1887-1903
253
COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.
39
The most important measure has been the passing of the Insanitary Properties Ordinance, by the provisions of which every existing domestic building must be provided with an open space in the rear of not less than 50 square feet, while every domestic building erected after the passing of the Ordinance must be provided with an open space in the rear proportionate to the depth of the house.
Back-to-back houses are thus prohibited.
The Ordinance contains various other provisions for the improvement of the light and ventilation of domestic buildings.
The water supply of the city was augmented by the construction of a new reservoir, with a capacity of 33,000,000 gallons, at Wong-nei-chong Gap.
Two filter beds were also added and an addition made to the means of impounding water at Kowloon.
(D.) CLIMATE.
The average monthly temperature was 71.90 F., as compared with 72.2° F. during 1898.
The maximum monthly temperature was in July, when it reached 82.9° F.; while the minimum was recorded in January, being 59.0° F.
The highest recorded temperature was 92.9° F. and the lowest 43.6° F.
The total rainfall for the year was 72.7 inches.
The wettest months were August with 19.98 inches and June with 18.975 inches, and the driest was January with 0.85 inch.
The relative humidity of the atmosphere throughout the year was 75 per cent., being lowest in November with 62 per cent., and highest in August with 85 per cent. No rain fell on 237 days in the year. On 34 days only was there no sunshine.
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