M 10
the staff increases in Yaumati which now give a more efficient service. Special labour was engaged at a cost of $1,700 to clear up after the typhoon on August 18th.
Outlying villages of Stanley and Taitam, and Aberdeen and Aplichau were scavenged by contract at a yearly charge of $396 for the first two and $840 for the latter two. The contractor has the privilege of receiving nightsoil in each case in addition.
REFUSE REMOVAL,
The bulk of the refuse from the City of Victoria and Kowloon was barged away to sea as hitherto. Some 5,000 tons being dumped at Cheung Sha Wan where a reclamation is being gradually formed.
Appendix I, Table 2 shows cost of removal from Victoria, the Hill District and Kowloon peninsula. Comparative figures for the last two years will be found in Table 3. The cost works out at 65 cents a ton, an increase of 10 cents on last year, due to the provision of a new towing launch which will ultimately enable the department to handle the large increase of refuse which it is anticipated will occur as the town expands.
Barges were delayed on nine occasions for a short time only by typhoon signals,
S. D. 1 broke down once.
repairs at a cost of $254.00.
Launches were hired during
New steam tug S. D. 3 was taken over on 3rd February and an additional lighter costing $11,700 ordered in October.
NIGHTSOIL REMOVAL.
9. The contractors for the removal of nightsoil from Victoria and the Kowloon peninsula, Shaukiwan and Quarry Bay, Aberdeen and Aplichau, Stanley and Taitam respectively carried out their work satisfactorily.
During the year the monthly payment due from the contractor was reduced by $416 in respect of flush-closets opened in Victoria and $270 in respect of flush-closets opened in Kowloon, and owing to loss sustained by contractor in the typhoon he was relieved of all payment of fees for 14 months approximately $6,650. The total deduction amounted to $9,139.00 for Victoria and $5,734 for Kowloon.