Sessional_Paper_1891 — Page 193

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IMPROVEMENTS RECREATION GROUND-HAPPY VALLEY.

11. A contract for filling in the round pond or lake was entered into on 11th July last, and although considerable difficulties have been encountered in obtaining the large quantity (64,000 cubic yards) of material required to fill in this pond, without interfering unduly with the old Chinese ceme- tery, and private property, rapid progress has been made and the work is approaching completion. About 15,130 square yards of the area within the Race Course have been returfed, but it need hardly be said that the unusually protracted drought has severely tried both the old and new turf. It is proposed to push on as rapidly as possible with the diversion of the canal, and other work remaining to complete these improvements, which when carried out will very nearly double the area available for purposes of recreation.

CATTLE, SHEEP AND PIG DEPÔTS AND SLAUGHTER-HOUSES,

12. The area required for the extension of the Cattle Sheds is nearly prepared, but the work has been greatly delayed owing to the refractory nature of the trap rock which it has been necessary to blast.

13. A contract for the preparation of the site of the Slaughter-house and Sheep and Pig Depôts, including extensive excavations and retaining walls, was entered into on 4th October last and the work is being pushed forward. Plans are prepared for the superstructure, and tenders will be called for so that the work may be put in hand as soon as the preparation of the site is sufficiently advanced.

14. Plans have also been prepared of a small Slaughter-house for the Kowloon Peninsula, and a site has been selected in Hung Hom Bay, east of the Rifle Range. It is proposed to commence the work forthwith, immediately a contract has been entered into.

PUBLIC LAUNDRIES.

15. On the recommendation of a Committee of the Sanitary Board a site for the first experimental block of Public Laundries has been approved near the junction of the Kennedy and Wanchai Gap Roads. The working drawings have been prepared, and the buildings will be commenced as soon as the site is cleared.

PUBLIC LATRINES.

16. Two public latrines are in course of erection in Victoria, two have been fixed at Yaumati and two are now being erected at Hung Hom.

CIVIL HOSPITAL STAFF QUARTERS.

17. A contract for this extensive block of buildings was entered into in November, 1889, and the masonry is now approaching completion. The progress made has not been altogether satisfactory, some delay having arisen in obtaining the fine dressed granite ashlar facings. I have not failed to urge the Contractor to complete these buildings as early as possible.

CIVIL HOSPITAL-COOLIE QUARTERS.

18. The house for the accommodation of the numerous Chinese servants attached to the Hospital was contracted for in January, 1890. This building is well advanced and should be completed early in the spring.

LUNATIC ASYLUM FOR CHINESE.

19. A contract was made for these buildings on 25th April last. Good progress has been made, they are now roofed in and they should be completed ready for occupation early in the summer.

POLICE STATION ABERDEEN.

20. À contract was entered into and these buildings were commenced on 28th October last. Fair progress has since been made.

POLICE STATION-QUARRY BAY.

21. A site having been selected in consultation with the Captain Superintendent of Police on the rising ground forming the western boundary of Quarry Bay, the working drawings were prepared, the contract let and the work was commenced on 19th November last.

DISTRICT SCHOOL-SAIYINGPUN.

22. A convenient site for this school house which is to serve for the western district of Victoria, having been selected by the Inspector of Schools, a contract was entered into and the work was com- menced on 17th September last. The foundations have been completed and the walling is progressing satisfactorily.