the sea might with advantage be erected to afford double the accommodation of the existing one, and even then all the stalls would let readily; but the prospects of one such as proposed for Taipingshan would, I think, be very poor indeed.
Saiyingpoon Market—Might be re-built and extended with advantage.
Tai-kok-tsui Market-Is a new building which was to be occupied on January 1st, 1899.
Shaukiwan Market.-This building is in a good state of repair and all the stalls are let.
In my Annual Report for 1889 I recommended that accommodation for at least thirty more stalls be provided, but the extension has not yet been carried out.
Shektongtsui, Wanchai, Sokonpoo, Yaumati, and Hung Hom Markets are all in a good state of repair and meet all present wants.
STAFF.
Inspector Fisher went home upon twelve months' leave on March 18th, 1898.
Inspectors Watson and Cotton are both deserving of the highest praise for the manner in which they have performed their duties during the year.
Owing to their zeal and vigilance several serious cases of infringement of regulations have been brought to light which might otherwise have remained undiscovered.
Much credit is also due to Overseer Johannsen for the smart and cleanly condition in which he kept the Central Market during the year.
On April 19th I drew the attention of the Board to the fact that the close proximity of the Chinese Mortuary to the Inspector's quarters at Kennedy Town was at times, especially during the summer months, a source of considerable annoyance to the occupant of these quarters both upon sanitary and other grounds, and I believe that it was then decided that the mortuary should be closed but up to the present time it continues as before.
Watchmen.--These men have proved a continual source of trouble and dissatisfaction ever since they were first engaged for the markets in 1887. It being found after a long trial that they were useless in the markets, they were then drafted to the slaughter-houses, but there they have proved an equal failure, hence my decision after having tried about fifty of them, to recommend that their services be dispensed with altogether at the end of the year. Vide my report to the Board dated September 29th, 1898.
Market Coolies.-On May 11th, 1898, I forwarded a petition to the Board, from the market staff of coolies, praying for an increase of salary, and strongly recommended that their pay should be raised to that of ordinary market rates. Such men, being drawn from the chair coolie class, readily obtain from $7 to $7.50 per month outside, whereas at least half my coolie staff only receive $5 and $6 a montb. Hence it is obvious that the only men who join at all are very inferior ones, and they knowing that if they resign can immediately obtain situations at the same rate of pay, if not higher, elsewhere, are naturally unruly and insubordinate, and the work is not efficiently done in consequence.
A good deal of sickness was prevalent during the year amongst the members of the staff which I take it was due in a great measure to the nature of the duties required to be performed. I was also temporarily incapacitated from duty upon several occasions owing to attacks of tropical disease.
I have the honour to be,
The Acting Secretary,
SANITARY BOARD.
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
C. VIVIAN LADDS,
M.R.C.V.S., F.E.V.M.A., F.Z.S., Colonial Veterinary Surgeon.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.