295
99. Plant. The whole of the plant has been maintained in a satisfactory state of repair without involving any extraordinary expenditure The steam travelling crane has been laid up during the year, as it was found that the concrete blocks could be set quicker and at a much less cost by manual labour, using a derrick and winch, than by steain crane; and the block making having been suspended, except the making of 36 special and face blocks, which were made on the Praya and removed by the floating crane.
100. Work executed. In appendix G will be found a statement shewing generally the work executed in the more important items up to the 31st December, 1893, and during the past year.
101. Accounts.—In appendix H will be found a statement of accounts. Outstanding liabilities amount to about $46,800 mainly due to the monies retained pending the completion of contracts in hand.
STAFF.
102. I regret to have to report the death of Mr. GEORGE ALLAN, Overseer, who died on board steamer on his way to Australia, September 25th. Mr. F. A. PEARSON was appointed his successor on the 18th December, C.S.O. 64-
Mr. R. EAGAR, Overseer, died on the 6th of October, and Mr. J. MEARS was appointed his successor on the 19th November, C.S.O. #13.
1894
Mr. H. MASON, Overseer, died on the 8th of September, and Mr. J. MILLAR was appointed his successor on the 7th November, C.S.O. 14.
103. Mr. W. BEAVIN, Overseer, resigned on the 1st of January, and Mr. S. T. MOORE was promoted to the vacancy, C.S.O. 249.
1895*
Mr. F. D. DRAPER, Water Inspector, resigned on the 1st October, and Mr. A. W. MILLAR was appointed to fill the vacancy on the 7th November, C.S.O. 2148.
Mr. V. H. THOMPSON, Watchman, Pokfulam Reservoir, resigned on the 20th September, and Mr. W. SAMUEL was promoted to the vacancy, C.S.O. 1187.
104. Mr. CHAN SING FONG, Tracer, was dismissed on the 26th May, and Mr. TANG A MIN was appointed to the vacancy, 1st July, C.S.O. 1874.
105. Mr. J. MINHINNETT, Overseer, was transferred on the 13th December to the Praya Recla- mation Works, C.S.O. 1334.
PRAYA RECLAMATION BRANCH.
106. Mr. W. BIDGOOD, Överseer, after six months' leave of absence in England dating from the 12th October, 1893, C.S.O. 33, was re-engaged for a further term of three years, and returned to the Colony on the 9th May.
Mr. C. BIDGOOD, Overseer, was discharged on the 24th of January, C.S.O. Tr
Mr. NICHOLLS resigned on the expiration of the term of his engagement the 12th December. 107. The following Officers, granted leave in 1893, returned to duty during the year:—
Mr. F. A. COOPER, Director of Public Works, returned, after eleven months' leave, on the 10th October, in accordance with instructions received from the Secretary of State, dated the 19th June, 1894, C.S.O. 17.
1379
Mr. J. G. GUTIERREZ, Clerk, returned after twelve months' leave on the 10th July, C.S.O.
+88
6
108. In appendix K will be found particulars of the leave granted to various officers during the year 1894.
109. During the absence of Mr. F. A. COOPER, Director of Public Works, Mr. BOWDLER undertook his duties in connection with the Praya Reclamation Works, and was appointed a Member of Executive and Legislative Councils. Mr. CHATHAM was appointed Acting Director of Public Works and on his going on leave in April Mr. TOOKER temporarily succeeded him.
Mr. CROOK was appointed Water Authority.
110. On comparing this report with previous ones it will be seen, as might be anticipated, that the work of this department is annually increasing with the growth and development of the Colony.
I attach in appendix Ja statement in which will be found various particulars from which it will be seen that during the last year the cost of the staff compared with the expenditure falls considerably below what it was in previous years.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
FRANCIS A. COOPER,
Member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, Fellow of the Sanitary Institute, and Member of the Association
of Municipal and County Engineers.
Director of Public Works.
The Honourable
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.