Sessional_Paper_1898 — Page 239

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Among miscellaneous works to be done, when funds are available, may be mentioned the erection of a Clock Tower at the base of the New Pedder's Wharf, and the removal of the existing structure in Queen's Road, where it is of little or no use and a serious impediment to traffic. In the position proposed and approved for the New Tower, it would be useful to the whole population and to the shipping in the harbour, especially if well lit up at night. It is therefore to be hope the necessary funds will soon be forthcoming. The cost is estimated approximately at $30,000. For such an object possibly some of the wealthy citizens of the Colony may come forward and provide the means, and while perpetuating their names earn the gratitude of not only this but of coming generations.

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Something should be done towards providing a pure water supply for villages outside the system in Hongkong and Kowloon. This can be done by sinking new wells at some distance from the dwellings, and lining them with concrete or masonry in cement for a certain depth, and then closing the existing wells which are usually close to the houses or pig-sties, unlined and receiving all the surface washings and sewage.

An estimate and plan for washing tanks in the Nullah at Tai Hang will be submitted for consideration. It is roughly estimated that an expenditure of $4,000 to $5,000 will provide means for 25 washermen at a time to wash clothes in clean water.

DEPARTMENTAL AND PERSONAL.

The following officers proceeded to Europe on leave during the year:—

Mr. H. P. TOOKER, Executive Engineer, 12 months' leave commencing on 19th March.

Mr. L. GIBBS, Assistant Engineer, 12 months commencing 27th April.

Mr. C. H. GALE, Chief Draftsman, 12 months, commencing 27th April.

Mr. J. L. PROSSER, Surveyor, 6 months commencing 18th May.

Mr. G. J. W. KING, Land Bailiff, had ten weeks' leave to the North to recruit his health and

was absent from 27th September to 5th December.

The following Officers returned from leave during the year:-

Mr. W. CHATHAM, Executive Engineer, on the 7th April.

Mr. J. L. PROSSER, Surveyor, on 13th December.

Mr. A. H. HOLLINGSWORTH joined the Department from the 31st January, being appointed by the Right Honourable The Secretary of State. Mr. W. H. CUMPSTON joined the Department as Draftsman on the 5th June; appointed by His Excellency the Governor. Mr. R. D. ORMSBY assumed duties as Director of Public Works on the 20th October, his appointment on transfer from Ceylon dating from 13th September. Mr. T. G. HUGHES, from the Royal Engineers, was appointed on probation as tempo- rary surveyor on the 8th November.

Mr. W. F. BAMSEY resigned his appoinment as Draftsman from the 1st July.

The Honourable F. A. COOPER, after about 10 years' service in Hongkong was transferred to Ceylon as Director of Public Works in that Colony from the 6th May.

During the period that elapsed between the departure of Mr. COOPER and Mr. ORMSBY's arrival, Mr. W. CHATHAM, Senior Executive Engineer, acted as Director of Public Works, and on him fell the arduous duties connected with the Jubilee Celebration His service during the six months he held the appoint- ment met with the high approval of His Excellency Sir WILLIAM ROBINSON, and his connection with the Jubilee Celebrations was deservedly recognised by the presentation of a gold medal.

Hongkong, 26th April, 1898.

R. D. ORMSBY, Director of Public Works.