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By Dr. Jordan.
905.—But what about the sewers in the side streets, which you say won't be venti- lated by the chimneys?
A. I say these streets should have their own ventilators, proper ventilators. There is no reason why these ventilators to the Government sewers in the sid· streets should not be pipes up the sides of the houses. That would meet the objection Dr. CANTLIE inentioned of having them under your noses.
By Dr. Canthie.
906.-Don't you think that would prevent the inlet of air very much?
A. No, because the inlet would be at the lower end.
907. That is sometimes shut by the sea.
A.It is open three hours out of every six.
908.--When you get a sewer well ventilated you would not depend on the lower opening, you would get the air coming in at one ventilator and out at the other?
sewers.
A.-Mr. LEIGH--Yes, that is the advantage of having them open and flush with the streets. But with the enormous incline we have here our sewers are not like ordinary We have a difference of 400 feet between the upper level and the sea. If the sewers were properly grouped and arranged--they have been connected from time to time but simply as the convenience of the moment suggested and not on any uniform plan from the first--if each drain took its own neighbourhood only and was well constructed and all the private drains well constructed, the sewage matter should be in the harbour within a few hours of leaving the houses, and therefore there ought to be no sewer gas at all in Hongkong.
909.-But in front of each opening there is a decomposing mass.
A.-There ought to be no foreshore allowed.
910. But there it is.
There are many
A.It is a foreshore that has grown within the last few years. bits of foreshore which I know did not exist when I came eight years ago. Very little dredging would suffice to remove them, and the new Praya scheme will put us out into deep water.
911.--You have seen the sea side ventilators in some places at home, worked with a screw; would you recommend them here?
A.--No, I don't think they are necessary. The sewers are at such an angle that they are virtually shafts, and if the drains are properly ventilated you would have all you require in the way of a current of air.
EVIDENCE OF MR. E. BOWDLER, ASSISTANT SURVEYOR-GENERAL.
By Dr. Manson.
912. Have you any theory as to the cause of the prevalence of fever in the Western District?
A. Yes, I have one.
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