive, they should receive instruction under the Waterworks Sub-department so as to be able to assist in this work in case of emergency. In the meantime, a closer contact should be established between the Brigade and the Waterworks Sub-department, the details to be considered by officers of both branches.

The Sub-Committee would strongly urge on the Government the necessity for pressing on with the installation of the new 15" mains, and the replacing of all branch mains of less than 6" diameter by 6" pipes. This would obviate the necessity for a separate and very costly salt water supply for fire fighting purposes. Incidentally, it should be mentioned that the annual consumption of water for fire purposes is less than one-thirtieth of a normal day's total consumption. When the new mains are completed there should be ample pressure, and the service of Turn-cocks could be largely dispensed with.

With reference to the Chief Officer's recommendations for the installation of a special salt water main between the Central Market and the Naval Yard, in the event of the enlargement of the mains above referred to requiring further augmentation the Sub-Committee recommends the consideration of a suggestion by Mr. Henderson that connectious be fitted along the Praya Wall, at say every alternate street, connecting with salt water mains to be laid as far as Queen's Road. The Fire Float could be used to pump the salt water into these mains, and, if necessary, the pressure could still be further increased by putting on the Fire engine pumps at the delivery end.

The Sub-Committee recommends that in addition to the work on the new mains, the erection of further pedestal hydrants and the installation of additional Fire Alarms be expedited.

A revised list of Public Works Department officers of the Buildings Ordinance, Waterworks, and Electrical Sub-departments, and the Shoring Contractors, with addresses and telephone numbers or nearest telephones is forwarded quarterly to the Hon. Captain Superintendent of Police for notification to all Police Stations, to be used in any case of emergency. It is recommended that two copies of this list be supplied quarterly to the Superintendent, Fire Brigade, for Hongkong and Kowloon.