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119. Resumption of Land for frontage for old Western Market. The partial collapse of Nos. 13 & 15 Morrison Street, which ultimately led to the entire demolition of these and the adjoining houses, (Nos. 11 and 17), presented a favourable opportunity for the resumption of the area occupied by these houses, which, it was considered, could be very advantageously utilized in connection with the reconstruction of the old Western Market, for which provision had been made in the Estimates for 1911. It was accordingly resumed, the total area being 1,807 square feet and the price agreed upon $55,500.00. The transaction with regard to No. 11, involving a sum of $15,200, had not been completed by the close of the year, some delay having occurred in carrying out the necessary legal formalities.
120. Furniture for District Office, Tai Po.-As indicated, this work consisted merely of supplying the necessary furniture for the new offices for the District Officer at Tai Po, which are described in paragraph 76 of this report. The expenditure amounted to $219.50.
121. Furniture for Public Work Department Quarters, Tai Po.--This was merely for the provision of some furniture for the quarters for the accommodation of officers stationed in or visiting the New Territories on duty. The expenditure amounted to $147.68.
122. New Quarters at Tai Po for Public Work Department Officers.-Hitherto, officers of the Public Works Department stationed in the New Territories, or visiting them on duty, have been housed in a matshed or in quarters intended for other officers, which were temporarily vacant. As the completion of the railway rendered available some buildings of a semi-permanent nature which had been utilized for the accommodation of the staff during construction, it was decided to transfer one of these to the Public Works Department. A vote to cover the estimated expenditure, which principally consisted of a transfer to railway funds, was taken, but arrangements were not sufficiently advanced at the close of the year to enable the matter to be completed and no expenditure was incurred.
Staff, etc.
123. The deaths of the following Officers occurred during the year :-
Mr. J. A. Hirst, Overseer, 1st April,
Mr. C. N. Solomon, Foreman of Works, Hill District, 9th October,
also one foreman, the watchman at West Point Filter Beds and one survey coolie.
124. The following Officers left the service of the Department:-
Mr. P. N. H. Jones, 1st Assistant Director of Public Works, (on promotion to Director of Public Works, Gold Coast Colony).
Mr. F. H. Kales, Assistant Engineer.
Mr. G. C. McIntosh, Land Surveyor.
Mr. John Grant.
Mr. C. F. Forbes, (engaged in March for 5 months only).
Mr. J. E. A. Wahr, (engaged in April for 5 months only).
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