302
Recreation Ground-Happy Valley.
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17. The improvements estimated to cost $16,000 for which the sum of $8,000 to be expended this year was voted by the Legislative Council on 9th ultimo consist in filling in the round pond and improving the surface. The work has been commenced. It is in my opinion very desirable that the drainage of this Valley for which much has already been done, should be completed by improving the watercourse on the west side of the Race Course, diverting it to the westward from near the Grand Stand to a point near the Bowrington Sugar Refinery, removing the weir opposite the refinery and contracting the width of the canal from the refinery to the Harbour. I hope shortly, in consultation with Mr. CHADWICK (in so far as the question of main drainage is concerned) to be able to submit plans embodying these proposals which must tend to improve the sanitary condition of the locality.
New Slaughter-House, Extension of Cattle Depôt
and Depôts for Pigs and Sheep.
18. A Committee consisting of The Honourable O. CHADWICK, the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon, and the Surveyor General, having been appointed to report on the question of a site for the proposed new Slaughter-House and Depôts for Pigs and Sheep, recommended that these should be erected at Kennedytown immediately to the south west of the present Cattle Depôt. This site has the great advantage of concentrating the depôts and slaughter-houses for cattle, sheep, and pigs in one locality. A plentiful supply of water which is essential for these purposes, can be obtained from the large nullah which traverses this site, supplemented when necessary by the Pokfulam aqueduct. These establishments should be placed under the supervision of a European Inspector, residing on the spot whose duty it will be to see that the sanitary regulations are strictly enforced. With this precaution, combined with an efficient system of drainage, and an ample supply of water, the sanitary condition of the locality will be amply guaranteed. A survey has been made of the site and the working drawings of the slaughter- house, and pig and sheep depôts, are now in hand.
19. As regards the other public works included in this year's Estimates, I must admit that less progress has been made than I would have desired. This has arisen from various causes, but is chiefly due to the system which appears to have prevailed in the past of including in the Estimates of the year all works sanctioned by Government, irrespective of the consideration whether it was possible to execute them during the year or not. Consequently I found on my arrival that the list of "Extraordinary Public Works" in the Estimates of 1889 included the arrears of many years. It will be much better in future to include in the Estimates of the year only such works as there is a reasonable probability of carrying out wholly, or at least in part, during the year. Some delay has also been caused to the operations of the Department by the changes in the staff incident on the temporary separation of the water and drainage works from the Public Works Department. Now however that the departmental staff has been strengthened by the arrival of two Executive Engineers (Mr. TOOKER and Mr. CHATHAM) I hope to be able to make headway with the arrears.
20. With regard to some of these works, I may add that I hope shortly to be in a position to commence the erection of the Police Stations at Aberdeen and Quarry Bay. The question of Public Laundries, and Public Latrines, has been referred to Committees of the Sanitary Board who have sent in reports, and action may I think shortly be taken to carry out the recommendations of the Committees. A site has been selected and plans are being prepared for a new school for the Saiyingpún District. Plans are nearly completed of the new offices, store-rooms and residence for the Superintendent of the Botanical and Afforestation Depart-