(xii)
Only in non-malarial districts, if such there are known to be, or for the purpose of the military defence of the island, should such cuttings be allowed during other months than those mentioned.
III. That newly cut soil be covered over with turf mould and ashes of a thickness of at least three inches, or by concrete or by chunam.-All newly cut surfaces must be so covered by the 1st of June.
IV.—That the cultivation of plants, herbs, or trees be proceeded with.-Encourage- ment should be given to private individuals to cultivate, but it is the duty of the Gov- ernment to see to such cultivation as speedily as possible.
In the absence of direct evidence upon the subject, it is considered expedient that the Blue Gum, the Eucalyptus Globulus of Australia should be largely planted. The tree is being largely planted in many malarial districts, markedly Italy, and the enormous rate of growth of the tree, combined with its drying influence on the sub-soil, point to. its being likely to benefit the climate of Hongkong.
V.-That the Water Supply be increased.―The present intermittent supply of water is a serious evil to the Colony. It is however in the process of being remedied, and that too by means which in all probability will be adequate. It is therefore the recom- mendation of the Commission that the Tytam water supply be pushed forwards with the utmost speed. For many years the works have been in the process of construction, and it is believed it will be about 15 or 18 months still before they are finished.
In the mean time the health of the community is being impaired and the lives of not a few sacri- ficed by the delay in the completion. It is desirable therefore that the works should be pushed on so as to be open before the 1st November, 1888, that is, before the dry season sets in.* If it is a question of expense the Commissioners are satisfied that the residents in the Colony are willing to put their hands in their pockets for such a purpose.
Although the improvement in the quantity of water will, by the opening of the Tytam works, be a great boon, the Commissioners view the source of the water entering the Pokfulam Reservoir with apprehension. It is stored in an eminently malarial district and the gathering ground at the Peak is gradually being dotted over with houses unprovided with drains. Moreover the building going on in the neighbourhood of the gathering ground is provocative of much disturbance of the soil owing to the labourers unearthing stones in large quantity. The earth is thereby disturbed and the colour if not other qualities, of the water is interfered with.
Without going more into detail the Commissioners believe that, by and bye the Pokfulam water supply will become an undesirable one.
VI.—That the sewerage be improved. The discussion of the drainage and sewerage more especially of the Western District has paved the way for a clearer understanding of the remedies. Here it may be necessary to say that the recent Public Health Ordinance provides for the remedy of most of the grievances complained of. This in conjunction with the opening of the new Water-works should do much to remedy, if not all, at least some of the more evident present dangers to health.
The Commissioners would therefore advise that the recommendations of the Public Health Ordinance be brought into action with the least delay possible.
Without criticising the provisions of that Ordinance the Commissioners would like to draw attention to do some points of paramount importance :-
1st. As to the ventilation of the Public Sewers.-The method of ventilation by air shafts, extending far up the hill sides, has been tried in Gibraltar, and after being laid down at much expense, are now wholly unused. It was found that Rock fever and Typhoid followed their being carried up the hill, and for the sake of the public health they were shut up, and ventilation effected in the lower levels.
The Commissioners recommend therefore, that careful enquiry be made before the Government commits itself to a system of ventilation of sewers which under similar circumstances has been found a great evil :-