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Markets.
The most noteworthy fact in connection with the Markets during the year was the appearance of plague among the fowls offered for sale. The Central and Western Markets suffered most severely. The fowls come from different points all along the coast and usually arrive at the Markets in small lots where they are sold on commission by the stall-holders. Individual lots are very difficult to trace so that no trustworthy history could be got as to where the affected fowls bad come from or how long they had been in the Colony. All the old fowl pens were burnt, the newer ones washed and disinfected, and the shops washed, disinfected and limewashed, after which the disease disappeared.`
Central Market.-Owing to the increase of business in the wholesale vegeta- ble section it was decided to move the wholesale fish dealers into the middle avenue and allow the vegetable dealers to occupy all that the part of the Market. The north half of the middle avenne is now being prepared for the fish dealers.
Western Market.-This market is still very much overcrowded. In spite of all that has been done in the way of linewashing, tarring and repairing floors it is exceedingly difficult to keep it even moderately clean.
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It was found that outside coolies used this market to sleep in at night. Ac- cordingly new gates were put on and the place locked up. As stall-holders were anxious that some one should represent them in the Market at night a limited number of caretakers were allowed per stall and the lessee made responsible for any one sleeping on his stail. Surprise visits by the Inspector of Markets are paid to the Markets at night at irregular intervals but the practice appears to be stopped.
Wanchai Market. --An extension to this Market has been proceeded with and will be ready for occupancy early in 1904.
Des Vaux Road Market.-With a view to relieving the congested condition of the Western Market, a temporary Market was erected near the site of the new Harbour Office. At first his Market was well patronised and stalls let freely, but this was not kept up. Now, except for poultry and vegetables, the Market is almost deserted.
Sookonpo.—This Market was enlarged during 1902 and for a time some diffi- culty was experienced in letting the additional stalls. "During the year more stalls were taken up but there are still some vacant.
Nothing worthy of comment occurred during the year with regard to the other Markets in Hongkong or Kowloon. In order to provide for the growth of the population between Shaukiwan and Quarry Bay a site at Sai Wan Ho has been selected and reserved for a Market.
The large numbers of hawkers on the street are exceedingly difficult to su pervise. The greatest numbers of these are to be found in the cross streets above the Western Market. The sides of Lower Lascar Row especially are daily covered with vegetable hawkers. These men compete at a decided advantage with the legiti mate stall-holder or outside shop licence holder. They pay no rent and their licence fee is merely a nominal one.
Staff.
Kennedy Town Slaughter-house and Animal Depôts.-Inspector COTTON, assisted by Inspector ROGERS, was in charge until the beginning of May, when Inspector WATSON returned from leave and took charge. Inspector CoTTON then went on a year's leave, but returned to duty on 1st October.
Mr. PANG SUN, Shroff, absconded on the 6th June, owing to irregularities in keeping his accounts. It was found afterwards that the Government, had sustained no loss through his delinquencies. Mr. WONG KIN TSor was appointed in his place on the 1st of August and has performed his duties in a very satisfac- tory manner.
Markets.—Inspector McEwEN was Inspector of Markets until suspended from duty owing to charges of receiving bribes being brought against him. During his suspension, Inspector BRETT, loaned from the Sanitary Staff, per- formed his duties. After Inspector McEwEN had been acquitted of the charges