storm.
403
These repairs have since until recently occupied a good deal of the time of the Departmental Staff. But for this exceptional work, greater progress could have been made with ordinary Public Works. Nevertheless I think I may fairly claim that taking into account the small staff until recently at my disposal much has been done, although in the case of some of the more important works operations have necessarily been chiefly of a preliminary nature, viz. :-the preparation of designs and contracts and organizing a plan of operations.
6. As regards the Staff it is right that I should mention that by the courtesy of Major-General EDWARDS, C.B., and Colonel STORER, R.E., the services of Lieu- tenant-Colonel CHAMPERNOUNE, R.E., were placed at my disposal for three months. Mr. MALSCH returned from leave on 13th December last, and the two newly appointed Executive Engineers, Mr. TOOKER and Mr. CHATHAM, arrived respectively on 27th April and 22nd May. Mr. COOPER who since Mr. CHADWICK's arrival in the Colony has assisted him as much as his ordinary duties would permit finally left the Surveyor General's Department to enter on his appointment as Resident Engineer of the temporary Water and Drainage branch on 12th May last.
7. Since my arrival the following have been the principal operations of the Department :-
1. The Praya Reclamation Works have necessarily occupied much of my time and attention. Important modifications in the original designs have been sanctioned; four Contracts have been prepared of which the works are now in progress in connection with the various reclamations, and I am studying the question of the special plant and organization necessary for the carrying out of the works with economy and expedition.
2. The designs for the Gap Rock Lighthouse have been revised, work- ing drawings have been prepared, a contract entered into for the buildings, a powerful Steam Tender, and other necessary appliances have been provided, and were all ready in time to allow full advan- tage to be taken of the favourable weather of the S. W. Monsoon. The work in now progressing favourably and is being pushed on as rapidly as possible.
3. New designs have been prepared for the Central Market, a Contract has been entered into for the foundations, and the work is now progressing satisfactorily.
4. Considerable additions estimated to cost $40,000 have been sanctioned for Government House. A contract has been entered into, and the work is being carried out by Messrs. PALMER and TURNER under my direction.
5. Contracts have also been entered into and the work is more or less
advanced of the following Buildings:-
1. Quarters Hospital Staff, Civil Hospital.
Do., Servants Do., Do.
3. Chinese Lunatic Asylum.
With the additional assistance now at my disposal, I am at present occupied with the designs, and hope shortly to be in a position to receive tenders, for some at least, of the following works :-
1. Police Station, Aberdeen, (two designs have already been
submitted).
2. Police Station, Quarry Bay.
3. Sheep and Pig Depôt and enlarging Cattle Depôt.