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The rubble mound for the Government Reclamation in front of the Sailors' Other Reclamations. Home is nearly finished, and tenders are now advertised for the completion of this work. Of the adjoining reclamation," eastward, now in progress for the Wharf and Godown Company, the rubble foundations are completed, and the granite footings have been commenced. Of the reclamation at Kennedytown in front of Marine Lots belonging to the Honourable C. P. CHATER, three courses of granite footings have been set, and the earth filling is making fair progress.

The new buildings for the Central School (Victoria College) were completed Victoria College. and occupied in August last. I regret to state that the roof leaks in several places. This is owing to the flat portions being covered with sheet lead, which has not been properly laid. It will be necessary to incur a considerable outlay to ensure a sound watertight roof covering to this important building.

town.

The new Police Station at Kennedytown is complete, except as regards water Police Station Kennedy- supply. This is kept back (in common with many other improvements throughout the City which depend on an increased supply of filtered water) owing to the non- arrival of the water pipes and fittings which were requisitioned in April last.

The foundations have been completed, and a contract has been let for the Hospital Buildings and superstructure of the Quarters for the Medical Staff and Nurses of the Civil Chinese Lunatic Asylum Hospital; and designs have been prepared for quarters for the Chinese Hospital attendants and for a Chinese Lunatic Asylum. I hope shortly to arrange for the

commencement of these buildings.

The work in connexion with the Filter Beds and service tank for the Pokfulam Pokfulam Filter Beds. water supply is making good progress during the present fovourable weather.

A contract has been entered into with Mr. TSANG KENG for the construction Gap Rock Lighthouse. of the buildings of the Gap Rock Lighthouse, and arrangements are now being made for the preparation of the whole of the material at Hongkong ready for shipment whenever the weather will permit of landing on the Rock. As, after full inquiry, it was found that no suitable vessel could be hired to act as a Steam Tender, the Steam Tug Fame has been purchased of the Dock Company. She has made two trips to the Rock and appears to possess the qualities essential for a service of this nature. The lantern and optical apparatus have arrived, having been, it would appear, ordered somewhat prematurely, and are now stored at the Kowloon Godowns.

As the timber pier at Kowloon Point was so far decayed as to be incapable of Pier, Kowloon Point, substantial repair, arrangements have received His Excellency's sanction to replace it by a more convenient structure. As time did not admit of the erection of an iron pier, it will be constructed of hard wood, with a landing in the line of, instead of at right angles to the current, as is the case with the existing pier, and shelters will also be provided for the convenience of passengers.

Three wells are now being sunk in the valleys below Mount Gough and Wells for Peak District, Mount Kellett, and a fourth is about to be commenced at Magazine Gap.

Water

has been reached in the case of two of these wells at a depth of 23 and 29 feet, respectively, and it is hoped that, as sinking progresses, a fair supply may be obtained.

Repairs to Lighthouses and other Government Buildings are now being carried out, but do not call for special notice.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

S. BROWN.

Surveyor General,