569
poor
able to deal with what ought to be the water supply of the Colony. I have already obtained many reports on a subject connected with the water supply of which every one will see the importance, and that is, the formation of public baths in the Colony, so that the Chinese, and especially the Chinese, may have the opportunity every evening of having a little warm water. It is the custom in Chinese towns to have such baths where they can obtain water by paying a small sum for it, and we will do the same here. That will require water; and we also require water for drinking and washing purposes, but I cannot give my consent to any scheme whatever that would mix the question of water supply with the question of house sewage. The house sewage must be removed in accordance with the Chinese custom, which is a sensible custom. The question then would be what actual reduction can be made in the Estimate of the Surveyor General in accordance with what I have said. Some time ago the Colonial Secretary asked him to state the number of gallons per head per day that would be required, but I don't know that I have yet received the answer to that question. No doubt, in a short time I shall receive that information, and when we get it we will have an opportunity of considering what ought to be the water supply of the Colony; but you will all admit my first duty is to sweep away that idea of having the privy or house closet system permitted in Hongkong. So far for the water supply. I can only assure you it is engaging my best attention and that of Her Majesty's Government.
{
569
poor
able to deal with what ought to be the water supply of the Colony. I have already obtained many reports on a subject connected with the water supply of which every one will see the importance, and that is, the formation of public baths in the Colony, so that the Chinese, and especially the
hinese, may have the opportunity every evening of having a little warm water, It is the custom in Chinese towns to have such baths where they can obtain water by paying a small sum for it, and we will do the same here. That will require water; and we also require water for drinking and washing purposes, but I cannot give my consent to any scheme whatever that would mix the question of water supply with the question of house sewage. The house sewage must be removed in accordance with the Chinese custom, which is a sensible custom. The question then would be what actual reduction can be made in the Estimate of the Surveyor General in accordance with what I have said. Some time ago the Colonial Secretary asked him to state the number of gallons per licad per day that would be required, but I don't know that I have yet received the answer to that question. No doubt, in a short time I shall receive that information, and when we get it we will have an opportunity of considering what ought to be the water supply of the Colony; but you will all admit my first duty is to sweep away that idea of having the privy or house closet system permitted in Hongkong. So far for the water supply. I can only assure you it is engaging my best attention and that of Her Majesty's Government.
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