To a large extent encroached on by neighbouring shopkeepers, who utilized it to saw timber and pile wares on, it was used as a sleeping place by lepers and others, and was disfigured by the presence of numerous squalid awnings, under which avocations of every kind were pursued. In addition to this, it was the favourite resort of bullies and pickpockets, and, as a consequence, rarely if ever visited by the better class of Chinese.
The ground has now been cleared and put in order. 81 properly built brick stalls have been erected round three sides, and an alfresco restaurant has been placed in the middle, together with neat wooden erections for the use of fortune tellers and story tellers. No tents (unless for the purpose of occasional exhibition) are allowed on the ground, and trade may be carried on except in one of the stalls referred to. A number of seats with wooden awnings have been placed about the ground for the convenience of those frequenting it, and trees are about to be planted.
With a view to maintaining better order...