rain .
7. The Surveyor General has already commenced removing under Ordinance 8 of 1856 all houses in Taipingshan built in contravention of the ordinance, and is causing them to be rebuilt with proper Cookhouses, Dustbins, and Drains. The removal of all improperly constructed verandahs on the Public Roads is also being insisted upon. So long as they are allowed it is found difficult to prevent the Chinese closing in and living and sleeping in them. The houses are already too much overcrowded and the verandahs interfere with ventilation. Thirdly, they frequently occupy a large part of the narrow Streets. They are also a nuisance to passers-by because the verandahs overhead are occupied as Bathrooms, and being used for other offensive purposes.
8. In several instances the existing drains pass under the foundations of houses. Where this occurs it is intended to divert the drains into the Centre of the adjoining Street. The Chinese will be obliged to connect their houses with the main drains simultaneously with the proposed...