Sessional_Paper_1890 — Page 402

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Enclosure B.

SANITARY BOArd Room,

HONGKONG, 8th August, 1890.

SIR, The Board approves of the proposals of the Honourable O. CHADWICK for the drainage of the city of Victoria. In the adaptation of the separate system to the requirements of Victoria proper allowance seems to be made for the position of the town on a slope, and for the admission into the sewers of a portion of the rainfall. The objectionable intercepting sewers and pumping stations are got rid of and the scheme recommends itself to the common sense of the community.

2. The Board desires, however, to point out that no detailed provision seems to be made for the drainage of the new reclamation. There are suggestions on the subject, but it does not seem to have been fully considered and worked out.

3. The Board concurs in Mr. CHADWICK'S recommendation that the work should be undertaken by sections each to be finished and completed before another is taken in hand. The Boar urges upon the Government the importance of proceeding with this main-drainage work promptly, effectively, and continuously, and recommend

(1.) That Mr. CHADWICK'S proposals and plans be sanctioned and approved by Resolution of the Legislative Council, before Mr. CHADWICK leaves the Colony, so as to obviate the risk, with a change of officers, of changes in and departures from these plans. (2.) That the whole of the money for the work be at once appropriated by Resolution of the Legislative Council, or by an Appropriation Ordinance and provision made, by Ordinance, for raising the necessary funds by loan or otherwise, if it may at any time become inconvenient to provide the money out of current revenue.

(3.) That an adequate staff of qualified assistants and overseers be at once provided. The Board do not think the department is by any means sufficiently manned to perform efficiently the double work of the water and drainage, and on constant and skilled supervision of the work in detail its success as a whole depends. (4.) That the Sanitary Board be at once constituted the supervising authority under an amended constitution over the water supply, and over drainage, public and private alike.

True copy of draft letter read at a Meeting of the Board held on the 8th August, 1890.

11.8.90.

- Honourable W. M. DEANE, C.M.G.,

Acting Colonial Secretary.

HUGH MCCALLUM,

Secretary.