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9. The market as planned consists of two blocks running the whole length between the Queen's Road and the Praya. These blocks will be connected by central towers in which are provided quarters for the Inspector and watchmen. Each block contains two stories, the lower one on the Praya level, the upper floor on the Queen's Road level. The market buildings will therefore consist of four separate markets each 296 feet long and 50 feet wide. A central avenue 20 feet wide traverses the whole length of each market, and on each side will be ranged the shops and stalls.

10. The extent of the accommodation provided is as follows:-

External area covered by Market, .................... ...37,680 square feet. Interual area of Market, both floors,. Area available for Shops and Stalls,

..... 58.864 33,884

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Quarters for Staff of Civil Hospital.

11. A contract was entered into with Mr. TSANG KENG on the 15th Nov- ember last for the completion of this building for the sum of $42,500. The work is progressing favourably, the walls having now reached an average height of 13 feet above the ground floor.

Servants' Quarters-Civil Hospital.

12. A contract was entered into on 27th January last with Mr. Wo SING for the erection of this building for the sum of $6,150. The progress made by the contractor has not so far been satisfactory, and it has been found necessary to take the work out of his hands.

Lunatic Asylum for Chinese.

13. This building is in course of erection on a piece of Government land immediately north of the European Lunatic Asylum. It is a two-storied building, with basement which may be used as store-rooms and for other purposes. The Asylum will provide accommodation for sixteen patients, each having a separate room ten feet by eight feet, with day rooms for the more tractable cases and quarters for attendants. The contract was entered into on 25th April last with Mr. YEE HING for $16,300. The foundations have been completed and the build- ing is now raised to the ground floor level.

Reconstruction of Pier at Kowloon Point.

14. A contract was entered into with Mr. CHAN A-TONG on the 11th January last, for the removal of the old pier and the construction of a new one 73 feet in length and 45 feet wide for the sum of $7,000. This work was completed in May last.

Additions to Government House-Ball Room.

15. Designs for a new Ball Room and accessories have been prepared by Messrs. PALMER & TURNER under my direction, and a contract has been let to Mr. YEE HING for the main structure. The masonry is now advanced to 23 feet above the ground floor and the contractor is making good progress, as the work suffers little interruption during rainy weather, owing to the protection afforded by a huge "matshed" which covers in the whole building. The contractor has undertaken to complete the work by the 15th day of March next.

16. The new building will form a wing on the eastern side of Government House and will consist of a Ball Room 60 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 26 feet high on the upper floor. It is approached from Government House by a vestibule and wide flight of steps. To the left is a billiard room and on the right a staircase descends to the basement in which are placed a large supper room, card and smoking rooms, and other conveniences. The estimated cost is $40,000.