158
}
1
KOWLOON: Buildings.
The explanation for the excess
of 89,000 over the original estimate for item 52 is that it became necessary to erect a large retaining wall to support the hillside above the south end of the quarters and that various small additions were made to the quarters which were not included in the original estimates.
The market at Shanshuipo, for which provision has been made in the Estimates, is to replace the insanitary private market that has recently been destroyed by fire.
Under item 55 provision has been made for the installation of the wireless receiving apparatus, for the purchase of which 82,500 appears on page 38 of the Estimates; for the construction of a bath-room in the quarters of the Director of Observatory; and for an underground chamber for the better location of the clocks, seismographs and barograph now in use.
The estimated cost entered in the Estimates for the rented quarters for the European subordinates in the Royal Observa- tory exceeds the figures given in my despatch No.204 of the 11th June, 1914, by $5,800. The original figure quoted was based on the cost per quarter for a large block of quarters. In this case, however, only two quarters are to be constructed and the cost including the preparation of the site will be proportionately higher.
Communications. The only item under this head to which I need allude is that of $2,000 for the improvements to Pitt Street. During rainstorms the untrained nullah adjacent to this street overflows its banks and floods the thoroughfare. The pro- posed improvements include the formation of the street to its full width.
Drainage. The portion of the Waterloo Road nullah to
be trained is that mentioned in the preceding paragraph.
Lighting. Items 62 and 63 are alluded to in my remarks
to the Council, to which I would refer you.