Hong Kong, 21 July, 1898
Sir,
In continuation of my report, dated 26th February 1898, I have the honour to submit the following account of the steps taken to augment the supply of water to the city during the continuance of the recent drought.
The arrangements previously described for importing water from Shing Mun and distributing it from tanks for the supply of a considerable area of the low-level portion of the city were duly carried out. From the 10th March inclusive, the supply of water from the main to the area referred to was cut off, thus leaving the inhabitants entirely dependent upon the imported supply. The population affected numbered 47,000 in the first instance and increased, after the end of March, to 65,000, by extending the cut-off area.
The supply was maintained without interruption and was gradually increased.
The Honourable,
The Colonial Secretary.