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tion in July and August last. I hope to be able to do without some of the Officials who then appeared necessary, and propose on an early occasion when submitting draft Estimates of the Establishment for 1891, to explain in detail the modifications which can in my opinion safely be made in the Staff, and at the same time ensure efficiency and economy.

Par. 8. The Slaughter-House was omitted from the Estimates because owing to difficulties as regards site, it appeared improbable that the work could be undertaken this year. I am glad to say, however, that an alternative site suggested by me and recommended by a Committee consisting of the Hon. O. CHADWICK, C.M.G., the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon, and the Surveyor General, has been approved by Govern- ment. As the necessity for an improved Slaughter-House has long been recognised and this is in my opinion one of those Public Works which should take precedence of others, I am now engaged on the preparation of designs which, when complete, will be submitted, and a supplementary vote can be proposed should the Government deem it desirable to do so.

11. As regards the omission of the large amount provided in former years for Police Buildings extension, the total estimate of $135,000 (of which $42,188 ` had been expended up to 31st December, 1889,) was, I understand, based on the report of a Commission on the future requirements of the Police Force. From a cursory perusal of the late Surveyor General's report, I can but think that the Estimate was framed on a somewhat extravagaut scale. One large Police Station has been erected at Kennedy Town and was practically completed nearly a year ago, except the laying on of water, which has not been done because it appears to me useless to incur further expense on the building at present, as I understand both from the Super- intendent and the Acting Superintendent of Police that it is not desirable to occupy it until Kennedy Town becomes an inhabited quarter, a result which judging by present appearances is not likely to be accomplished for some time to come. As therefore so far as I have had the opportunity of forming an opinion there would appear to be no pressing necessity for increased Police accommodation except in the case of the stations at Aberdeen and Quarry Bay, those stations only were provided for in this year's Estimates.

Par. 9. Instead of carrying on from last year's estimates five District Schools ($25,000) and twelve Public Latrines ($40,000) it was deemed advisable (more especially as so far as I can gather the pro- posals as regards both these necessary objects remain in rather a crude form) to provide this year for only one District School and two Public Latrines. I would suggest that before providing further sums for these items in next year's Estimates that the question be reconsidered by Government with due regard to the public necessities. As to the Latrines I may add that the question has recently been under the consideration of the Sanitary Board, and a Committee of which I was a member has just completed its report.

12. With respect to the sum of $20,000 for Cattle Depôt Extension and Sheep and Pig Depôts (they have been erroneously classed as Markets) the Estimates of $20,000 included in the Estimates for 1890, was inserted to allow the works to be commenced during the present year, but as the site has only recently been definitely fixed, and the designs must be modified, the amount inserted in the Estimates re- presents only a part of the cost of the work, but I hope shortly to be in a position to submit detailed designs and estimates.

13. As regards the estimated amount for the Pokfulam Filter Beds ($35,500) it would appear by an oversight the deduction of $4,000 expended in 1889 has been