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crease in numbers, without a compensatory expansion of the area of the city, is most alarming. European houses are gradually being pulled down, and in their stead closely packed Chinese houses are being built. The danger arising therefrom is one of surface crowding, and while the regulation of 300 cubic feet to each inhabitant for sleeping accommodation may prevent the evils arising from over-crowding the equally serious question of surface crowding is likely to, and in the immediate future will, require to be dealt with. In the mean time it is calculated that in the town itself there are about 1,800 people to the acre, and at the present rate of building (within the limits of the town as it at present stands) over 2,000 people will, before 12 months, be dwelling upon every
acre.
In cities in Europe 1,000 people to an acre is all that is allowed, and the departure from that rule has been proved again and again to foster disease. Allowing for differ- ences in habits and the possibility of having dwelling houses practically open to the air during seven months in the year, the Commissioners cannot help believing that the surface crowding as it at present exists will seriously impair the health of all dwellers, but more especially the European dwellers, in the City of Victoria, Hongkong.
In conclusion the Commissioners beg to acknowledge the assistance rendered them during the course of the inquiry from members of the Government Service and other Gentlemen.
HONGKONG, 13th August, 1888.
E. T. MORTIMER,
Deputy Inspector General, R.N.
PH. B. C. AYRES.
M. T. YARR, A.M.D.
P. MANSON, M.D.
J. CANTLIE.
G. P. JORDAN.
J. M. ATKINSON.
ALFRED G. WISE,
Secretary.