222
}
constitute a very grave danger in case of fire: for being
only a few yards off and connected by a covered way with
the Hospital it would be almost inevitable that the
Hospital would catch fire, if one of these matsheds were
fired after a period of dry weather. One such fire had
already occurred and if another took place at a time
when the Hospital was occupied it would probably be very
difficult to save the patients. I referred the master to
the Principal Civil Medical Officer who reported that it
would be a great improvement to have permanent buildings
in lieu of matsheds for the Resident Staff, especially as
the Wardmaster has at present to occupy one of the few
private wards. The Director of Public Works on the 8th.
of December, 1908, submitted an estimate of $3,600 for
such permanent quarters: but it was not possible to carry
out the work in 1909. Provision has therefore been made
for this sum in next year's Estimates.
(b). Slaughter House, Shaukiwan: $8,500.
On the 9th. of last March the Sanitary Board recommended
for the favourable consideration of the Government, the
erection of a Slaughter House in Shaukiwan. This recommend-
-ation had previously been made by the Board in 1895 and
again in 1901. Since then Shaukiwan has grown and is
growing