THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 12TH DECEMBER, 1896. 1193
It is satisfactory to record that though many of the wealthier Chinese sent their wives and families to the mainland, there was no general exodus of the population such as occurred in 1894, and business proceeded much as usual. Dr. YERSIN and Dr. KITASATO, whose names and attainments are so well known, have each prepared an antitoxin for the treatment of the plague, and I am taking steps to secure a supply of the preparation. Finally, I cannot dismiss the subject of the plague without recording the Colony's indebtedness to the Medical Department of this Colony, including the Sisters. Dr. WILM, of the Imperial German Navy, whose services were kindly lent by Admiral HOFFMAN, also rendered invalu- able assistance throughout in treating the patients at the Kennedytown Hospital of which he was in charge, and by his scientific investigations which, it is hoped, will prove of much benefit.in dealing with this terrible disease. Many useful measures have been undertaken by the Sanitary Board with a view to the prevention of overcrowding and for the improvement of the sanitary condition of the native quarters of the City. This question, however, is of so difficult a nature that I have appointed a Commission to enquire into the existence of insani- tary properties and to report on the best mode of dealing with them. The matter is now under their consideration. The Colony is to be congratulated on its immunity from any out- break of cholera such as has visited the sister colony of Singapore.
A typhoon of unusual severity swept over the Colony on the 29th July last. It caused great damage to property, but fortunately owing to the timely warning of its approach given by the Director of the Observatory the loss of life was not great.
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Improvements have been made in the condition of the Tung Wa Hospital. The desir- ability of reforming that institution has formed the subject of enquiry and report by a Commission. I am in possession of their views on the matter and am devoting my earnest attention to the question which is one of considerable difficulty and delicacy.
With regard to the constitution of the Sanitary Board I regret that I am not yet in possession of the Secretary of State's final decision which, however, I hope to receive shortly.
As regards Public Works, the extension of the Wongneichong Recreation Ground has been undertaken and is progressing. The project includes the widening and improving of the roads and an addition to the Recreation Ground of about 71⁄2 acres.
The extension of the Gaol has been proceeded with and accommodation has been pro- vided within the Gaol compound for a prison for females, instead of the unsuitable house in Wyndham Street hitherto rented for that purpose.
The provision of an adequate supply of water to the City of Victoria has received my careful attention, and projects have been prepared for an ultimate supply of 4,000,000 gallons a day throughout the year. The present state of the water supply and particulars of the proposed extensions have been dealt with in an able and elaborate report by the Director of Public Works which has already been laid before you (Sessional Paper). That report has been referred to Mr. OSBERT CHADWICK, who concurs in the proposals contained therein. The Secretary of State has communicated to me his approval of the scheme, and contracts have been entered into, with the approval of this Council, for the commencement of the works. The waterworks for Kowloon have also been completed, and a constant supply is now available over the southern portion of that peninsula.
The new system of signalling the approach of vessels has been completed in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee appointed in 1893.
The statue of the Queen in commemoration of Her Most Gracious Majesty's Jubilee has been erected on the Praya Reclamation and was unveiled by me on the 28th May, amidst general rejoicings and loyal demonstrations.
With respect to Taipingshan considerable progress has been made with the demolition of insanitary dwellings, and the necessary works for relaying out the resumed area for building purposes. Contracts have been entered into for dealing with about one half of the resumed area, and works in connection with the greater part of the remainder will shortly be commenced. A report on the subject will be laid on the table to which I direct your attention as the anticipations which I was led to form this time last year have not been fulfilled.
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