956
THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 27TH SEPTEMBER, 1890.
Remarks on estimates and cost.
Conclusions.
Separate System on house owners) whether traps are insisted on or gratings only, as I propose, is merely a detail; the effect in a few years will be the same, only I would by clear instructions and efficient supervision insist on the proper construction of the drains and connections.
By taking each outfall, and consequently each natural line of drainage separately, the re-modelling of the drainage of the Chinese portions of the city would become a comparatively simple operation, and could be com- pleted in a far less period of time than the difficult scheme proposed by Mr. COOPER.
Not having been permitted to examine the estimates of Mr. COOPER'S Scheme, and the drawings giving no details, I am unable to discuss this absolutely necessary part of any Engineering work, but I will unhesitatingly state, that the works he proposes cannot be carried out for the total figures in his estimate, viz.: $230,000 exclu- sive of the North Point Pumping Station, and that $400,000 will be nearer that cost; and the complete scheme including the proposed North Point Sewer and Pumping Station about $550,000 will be approximately the cost. The scheme as proposed by me would, not only dispense with all the necessary pipe sewers of the Separate System of the entire Red area, but also the very expensive collecting sewers along the lower levels for the purpose of discharging at four points only, and no pumping station would be required, therefore, whatever figure his scheme may cost, that proposed by me can be done for about half the amount, and I trust I have proved will be more efficient in results, viz.: the rapid drainage and disposal of the sewage matter and rainfall of the City.
In conclusion I will briefly sum up the arguments of this report:—
1.
That owing to the dissimilarity in point of acreage to population, the Chinese districts coloured Red may be dealt with in a different manner to the European districts coloured Yellow. The Red containing 373 persons per acre and the Yellow 93, or a difference of just four times.
2. That the customs, habits and mode of living of the people occupying the two districts are entirely
dissimilar.
3. That the Separate System for the European districts, and combined for the Chinese, are the most suitable, and the two districts are thereby disconnected, there being no communicating drains of any sort between the entirely Chinese parts of the City and those principally occupied by Europeaus. This might prove of great benefit should certain epidemies break out and would prevent sewage gases ascending from the Chinese thickly populated districts up the steep sewers (which act almost as chimneys) to the Europeans living above; this being a cause tending to make the upper levels the more unhealthy.
4.-That the subsoil water which crops out almost entirely in the yellow areas can easily be dealt with
by connecting it direct to the rain water drains.
5. That the Yellow portions are eminently suited to the adoption of the Separate System, while any
attempt at separation of the Red portions, must prove a failure.
6.--That the two systems are more economical than the adoption of the Separate System for the entire City, and that it will do away with the many very serious complications that would arise in the narrow streets, and thickly populated portions of China Town.
7.That separation in the Chinese districts is unnecessary and uncalled for, is extremely difficult and expensive to carry out, with the four outfalls proposed, which necessitate intercepting sewers and perhaps pumping.
8. That the adoption of the Combined System, with numerous proper outfalls, would ensure the com- plete and rapid disposal of the sewage of the Chinese districts, and utilize, in a thorough manner, the large amount of excellent work done by the Government during the past six years.
9. That the scheme of drainage proposed by me would be less costly, more effective, and easier of
execution than the very expensive scheme of Mr. COOPER.
I shall, if required, be willing to furnish complete detailed plans, specification, and estimates, for the complete drainage of the City.
The Hon. F. STEWART, LL.D.,
Colonial Servetary, &c.
I have the honour to be,
Sie,
Your obedient servant,
R. K. LEIGH,
Assoc. Mem. Inst. C.E.
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