Sessional_Paper_1896 — Page 577

573

No. 96.

35

HONGKONG.

EPORT ON THE PROGRESS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DURING THE FIRST HALF-YEAR 1896.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor.

No. 510.

PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE, HONGKONG, 3rd September, 1896.

SIR,-I have the honour to report on the work of this department for the first half of the current year as follows.

ANNUAL RECURRENT WORKS.

2. Repairs to Buildings.-A considerable amount of work of a miscellaneous nature has been done under this heading owing to a large extent to the ravages of white ants.

The following buildings have been thoroughly repaired, painted and colour-washed, viz.:—

Government Civil Hospital (Main and Lower Buildings).

Kennedy Town Hospital.

Medical Staff Quarters.

Police Station No. 7.

Central.

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Extensive repairs have been executed at Police Stations Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 5, and the thorough repair of the Western (as far as its condition permits), Wanchai and Sokonpo Markets and of the Officers' Quarters, Central Police Station, are in hand.

The usual white-washing and cleansing have been executed at the schools.

3. As repeatedly pointed out by the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon, the Western and Saiyingpoon Markets are inadequate to meet the requirements of the district, and their structural condition is such that I cannot recommend any other course than that of reconstruction and extension.

I am, however, considering the question of Market accommodation in the City of Victoria and hope shortly to address you a separate communication on the subject.

4. Maintenance of Telegraphs-The lines and instruments have been maintained in a satisfactory condition. The Harbour Master's residence has been placed in direct telephonic communication with the Harbour Office, C.S.O. 1888.

Telephonic communication has also been established between the Head Quarter House and the Central Police Station, C.S O. 03.

5. Maintenance of Public Cemetery.-A further extension has been made and terraced to the north

of the existing burial ground, and the cemetery maintained in a satisfactory condition.

6. Praya Wall and Piers.-The expenditure under this heading has been small.

The footings of a portion of the Praya wall at Tsim Sha Tsui have been further protected by the repair of the rubble foundations.

Repairs to the pier at Stone Cutters' Island are in hand.

7. Maintenance of Lighthouses.-The Gap Rock Lighthouse and Quarters attached have been re- paired, painted and colour-washed.

A new Chinese latrine has been provided at Cape Collinson Lighthouse, and the Lighthouse and Quarters have been white-washed,

Minor repairs have been executed at Green Island Lighthouse and Quarters.

8. Dredging Foreshores.-The dredger has been employed at Causeway Bay, with the exception of 2 days when it was leat to the Telegraph Company.

The quantity of material dredged was 18,547 cubic yards. Expenditure on repairs amounted to $76.16.