BAKERIES.
315
The bye-laws regulating this branch of food supply manufacture continue to be steadily and persistently enforced. Only 6 prosecutions for breaches of these bye-laws occurred during the year. A conviction was obtained in each case.
COMMON LODGING-HOUSES.
The bye-laws for regulating these houses, which were made in March 1891, came into force on the 1st January, 1895. The enforcement of these bye-laws met with great opposition. Practically every coolie-master in the Colony houses his workmen, and these workmen are nearly all indebted to him for, to them, considerable sums of money. These coolie-masters have therefore a very strong compelling power over their workmen and, as a rule, they exercise this power mercilessly. It was these coolie-masters who were the principal cause of the opposition although I have very good reason for believing that they were supported by a considerable number of their countrymen, who are occupying very good positions in the Colony.
During the year 457 houses capable of accommodating 7,423 men were licensed, and the bye- laws are being steadily enforced. Twenty-nine prosecutions were instituted for various breaches of the bye-laws, and in each case a conviction was obtained.
CONTRACTS.
City Conservancy.-The work of this contract was well carried out during the year.
City Scavenging. The work of this contract was, on the whole, well carried out during the year. As in recent years, the final disposal of the refuse has been a source of considerable trouble. The place of disposal is on Chinese territory.
Kau-lung Conservancy and Scavenging. The work of this contract was fairly well carried out during the year. A few minor hitches occurred, but no one suffered any great inconvenience.
Shau-ki-wan Conservancy and Scavenging. Aberdeen Conservancy and Scavenging.
/Stanley Conservancy and Scavenging.
The work of these contracts was well carried out during the year. No complaints regarding them were received at this Office.
The approximate quantity of house refuse, trade refuse, street sweepings, etc., removed by the scavenging contractors from Victoria, Hill and Kau-lung districts was 32,000 tons.
STAFF.
An important change was made in the disposition of the staff in November, by placing the Inspectors of Nuisances directly under the orders of the recently appointed Medical Officer of Health. This change has been a great relief to me, inasmuch as it enables me to practically devote the whole of my time to the secretarial work of the Board. It is, however, somewhat anomalous that a large section of the Board's staff should be working directly under the orders of a gentleman who is himself a member of the staff of another department. However, the anomaly has not, so far, materially interfered with the successful working of the new arrangement.
In April Mr. W. E. CROW, Government Analyst, was lent to this department for particular service. His report to the Board, dated the 23rd December and laid before the Board at a meeting held on the 16th January, 1896, states very fully the duties he performed.
The Colonial Veterinary Surgeon went on leave of absence in June, and Mr. Wм. FISHER has been performing his duties.
The 6 additional Inspectors added to the staff at the end of 1894 took up their duties on the 1st of January, 1895. It is satisfactory to be able to record that they have all proved themselves to be active, energetic, and painstaking officials.
There is nothing calling for remark with regard to the other members of the staff.
I very much regret that this report is submitted to you considerably later than is usual, but owing to various reasons it has been impossible for me to get it ready sooner.
I have the honour to be,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
HUGH MCCALLUM,
Secretary and Sanitary Superintendent.