Sessional_Paper_1902 — Page 617

519

to Peak.

27. The original rising-main from Bonham Road Station to the Peak is 27" Rising maia in diameter. It has recently been duplicated with one of 3" in diameter. I learn that the old rising main is much corroded and that, at the present moment, it is not used, There is little doubt that it could be cleaned and repaired, were it worth while so to do.

I find, however, that even two three-inch pipes will not suffice to carry the water that the proposed new steam-engine will pump. The new engine is to pump 100 gallons per minute, and the hydraulic motor will lift, when going full speed, about 40 gallons per minute. It is, therefore, desirable that a rising main, large enough to convey the water pumped, both by the new steam-engine and by the hydraulic motor, when working simultaneously, should be laid down. To this end I recommend that a new main, composed of equal lengths of 5′′ and 6′′ diameter, be forthwith provided. The larger pipe should be placed at the top of the hill, where the lesser pressure obtains. The existing mains should be removed, cleaned and re-coated. They may then be used elsewhere, perhaps in connection with the Kowloon Water-works.

proposed arrange-

28. The effect of the proposed works, at Bonham Road, will be as follows. Effect of The proposed new engine will lift 100 gallons per minute to the Peak. Working d for twelve hours daily, it will give a supply of 72,000 gallons, about the present ment. summer supply of the Peak District. When the No. 2 tank is re-constructed, the existing hydraulic motor will be able to work day and night, raising 57,600 gallons of water in addition to that raised by the steam-engine. Lastly, the Bowen Road motor will raise 15,000 gallons per day with the existing reduced rams, or 26,000 with those of the larger diameter as originally proposed. The Peak, therefore, may receive, from these three sources, 155,000 gallons per day. If the proposed new steam-engine were worked, night and day, then a further supply of 72,000 gallons- per day could be given. By the time that this is wanted, it will be advisable to duplicate the proposed new engine, but this will not, I believe, occur for many years

to come.

water-works.

29. I shall not attempt to submit any estimate of the probable cost of the Financial works which I have recommended. To do 80, before survey's have been made and aspect of designs drawn, would be misleading. The following figures shew that the expend- iture on water-works throughout Hongkong and Kowloon has not been excessive, compared with that which has been incurred in other cities.

The following sums have been expended on water-works construction, exclu- sive of maintenance, according to the accounts of the Public Works Department:—

Expenditure prior to 1889, Pokfulam, Taitam, &c., Expenditure, 1890-1895 inclusive, Distribution

Pipes, Peak supply, Kowloon supply, &c., Expenditure, 1896-1901, New Works and Exten-

sions,

Water Account, Cash and Stores,

Total Capital Expenditure,...

$ 1,752,933

Value of Dollar.

$.

£

+/-

350,587

284,936

2/8

37,992

429,794 2/-

38,830

+2,979

2/- 3,883

$2,506,493

£435,441

The population of the Colony, according to the Medical Officer of Health, was, for the middle of 1901, 300,660, exclusive of the New Territory. The expenditure per head of the population is, therefore, $8.33, or, at the present rate of exchange (1/8 d.) 14/2d. It is not, however, correct to take the cost per head at any uniform rate of exchange for the dollar was formerly much more valuable than later on. I