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bubonic plague which was so disastrous in 1894. The outbreak commenced early in the year, the disease was at its worst stage in April and May, and was not finally stamped out till the end of September. The total number of cases brought to notice was 1,204 of which 1,097 ended fatally. The Europeans attacked numbered 15, of whom 7, including two soldiers and one inspector of nuisances, succumbed to the disease. Sister CATHERINE, one of the two sisters who were engaged in nursing at the Plague Hospital, was also attacked by the disease, but fortunately recovered. The largest number of fresh cases in one week was 100, from the 23rd to 30th May, and the greatest number of deaths was 87, for the week ending 9th May.
During the whole of this period the Sanitary Board and its staff, ably assisted by members of the Police and of the Garrison, whose services were kindly lent, and all those connected with the work of suppressing the plague were untiring in their efforts, and they deserve great credit for their zeal and energy. It is perhaps too much to hope that the disease will not again visit this Colony, and we must, I fear, be prepared for its re-appearance in spite of every effort to prevent it.
It is satisfactory to record that though many of the wealthier Chinese sent their wives and families to the mainland, there was no general exodus of the population such as occurred in 1894, and business proceeded much as usual. Dr. YERSIN and Dr. KITASATO, whose names and attainments are so well known, have each prepared an antitoxin for the treatment of the plague, and I am taking steps to secure a supply of the preparation. Finally, I cannot dismiss the subject of the plague without recording the Colony's indebtedness to the Medical Department of this Colony, including the Sisters. Dr. WILM, of the Imperial German Navy, whose services were kindly lent by Admiral HOFFMAN, also rendered invalu- able assistance throughout in treating the patients at the Kennedytown Hospital of which he was in charge, and by his scientific investigations which, it is hoped, will prove of much benefit in dealing with this terrible disease. Many useful measures have been undertaken by the Sanitary Board with a view to the prevention of overcrowding and for the improvement of the sanitary condition of the native quarters of the City. This question, however, is of so difficult a nature that I have appointed a Commission to enquire into the existence of insani tary properties and to report on the best mode of dealing with them. The matter is now under their consideration. The Colony is to be congratulated on its immunity from any out- break of cholera such as has visited the sister colony of Singapore.
A typhoon of unusual severity swept over the Colony on the 29th July last. It caused great damage to property, but fortunately owing to the timely warning of its approach given by the Director of the Observatory the loss of life was not great.
Improvements have been made in the condition of the Tung Wa Hospital. The desir- ability of reforming that institution has formed the subject of enquiry and report by a Commission. I am in possession of their views on the matter and am devoting my earnest attention to the question which is one of considerable difficulty and delicacy.
With regard to the constitution of the Sanitary Board I regret that I am not yet in possession of the Secretary of State's final decision which, however, I hope to receive shortly.
As regards Public Works, the extension of the Wongneichong Recreation Ground has been undertaken and is progressing. The project includes the widening and improving of the roads and an addition to the Recreation Ground of about 71⁄2 acres.
The extension of the Gaol has been proceeded with and accommodation has been pro- vided within the Gaol compound for a prison for females, instead of the unsuitable house in Wyndham Street hitherto rented for that purpose.
The provision of an adequate supply of water to the City of Victoria has received my careful attention, and projects have been prepared for an ultimate supply of 4,000,000 gallons a day throughout the year. The present state of the water supply and particulars of the proposed extensions have been dealt with in an able and elaborate report by the Director of Public Works which has already been laid before you (Sessional l'aper). That report has been referred to Mr. OSBERT CHADWICK, who concurs in the proposals contained therein. The Secretary of State has communicated to me his approval of the scheme, and contracts have been entered into, with the approval of this Council, for the commencement of the works. The waterworks for Kowloon have also been completed, and a constant supply is now available over the southern portion of that peninsula.