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The Assistant Director of Public Works.-This office was only revived in 1898, and, owing to the inadequacy of the Staff, it has never been possible to organize its duties properly. The duties of the Assistant Director ought to be to deal with the routine work and to assist in exercising supervision over the preparation and execution of contracts and the operations of the Staff generally. He is also entrusted with the general supervision of the Praya Reclamation Works.
From the statement given of the Director's duties, it will be plainly seen that there is amply sufficient for the Assistant Direct or to do, without any risk of unduly curtailing the work of the former.
Mr. Tooker, Executive Engineer, has charge of the Maintenance Works, exclusive of Water and Drainage items, Dredging Foreshores, Miscellaneous Services and por- tion of Miscellaneous Works. He is also in charge of the Building Ordinance Works and supervises Private Streets Improvements and the clearing of stream courses with a view to the abatement of fever.
He has the following staff of overseers and foremen to assist in carrying on the above work.
Maintenance of Buildings and Miscellaneous Works:-Messrs. MUGFORD, COYLE, WOLFE and another. The last mentioned appointment is vacant on account of the overseer having decamped and no one having been obtained to fill his place. Application has been made to the Colonial Office to appoint a suitable man. There are also two foremen, C. GRANT and HUI KWAI, employed on this work.
Maintenance of Roads and Telephones:-Messrs. DOUGHERTY and Carrol. These two officers are both on leave at present and their places have been temporarily filled by Messrs. FRANKLIN and FARRELL. The latter supervises the telephone work. There are also engaged on roads, the following foremen :-NIMMO, PORTARIA, NEVES, LI SING and U PAT.
Maintenance of Cemetery.-A foreman gardener, named HUI SZE, and two working gardeners are employed in addition to men furnished by a Contractor. The extension of the Cemetery from time to time by forming new terraces is carried out by Contractors. Maintenance of Public Recreation Ground.-A custodian named GoDWIN is employed in looking after the Happy Valley and supervising the coolies employed in grass- cutting, &c.
Building Ordinance Work.-Mr. CRISP is the only overseer employed on this work. He devotes the whole of his time to it.
Clearing of Stream Courses.-This work is looked after by Sapper WILLIAMS who has been lent for the purpose by the Military Authorities.
Private Streets Improvements.-Mr. XAVIER, Assistant Engineer, conducts the work, and a foreman named L. CASTRO is employed in looking after it. Apart from the operations of surfacing, &c., the names of all the owners concerned in each lane have to be ascertained, the cost apportioned among them and bills sent out to them.
Mr. Gale, Executive Engineer, has charge of all Public Works Extraordinary with
the exception of the Praya Reclamation and Waterworks.
The works at present actually in progress are the following
Law Courts Foundations; Governor's Peak Residence; No. 7 Police Station; three Police Stations in New Territory; Gaol Officers' Quarters; Tái Pó Road; Pokfulum. Conduit Road; Western Market Foundations; Harbour Office Foundations; Home for Quarantined Dogs; Training and Diverting Nullah near Tram Station and Catch- water at Mount Cameron.