Sessional_Paper_1892 — Page 112

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INSPECTION OF BUILDINGS.

50. The work of this branch is regulated by Ordinance 15 of 1889, the Amending Ordinance passed during the present Session, and Ordinance No. 4 of 1888.

51. During the past year plans for 22 European houses, 149 Chinese houses, and 64 for miscella- neous structures have been deposited, also 142 plans for alterations to existing buildings, making in all 377 under Section 69 of the above mentioned Ordinance.

52. One hundred and fifty-five (155) buildings have been certified under Section 53 of Ordinance 15 of 1889.

53. Permission has been given to erect fifty-two (52) Verandahs and three (3) Piers over Crown Land.

54. Notices have been issued to remove or repair dangerous structures in one hundred and seven- teen (117) instances and to remove verandah enclosures in one hundred and eighteen (118).

55. One thousand and forty-five (1,045) miscellaneous notices and permits for the erection of scaffolding, opening roads, &c., &c. have been issued.

56. Fifty-five (55) permits have been issued for the erection and repair of monuments and enclo- sures in the Colonial Cemetery. The fees received amount to $302.33.

57. The above returns compared with those for the year 1890 shew an increased activity in building operations.

58. All plans deposited have been numbered and the registers are complete up to date.

EXTRAORDINARY PUBLIC WORKS.

59. The Central Market. —The construction of the foundations for the New Central Market was completed in August last and the contractor has been allowed to proceed with the superstructure to the level of the plinth.

60. I regret to say that owing to the various opinions expressed respecting the design of the superstructure no design was definitely settled on till late in the year.

61. Since September last the completion of the necessary details for the carrying out of this work have received my careful attention, and I trust that active operations for the completion of the super- structure will be commenced shortly and that before another year passes more satisfactory progress will have been made with this important building.

62. Gap Rock Lighthouse.-Good progress has been made with the construction of the lighthouse on the Gap Rock situated in the China Sea at a distance of 30 miles from Hongkong.

63. The buildings consisting of Tower, European and Chinese Quarters, and house for condensing apparatus have been completed with the exception of stair railings, a small portion of joiner's and painter's work and special fittings for oil tank.

64. The lantern which will contain a revolving light of the first order has been erected and the erection of the revolving apparatus and lamp is in hand. The level of the focal plane of the light above mean sea level is 140 feet and in clear weather will be visible at a distance of about 20 miles. The lantern and light apparatus were obtained from Messrs. CHANce Brothers of Birmingham.

65. The apparatus for condensing sea water is in progress and now very nearly complete.

66. The steam tender Fame has made 153 trips conveying workmen to and from the rock with provisions, water and materials for their use. The Fame has proved most suitable for the work and has been maintained in good order.

67. Reclamation in front of Marine Lots 240 to 246 Kennedytown.-A Contract (7) dated 26th November, 1887, was entered into with Mr. TSANG KENG for the construction of the Praya Wall (1,410 lineal feet in length) including foundation, raising the level of the reclaimed ground, and the construction of storm water drains and other works necessary for the completion of this reclamation except roads.

68. Prior to the commencement of 1891 the rubble foundations had been completed, 127,000 cubic yards of earth filling and 5,000 cubic yards of concrete deposited and 70,000 cubic feet of ma- sonry set.

€9. During the present year 81,000 cubic yards of filling and 5,000 cubic yards of concrete have been deposited and 13,362 cubic feet of masonry set.

70. Owing to the continuation of the settlement at the southern extremity this work has not yet been completed, but as the settlement now appears to have ceased the remaining portion of the wall will be proceeded with and should shortly be completed.