238
Reclamations.
70. (Item 24.) Praya East Reclamation. The negotiations pending with the Naval and Military Authorities at the date of last year's report were practi- cally brought to a conclusion by some sacrifice on the part of the Colonial Govern- ment. But the promoters of the reclamation have now modified their plans, and it rests with the marine lot-owners to say what they will undertake to do.
The work of raising the level of the carriageway of the Praya East was completed on 9th February, or within three months of the date of commencement, and 37 days under the contract time (allowing a fortnight's interval for Chinese New Year). The total cost was $38.401.29 of which $13,107 95 were expended As this expenditure has been charged to an advance account, it appears in the addenda to Appendix B. It is recoverable from the fund to be hereafter established for carrying out the Reclamation Scheme.
A contract was let in September for raising the level of the footpaths, and effecting some other improvements, but the work had not been finished at the end of the year, owing to delay brought about by endeavours to meet the wishes of the property-owners affected. The expenditure on these works amounted to $2,127.65. and this expenditure is being dealt with in the same way as that incurred in connection, with the raising of the carriageway.
71. Praya Reclamation Works. Last year's Report was supposed to be the last under this heading but some minor matters were not quite completed and they are given below:-
Work exécuted. The little bit of road-making remaining to be done on Section No. 6w was complete in January. The similar work required to com- plete Section No. 1w was finished in July, after the Tramways were laid.
Re-construction of Government Piers.-The boat-slip for the new Harbour Office was satisfactorily completed in October, by Mr. TSANG KENG, the Con- tractor for this work.
72. (Special Vote.) Tai-kok-tsui Reclamation.-In consequence of the failure of a sea wall in front of some private lots at Tai-kok-tsui the Government took the opportunity to reclaim the adjoining areas in conjunction with the owners, and to extend the wall westward. Messrs. DENISON, RAM & GIBBS who were carrying out the work for the owners were asked to construct the Government portion. The contract was let, in June and the work had fairly advanced at the end of the year, though owing to the ordinary operations necessary for the rubble foundation, the favourable tides were missed and so the pierre perdue was not so far advanced as was hoped for.
This reclamation will be a great improvement to the locality and as the sewers are being laid at the same time, when the work is finished there is no doubt that the Government will profit by the transaction in the sale of Marine and Inland lots. This work is estimated to cost $40,500.
Public Health and Buildings Ordinance.
73. (Item 25.) Compensation.--Several premises have been dealt with in respect of scavenging lanes and arrangements have been made for resuming portions of land at their rear which will ultimately become portions of continuous scaveng- ing lanes.
These lanes are not however conveyed to the Government until building work is completed so that the list of lanes actually dedicated during the year is small, but several have been laid out ready for dedication in due course.
The following is a list of such pieces resumed during the year, viz. :—
41 and 43, Wing Lok Street, 122 ft.
super.
45. 47,
76 37
""
84
17
";
15, Queen Street,
97
91
17,
49
"
59
Total, 428
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