inhabitants. On several occasions lately fires which would before have destroyed whole districts, have been confined to single houses.
9.
now
The City of Victoria is increasing so rapidly that it is found that the present supply, which is drawn from the West, will never, even with all the additions which can be made to it, be able to reach the extreme eastern districts of the Town, called Wanchai, and Bowrington, or the proposed district still further east in Causeway Bay. These Districts are consequently at present exempt from the Water rate, but when they and the finances of the Colony admit of it, are built over, a separate service can be arranged for them without difficulty or great expense.
There are several Streams in the neighbourhood of the Town to the eastward which can be used for this purpose, and the water rate on the Districts so supplied would give a fair return to the Government upon the outlay.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,