15
mains" andl
of convenient size, the water-supply to which could be turned on and off, independ- "Rider ently, and in rotation. The water could then be turned on to and shut off from Block a large group of blocks, in rotation. No. 1 block would receive water from 3 a.m. to 4 a.m., No. 2 from 4 to 5 ; and so on.
In short, the Town would be supplied just as London was, when the intermit- tent system was in force. The principal mains would always be changed, under full pressure. No pollution could enter, through open ball-hydrants-rather an important point, at the present moment especially,
system,
27
Block **
41. I recommend this arrangement, not merely because it will improve and Advantages facilitate the management of an intermittent supply, and mitigate its evils, but also of proposed because it will be a permanent improvement. It will facilitate the shutting-off of system. house-services, because the valves, on the rider-mains, may be so arranged, as to be practically inaccessible to unauthorised persons. Such is not the case with the house-service cocks, now in use.
It will greatly facilitate the application of the existing law, with regard to the prevention of waste. Arrangements may be made, whereby the test-meters may easily be applied, when required.
The detection of waste will also be facilitated. The Inspector need only apply the "stethescope," to one of the valves, commanding the whole block. If there be no sound of flowing water, he can pass on to another block. He need only examine, house by house, if he finds symptons of leakage, within the given block.
Lastly, it will be most advantageous, if the streets are asphalted, or otherwise improved. The Rider-mains may be laid along the side-walks, so that if a house- service requires renewal, re-construction or repair, the street-surface need not be disturbed.
its necessity.
42. The consumption of water per head per day, for all purposes, about 17 Waste gallons, is not extravagant. Nevertheless, there is ample evidence to shew that prevention- much waste occurs in houses of every description, both European and Chinese. Indeed, I have reason to believe that, in the matter of waste and extravagance, there is little to choose, between these two classes of houses; for, after all. the taps in Euro- pean houses, are in the hands of Chinese servants.
Now, the fact must be realised that the water-supply, derivable from and within the Island of Hongkong is finite. The area of the island is small. There are not many available gathering-grounds or reservoir-sites remaining, especially if they are to be at a sufficient altitude to supply by gravitation. Two important gathering- grounds, or rather the water-rights appertaining thereunto-those of Quarry Bay and Aberdeen have been granted to private individuals, and their resumption would disturb important industries. It is clear, therefore, that economy in the use of water is absolutely necessary.
waste classi-
43. Waste of water may be classified under two heads-"Negligent" and causes of "Wanton." Negligent waste may be defined as that caused by imperfection of taps fed. and fittings, leaky taps and pipes. This may be due, either to the use of imperfect materials, in the first instance, or by neglect in maintenance and repair, or to both.
Wanton waste is almost wholly due to neglect to close taps, and also, to some extent, to extravagance in the use of water, owing to the existence of baths of unnecessary size, watering gardens and the like.
waste.
44. Negligent waste, which elsewhere as a rule, is the most important cause Prevention of excessive consumption, is to be prevented by the use of good materials and by of negligent good workmanship, in the first instance, and by assiduous house-to-house inspection followed by prompt execution of repairs. As all house-service materials have been provided and fixed or approved by Government, there can be no doubt that the house-services are good, in the first instance. House-to-house inspection is
453