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coolie quarters in brickwork, and the construction of a cistern capable of holding 6,000 gallons of water, the number was increased to sixty-five. Much had to be done to level the hard metamorphic rock to receive the foundations of the light- house, keepers' quarters, and permanent tank, no less than 1,000 tons of rock hav- ing to be blasted. This work is now however well advanced, and I hope soon to be able to commence the masonry. In the meanwhile derricks have been erected to facilitate the landing of men and material, a landing place and roadway from the sea-level to the summit of the rock are nearly completed, and the material for the buildings has been prepared. The progress recently made has quite come up to my expectations, and reflects credit on those charged with the superintendence of the work. It was at first thought that there would be great difficulty in getting the Chinese to remain on this isolated rock, and that the heat and glare would seriously affect their health. I am glad to say that so far, owing to the precautions taken for their safety and comfort, no difficulty has been found in procuring workmen, and up to the present time the locality has proved exceptionally healthy.
Praya Reclamations.
(a.)-Work included in Ordinance No. 16 of 1889.
4. Two contracts have been let for the construction of the rubble mound which forms the base of the Praya sea wall, viz.: Section No. 2, 782 lineal feet and 1,157 lineal feet of Section No. 7, and the deposit of the stone is now pro- gressing actively at either extremity of the line of the new wall. Up to the 5th instant, 59,567 cubic yards of rubble stone had been deposited in Section No. 2, and 35,043 cubic yards in Section No. 7, making a total of 94,610 cubic yards.
(b.)—Reclamation in front of the Wharf and Godown Co.'s Wharf. (Length 592 feet.)
5. This reclamation which is being carried out by Government under an agreement with the Wharf and Godown Company, lies west of Section No. 2. The rubble mounds have been formed, the granite footing courses of the wall laid, and the earth filling behind the wall is progressing satisfactorily.
(c.)—Reclamation in front of the Sailors' Home.
The rubble mound for the
6. This reclamation which it was I understand intended to utilize as the site of the "Western Market" is situated between the Wharf and Godown Com- pany's Reclamation and the new Praya Section No. 1. sea wall was completed in December, 1889, and a contract was entered into on 5th February, 1890, to complete the works for the sum of $50,800. I regret to say that we are having much trouble with the contractor.
(d.)—Reclamation in front of Mr. Chater's property-Kennedytown.
7. This work is progressing satisfactorily. The wall is brought up to 7 feet 9 inches below quay level, and the sewers and earth-filling are being pushed on. I trust this reclamation will be completed about the end of the year.
New Central Market.
8. A contract has been let to Mr. TSANG KENG for the foundations of this building, the work was commenced on 23rd May last and is now being vigorously prosecuted. A requisition for the iron beams and columns to support the upper floor has been transmitted to the Crown Agents. The detailed drawings of the superstructure are nearly completed and we shall then be prepared to receive tenders for the main structure.