124
48. Faumati Sewerage. It has not been found possible to proceed with this work during the past year beyond the construction of a short length of sewer immediately required for the sewerage of three new houses, but the contract drawings have been prepared and tenders advertised for. An early commencement is therefore anticipated.
49. Water Supply of Kowloon Peninsula.-Owing to the necessary pumping machinery not arriving till the middle of May the testing of the proposed source of water supply had to stand over till this winter. On the commencement of the present dry season the necessary works were pushed on with and there seems every probability of a fair supply being obtained from the valley selected. A detailed survey of this valley has been made and I hope shortly on the completion of the present experiments to lay before you a report on the results obtained and the further works necessary for completing the water supply of the Kowloon Peninsula.
The expenditure to date including the temporary plant now in use has been $5,701.66.
50. Miscellaneous Minor Works.-The only work under this heading of any importance calling for special notice, is the extension of the Victoria Gap sewer outfall. Owing to the construction of two large hotels draining into this outfall situated on the rising ground to the south of the City, it became necessary on`sanitary grounds to extend this outfall to join the sewerage system of the City of Victoria. This work was commenced in November and is now drawing near completion.
The expenditure under this heading has been $1,053.48.
51. I attach Table D. shewing the total estimated cost of the works being carried out by this department, the amount expended previous to the year 1891 and the amount expended during the year 1891.
The expenditure on Kowloon Water Supply includes a large quantity of temporary plant, the value of which will on its return to store be credited to this vote.
The sum expended under heading Main Drainage and Sanitary was a re-vote to discharge liabilities incurred in the construction of a storm water drain in Jubilee Street during the year 1890.
The outstanding liabilities in connection with Extraordinary Public Works amount to about $4.000 which sum will be due on the expiration of the term of maintenance.
52. Plans and Records.-Accurate plans and records of the several works have been prepared as they progressed and are complete up to date.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
The Honourable
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY,
&C.,
&c.,
&c.
FRANCIS A. Cooper, Resident Engineer.
SIR,
GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL,
HONGKONG, September 11th, 1891.
In accordance with instructions I have made an enquiry into the cause of the whitish appearance of the Taitam and Pokfulam waters at certain seasons of the year, and I have the honour to submit to you the attached report.
After a careful investigation I found that, as might be inferred from a knowledge of the geological formation of the collecting areas, the waters differ in no material respect as to the nature, and but very little as to the quantities of the dissolved and suspended constituents.
I have consulted with the Resident Engineer of the Water and Drainage Department, and have shewn him my report, and he concurs with me, in order to avoid delay that it is better to forward you this at once, leaving the joint report on the best practical means of ridding the water of its occasional whitish appearance,
until we have had time to consider more in detail the facts I
now submit. I have the honour to be,
Sir,
+
Your obedient Servant,
E. W. LUCAS,
Acting Apothecary and Analyst,
THE COLONIAL SURGEON.