96
5. Table B gives a summary of the work which has been carried out under the superintendence of the Sanitary Surveyor since the passing of the Public Health Ordinance. The work done during the past year has exceeded that of any previous year and I am glad to be able to record an improve- ment in the carrying out of the work. The number of new houses which have been granted certifi- cates is much the same as last year.
6. The number of houses carried forward is large and this is partly owing to a great difficulty I experience in getting the floors and down pipes thoroughly repaired. In a large number of these houses the drains have been laid and covered, but the cook house floors have not been properly relaid. It is most important in order to prevent a dampness of walls and ceilings and the fouling of the sub- soil that floors and down pipes should be impervious to moisture.
7. A large number of owners of property have been called upon to redrain by the Board during the past year, it being generally found that where a nuisance occurs in one house, a whole block is affected. The old house drains in the Colony still discharge into the Storm Water Drains and they are generally made the receptacle for any and all rubbish that can be forced into them; in the few instances where traps have been fixed at the inlets they have been either broken or removed to get rid of rubbish which will not pass through them. This old pattern of trap is not allowed under the bye-laws and the pattern as now used cannot be removed without opening the ground, the new pattern are occasionally broken either by carelessness in cleaning or through ignorance of their construction and object, but the instances which have come under my notice form but a very small proportion of the number of traps fixed.
8. Now that the new sewerage works are nearing completion it is highly important that all private premises should be put in good order that the sewage may be separated from the Storm Water Drains. I am, therefore very glad to be able to record an increase in the number of houses re-drained during the past year; should the number fall off it is a question whether it would be wise for the Board to obtain powers for, and to institute, a systematic inspection of the drainage arrangements on all private premises throughout the Colony. 30 per cent. (approximately) of the houses in the Colony have now been re-drained and 13 per cent. certified as having been built in compliance with the provisions of the Public Health Ordinance.
9. During the past year water closets have by the permission of the Board been constructed and connected to the house drains at the Sailor's Home; Hongkong Dispensary; Hongkong Hotel (old buildings); Portuguese Club; Hongkong and Shanghai Bank; "Duart" Caine Road; Tramway Terminus, The Peak; and the P. & 0. Offices. The house drains from these premises are in all instances connected to the new system of sewers.
10. The records which were started in 1888 have been maintained and are complete to date.
I have the honour to be,
The Secretary
SANITARY Board.
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
J. ROWLAND CROOK,
Sanitary Surveyor.