374
Section No. 5.-On this section, the passages left in the rubble mound to permit boats to pass through were filled up to level; a length of 340 feet of the top course of concrete blocks in the sea wall was set, and 256 feet of foundations were weighted with blocks, 22 tons per lineal foot of wall. 26,000 cubic yards of earth were filled in. The Morrison Street storm-water drain was intercepted and extended for a distance of 285 feet along the Praya, and connected with the storm-water drain from Cleverly Street, it being found that one outlet was sufficient for both. The Harbour Master's wharf was disposed of by tender and has been removed, a temporary jetty being provided in lieu thereof outside the sea wall.
Section No. 6.-On this section 40 lineal feet of the top course of blocks of the sea wall adjoining section No. 5 were set.
Sections Nos. 6E and 7W. Work on these sections has been in progress since May, 1897, under contract No. 11 of 1897 with Messrs. CHAN YING CHEUNG and CHAN TONG. This contract included the construction of the New Pedder's Pier and Pottinger Street Pier, on the original designs, but work had been stopped for three months last year by order of Government owing to the decision to substitute open steel or iron piers. Eventually, Pottinger Street Pier was completed as designed, and opened to the public, while the work of lifting the blocks of the Pedder's Street Pier which had been set in the foundations has proceeded departmentally. This work has proved very difficult and expensive and is not yet sufficiently advanced to admit of the contractor proceeding with the superstructure of the base on the new and approved design. It involves the removal of 34,000 cubic feet of concrete blocks and 17,000 cubic feet of rubble hearting, and replacing in another position 16.000 cubic feet of blocks and 20,000 cubic feet of hearting. Up to 30th June. 11,000 cubic feet of blocks had been removed. The earth work on this section was well advanced during the half-year, practically rendering available for public use the whole area from Ice House Street to Pottinger Street and out to the line of new harbour front.
The divers and floating plant have been chiefly employed on this work during the half-year. The Pontoon Crane and Block Barges and the Steam Tug Praya were thoroughly overhauled and put in good order early in the year. The Dredger is badly in need of repairs, but has been so much and so constantly in use that it has been found impossible to send her to Dock.
The Honourable
THE ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY,
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
R. D. ORMSBY, Director of Public Works.
HALF-YEARLY REPORT.
From 1st January to 30th June, 1898.
Area.
Premium.
Crown Rent.
C.
$
C.
Sales by auction, 8 Lots
80,815
58,443.00
586.00
Extensions to 12 Lots
379,571
26,477.28
1,300.00
Lands granted, 8 Lots
48,776
356.00
509,162
84,920.28
2,342.00
$4,985.00
Rent for Land occupied by Booths at Race Meeting
80 sets Plaus in duplicate and particulars of Lots issued to Land Office for preparation of new Leases. 12.26 acres surveyed in connection with issue of new Leases and re-adjustment of Boundaries of 43 Lots. 1.86 acre surveyed in connection with Land Sales.
2,17 acres
"J
1.12 acre
25
Boundary stones fixed to 27 Lots.
with Extensions to Lots. with Lands granted.