Sessional_Paper_1894 — Page 286

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7. Hung Hom.-This building is in a good state of repair, and meets a requirement which was sadly needed at Kowloon.

8. Shaukiwan.-The temporary building is in good repair, but no provision has yet been made for a proper slaughter house for this village.

9. In the case of the European Community the consumption of animal food appears to have varied but little during the past five years, but that which may be classed as purely Native food, viz., pork, has increased considerably.

10. The total number of animals slaughtered annually in the above three buildings during this period is as follows:--

1889,...

1890,....

1891,...

1892,..

1893,......

Cattle.

Sheep and Goats.

Swine.

...17,863

10,110

119,856

.18,519

10,091

123,833

..18,218

9,673

122.942

..18,180

11,571

126,766

...17,866

11,770

131,298

The decrease in the number of sheep and swine for the year 1891 is due to a short supply owing to disease in the districts from which these animals are imported.

DAIRIES.

11. During the past year no serious cases of disease occurred in any of the dairies of the Colony and they are generally in a satisfactory condition though there yet remain many improvements which might be effected by the native dairymen with advantage both to themselves and their customers.

12. As far back as 1889 I recommended that no dairies be licensed by the Board within the precincts of the City, but I regret to note that no steps have yet been taken to consider my suggestion.

MARKETS.

13. The temporary Central, Western, Taipingshan, Saiyingpoon, Shektongsui, Wanchai, Sokonpoo, Shaukiwan, Yaumati, and Hung Hom Markets are all in a good state of repair and amendment, most of the stalls (with the exception of Taipingshan) are let and the general routine work has gone on without interruption.

In a report to the Board dated 11th August, 1893, I pointed out that the Taipingshan Market had always been unpopular and that only 36 out of 74 stalls were rented and these only at nominal rates.

Considering the close proximity of the Western Market I do not think that the one at Taiping- shan has ever been required and I therefore recommend that it be closed.

14. The building of the new Central Market progresses favourably and when completed will supply a long felt want, the present temporary building leaving much to be desired both as regards position and accommodation.

15. During the past year the convictions obtained at the Police Court for breaches of the Markets Ordinance were 93 as against 280 for the previous year.

I am glad to note that offences against this Ordinance are gradually decreasing year by year.

STAFF.

16. Inspector of Markets. I am pleased to report that Inspector FISHER has performed the duties of the office in his usual energetic and trustworthy manner. The markets of the Colony have never been in a better state than at present and this, I attribute, to be chiefly due to his attention and perseverance.

17. Interpreter.—Mr. G. A. Souza has done good service in this capacity.

18. Watchmen.-The market watchmen were first appointed in the year 1887 and continued to serve in the markets until June 1892, during the whole of which time I regret to add they gave little satisfaction.

Acting upon my representation the Board decided to transfer them to the slaughter houses, but here they have proved an equal failure. The class of men which have been employed have in nearly every instance proved to be unreliable and untrustworthy, and this state of things, I am afraid, will continue until it is decided to replace them by Europeans.

19. Market Scavengers.—In this branch of the department no changes of importance have occurred. 20. During the autumn months most of the members of my staff (myself included) were absent from duty upon short periods of sick leave which was no doubt due in a great measure to the nature of the duties required to be performed.

Hongkong, May 17th, 1894.

C. VIVIAN Ladds, Colonial Veterinary Surgeon.