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45. Extension of Mac Donnell and Austin Roads, Kowloon.-Plans and estimates for this work, which also includes cutting away the hill on the road to Yaumati south of the Gasworks, were ap- proved by the Public Works Committee in May last aud adopted by Council. The contract was let to Messrs. Ho CHIU and Lo YING (C.S.O. 1) in August and since that date 128 yards of storm- water drains have been constructed and the cutting away of the hill referred to in order to fill in the area to be reclaimed under this scheme is in progress.

SUPPLEMENTARY WORKS.

46. Headquarters for the Volunteers.-A contract was let in September to Mr. CHEUNG NAM (C.S.O. 1798) for the erection of a small building to be used as a dressing room and for making certain alterations to the existing building. The work has nearly been completed.

PROPOSED WORKS.

47. Kowloon Cattle Depôt.-Drawings and estimates for the construction of a Cattle Depôt close to the Slaughter House as recommended by the Sanitary Board were approved by the Public Works Committee in April last and adopted by Council. It is hoped to make a commencement with the work at an early date.

48. Married Quarters, Central Police Station.-Drawings have been prepared for the construction of married quarters and other buildings on the piece of land to the North of the Magistracy which is unoccupied at present except by some buildings in a more or less dilapidated condition.

49. Signalling Station on Blackhead's Hill, Kowloon.—A drawing and estimate have been prepared for the signal station which formed part of the proposals of the Committee appointed to enquire into the mode of signalling the approach of vessels, &c.

50. Village Water, Drainage and Sewerage Works.-Preliminary works in connection with a projected water supply for the village of Aberdeen are in progress.

BELILIOS SCHOOL FOR GIrls.

51. A notable event of the year has been the completion of a large and handsome school constructed at the sole expense of the Honourable E. R. BELILIOS, C.M.G., on a site granted by the Government for that purpose. The building, which stands on the site formerly occupied by the Central School, was formally handed over to the Government on the 18th December.

52. The School contains 12 class-rooms, all of which are furnished with desks, forms, &c. throughout, and is capable of accommodating 608 pupils. The lavatory accommodation is excellent and the whole of the fittings are in accordance with the latest practice. The floors of the lavatories are laid with encaustic tiles and the walls for a height of about 3 feet are covered with glazed tiles of a neat design. There are also small retiring rooms for the teachers and quarters for a caretaker. The surface of the compound or playground is laid with lime concrete.

STAFF.

53. Mr. COOPER went on 12 months' leave on the 9th November, when I took over the duties of the acting appointment.

54. Mr. TOOKER was placed in charge of work under the Building Ordinance, and Mr. CROOK was appointed Water Authority.

55. Mr. QUILL resigned on the expiration of his agreement in February and his duties have since been discharged by Mr. CROOK with the assistance of Mr. BAMSEY.

56. Mr. RENNIE returned from 6 months' leave on the 3rd March and resigned his appointment as Correspondence Clerk on the 31st December. Pending the approval of Her Majesty's Secretary of State, arrangements have been made for the discharge of his duties departmentally.

57. Mr. MALSCH returned from 9 months' leave on the 17th November.

58. The following officers have also been granted leave during the year:-Mr. SING Qua, draftsman, 1 month; Mr. THOMPSON, overseer of the Cemetery, 2 months; and Mr. CARROLL, overseer of Sewerage Works, 6 months.

59. Mr. KING, Land Bailiff, was absent through sickness for 10 weeks from the 22nd December, 1892, and Fu LUNG, Chinese foreman, died in January.

60. Mr. BEAVIN, overseer of Repairs to Buildings, resigned on the 31st December, and arrange- ments have been made to fill the vacancy thus caused by the promotion of Mr. Moore. Mr. MUGFORD, Sergeant R.E., has been selected to fill the place of the latter.

EXPENDITURE.

61. I attach statements showing the expenditure on account of Annually Recurrent and Extra- ordinary Public Works (Appendices F and G).

I have the honour to be,

The Honourable

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

W. CHATHAM,

Acting Director of Public Works.