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and stone, His Excellency the Governor stating that he supposed the bricks could be used by the Public Works Department, C.S.O. . Since this date the material has as far as possible been used in the building of retaining walls, &c., and arrangements are being made in Government contract for the continuance of this course.

14. On the 12th of March, at a meeting of the Sanitary Board, the following resolution v passed:-

"Resumed Area.-A letter-which had been circulated to Members-having reference to

removal of building materials from the area in Taipingshan recently resumed b Government, was laid on the table and the minutes on the circulating cover read."

"A discussion ensued."

"The President moved-

"1. That the Board is in possession of no evidence to warrant a belief that the material remaining in the resumed area of Taipingshan is infected with the Bubonic Plague bacillus. On the contrary in the opinion of the Board the statistics in its posses- sion prove conclusively that the steps taken to eradicate the bacillus from infected premises in 1894 have been attended with most satisfactory results."

"2. The Board, however, in view of the popular feeling on the subjeet, recommend that if further material is sold steps should be taken to burn as far as practicable all wood still remaining in the buildings."

"The Vice-President seconded."

"Question-put and agreed to."

"The Honourable the Acting Captain Superintendant of Police and Mr. Ene_did not vote.”

COMMENCEMENT OF PERMANENT WORKS.

15. On the 20th September, 1895, a contract No. 15, C.S.O. 118%, was entered into with Mr. KANG ON for the construction of a storm-water drain from Hollywood Road to Caine Lane.

16. The existing storm-water drain running diagonally across nearly the whole of the resumed area prevented, owing to its level, other portions of the improvement works to any great extent being proceeded with, as the disturbance of this drain pending adequate provision for the discharge of the storm-water from the hillside above the area, which was conducted by it through this portion of the city, would, during the heavy rainfalls so frequently experienced here, have probably involved much damage to and loss of property.

3.8 1895:

17. On the 9th of October, a contract No. C.S.O. 118, was entered into with Mr. CHAN A TONG for the construction of the lower portion of Pound Lane and Taipingshan Street. This work involved the erection of heavy retaining walls along the frontages of the above streets,

18. The completion of these contracts has been delayed owing to some extent to the rainfall experienced in the month of February and the stopping of the further demolition of buildings and removal of the material, C.S.O. They are, however, now making satisfactory progress and will shortly be completed.

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1856

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19. A contract No. 8 has been entered into, C.S.O. 1879 and confidential C.S.O. 18%, for the construction of the permanent works involved in laying out of about one half the area, viz, Blocks A., D. and E, the time for the completion of this work under the contract expires in May

next.

20. A further contract No. has been advertised for the construction of the permanent works involved in laying out the area bounded by Market Street, Po Yan Street, Station Street and Pound Lane, viz., Blocks F. and K., C.S.O. 1798, and the time for the completion of this work will expire about December next.

21. The necessary plans, specification and details for the laying out of the remaining portion of the area are in hand, but owing to the number of buildings and the quantity of material that still exist on the site, some progress will have to be made with the works included in the foregoing con- tracts before further work can be commenced,

22. The sum of $3,170 has been realised for the sale of certain building material.

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23. Inland Lots 361 and 1356 have been restored to the original owners in lieu of the payment of compensation, C.S.O's 7 and 183; and Iuland Lot No. 1356 has been sold for the sum of $1,585.50, annual Crown rent $32, C.S.O. 1983 and C.O.D..

1895

1895

The Honourable

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

FRANCIS A. COOPER. Director of Public Works.