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(b.) RECLAMATION IN FRONT OF WHARF AND GODOWN COMPANY'S PROPERTY.
5. The progress made with this reclamation has not been so great as might reasonably have been expected owing to the delay in putting in the granite footings. Now however, that these are laid, and the work is above low-water level there is nothing to prevent this reclamation being carried on regularly and it should be completed in about nine months.
(c.) RECLAMATION IN FRONT OF SAILORS' HOME.
6. The same remark applies to this reclamation. Much time was lost in putting in the founda- tion courses but now that these are completed this reclamation which lies to the westward of that belonging to the Wharf and Godown Company should be completed at about the same time.
(d.) RECLAMATION IN FRONT OF MR. CHATER'S MARINE LOTS Nos. 240 to 246, KENNEDYTOWN.
7. This work has progressed satisfactorily, and but little remains to be done to this extensive reclamation which will be completed early in the spring. The total area of land reclaimed, including that occupied by public wharves and roads, is about 8.55 acres.
II. PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY.
CENTRAL MARKET.
8. A contract for the foundations and retaining walls was entered into with Mr. TSANG KENG on 23rd May last, and the work was forthwith commenced. Fairly good progress has been made. It has been found necessary to pile the whole of the trenches on the north, or Praya side. Up to 31st December 385 hardwood piles had been driven and there remained to drive about 200. A requisi- tion for the columns, floor girders and beams was forwarded to the Crown Agents in June last. The detailed drawings of the superstructure are nearly completed, and tenders will shortly be called for, so that the Contractor may be in a position to commence operations early in the spring immediately after the completion of the foundations.
GAP ROCK LIGHTHOUSE.
9. Although all preparations had been previously made, it was only found practicable to effect a permanent landing, and establish a detachment of workmen on the Rock, on 21st March last. From that time to the present steady progress has been made. Two derricks were fixed-one on the eastern, and another on the western side of the rock, which have greatly facilitated operations, and allow landing to be effected when otherwise it would be altogether impracticable. The first operations undertaken were to form convenient approaches from the landing places to the summit of the rock, and to provide suitable quarters for the workmen employed. Substantial brick coolie quarters have been erected capable of lodging 100 men, while on the upper floor there is a suitable apartment for one European Foreman. A brick water tank capable of containing 5,600 gallons has been constructed closely adjoining the coolie quarters. The preparation of the site for the lighthouse was then proceeded with, in which operation it was found necessary to remove by blasting about 1,000 tons of hard metamorphic rock. The foundation stone of the Tower was laid by the Officer Administering the Government on 1st September last, and the erection of the Tower and Light-keepers' quarters has since progressed steadily. The basement floor which contains a permanent water tank to hold 12,000 gallons has been completed, and on 31st December the masonry had reached the level of 4 feet above the Tower platform. The number of workmen employed on the rock has varied from 50 to 95. Notwithstanding the heat and glare from the bare surface of the rock, the health of all employed has been exceptionally good, which may be in part attributed to the care taken to provide proper lodgings, and to maintain them in good sanitary condition, as also to ensure a regular supply of food and fresh water. No serious interruption has occurred to the progress of the work except during the gale of 16th October last, when an exception- ally heavy sea struck the rock and recoiled on to the water tank situated 68 feet above sea-level. The weight of the wave broke the cover of the tank, and admitted a certain quantity of salt water. On this news reaching me, immediate steps were taken to send down a supply of fresh water. During the same gale a considerable quantity of dressed granite, bricks, and sand, were washed off the rock, and the derrick on its eastern face was carried away. With this exception the work has proceeded regularly, and without accident, or other unusual incident. The progress made reflects much credit. on Mr. J. R. MuDIE, the Executive Engineer in charge, and Mr. DONALD FRASER, Foreman, who has resided continuously on the rock since April last.
TRAINING ALBANY NULLAH AND BRANCHES AND PREPARATION OF KENNEDY ROAD SITES.
10. A contract for this work was entered into on 4th October last and the work has since been pushed rapidly forward: The masonry of the Channel for the Albany Nullah is nearly completed as far as the Tramway Station, the bridge on the Kennedy Road is in progress, and the small storm channel west of the Tramway is well advanced. I am urging the Contractor to push on with this important work, with a view to its completion if possible before the rainy season begins.