Sessional_Paper_1891 — Page 55

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On the other hand it may interest you to learn that from a report by the Police Magistrate, the effect of the new Gambling Ordinance here has been most satisfactory, as evidenced not only by the total suppression of the gambling houses but by the consequent diminution of all classes of crime.

The Commission appointed under the Squatters Ordinance is continuing the labours of the Commission appointed, previous to the Ordinance, to enquire into the claims of the original Squatters in this Colony, but recent experiences have shewn that not only the question of original Squatters but that of Squatters in general, requires immediate attention, and the whole subject is under the consider- ation of the Government,

The construction of the Gap Rock Lighthouse has satisfactorily progressed, and I hope that in a few months it will reach completion. In the meantime arrangements have been made for establishing a temporary light on the rock which is already in operation.

At the instance of the Chamber of Commerce a proposal has been submitted to the Secretary of State for the Colonies for connecting the Lighthouse with Victoria by a telegraph cable. It is expected that definite arrangements will shortly be concluded for carrying out this work, which, with the concurrence of the Inspector General of Chinese Imperial Customs, is considered to be an essential adjunct to the Lighthouse, and you will then be asked to approve of the continuance of the special Gap Rock Light Dues for such period as will be necessary to cover the cost of it which is estimated at about $86,000.

A further improvement in the lighting of the approaches to this Harbour is to be looked for in the near future in the erection of a Lighthouse in the Island of Waglan. Steps have been already taken with that object in view by the Chinese Government.

From despatches which have been already laid before you, you have been made aware of the decision to commence the construction of a New Gaol, which is rendered necessary by the extremely overcrowded state of the existing Prison.

Great difficulty has been experienced in selecting a site for a wing of what will ultimately be an entirely new Gaol. As the new Prison must be built with a view of serving its purpose for a great many years to come, it is not easy to find a site which is at once easy of access from the town, large enough to admit of future extensions, which will inevitably become necessary with the growth of population, and free from sanitary objections. It is, moreover, of course desirable to avoid placing such a building in a position where it would be likely to interfere with the extension of the residential suburbs of the town.

I have given this matter much consideration, and I hope soon to be in a position to settle the question.

A public work which though small in itself is still one of very considerable importance has lately been commenced in the Vaccine Institute.

You are all aware how important a precaution against epidemic disease vaccination is in a Colony like this, and it was the failure of the supply of lymph in 1887 which first drew the attention of Sir WILLIAM DES Vaux to the subject of the desirability of establishing in the Colony a permanent source of vaccine lymph supply. Much time and labour was spent by the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon in making experiments with a view to the cultivation in the Colony of vaccine lymph, and these were so successful that the Sanitary Board strongly recommended the establishment of a Vaccine Institute.

A site having been selected on the recommendation of the Sanitary Board, work on the building-which, with furniture, &c., is estimated to cost $3,500—was commenced a short time ago, further delay being very undesirable as it is necessary that the Institute should be in working order by November as the lymph can only be cultivated in the cool season.

A detailed statement of all the works which it is proposed to undertake in the ensuing year will shortly be submitted to you in connection with the Estimates.

I may mention one of these which is likely to be of special interest to you inasmuch as it will prove a boon to the Community at large. I allude to the proposed extension of the accommodation at the Civil Hospital for private paying patients.

The able management of the Hospital and the high efficiency of the trained Nursing Staff have rendered the Institution deservedly popular.

A limit has at the same time been placed on the amount of such accommoda- tion to be offered, and the question of increasing the fees is under consideration.