221
There has been a doubt in some cases as to the exact meaning of some sections of the Ordinance, in their application to special cases, such cases have been sub- mitted to the legal advisers of the Crown for a ruling, and their decisions have been regarded as final by the Building Authority and been accepted by the Architects, so that gradually all doubtful points are being eliminated and smoothness of work- ing is being obtained.
11. Plans were deposited during the year for the following
European houses,..........
Chinese houses,
1904.
1903.
56
24
156
330
126
..1,468
1,045
Buildings and structures other than above,. 195 Alterations and additions to existing build-
ings,
Sunshades, Verandahs and Balconies,
Piers,
Total,....
111 not previously noted.
..1,995
1,525
The total number of plans dealt with shews a considerable increase.
12. Certificates.-Certificates for 127 new buildings were issued under Sec- tion 53 of Ordinance 15 of 1889 and for 127 new buildings under Section 204 of Ordinance 1 of 1903, and 10 for new non-domestic buildings. This shows a a decrease of 170 in the number of buildings certified, in comparison with 1903.
This decrease is not really so great as it appears, as several premises, which in the usual way would have been entitled to their certificate for some consider- able time, are still awaiting same, owing to slight contraventions of these Or- dinances. They are now being altered to comply with the statutory requirements.
13. Verandahs and Balconies.-Permission was granted for the erection of 144 Verandahs and Balconies, this being a slight decrease.
14. Notices and Permits.-Notices relating to structures in a dangerous. condition were served in 216 cases, whilst 1,225 permits and 57 notices of a miscellaneous nature were issued. This shows that 65 more notices were served in respect to dangerous structures.
15. General. The typhoon of August 25th and 26th unfortunately inflicted a certain amount of damage on house property in the Colony. Three houses totally collapsed, whilst 21 other premises were damaged to some extent. The premises which collapsed were very old and in fact none of the property damaged
of very recent construction.
was
Careful investigations were made into the cause of each collapse.
Sign-boards.-The Chinese Shopkeepers were approached by the Government at the instance of the Director of Public Works to reduce the length and size of their sign-boards, in the main thoroughfares especially, with the happy result that Queen's Road presents quite an improved appearance from the gain in width thus obtained. Moreover the scavenging coolies can better perform their work and waiting rickshas can keep close to the columns instead of obstructing the street traffic and entrances to the side paths. It is hoped this improvement will extend to other streets in town.
IV. GENERAL REMARKS.
16. Several works of importance have been either completed or pushed for- ward during the year.
The Electric Tramway route was inaugurated, or at least the first section of it, on 30th July, the remainder coming into use shortly afterwards.
The Ordinance authorizing this tramway was passed in 1902. Plans were prepared by Messrs. ALFRED DICKINSON & COMPANY of Birmingham and the work was carried out by Messrs. DICK, KERR & COMPANY of London.